With the Spainish National Final entries been announced, it’s time we took a look back at ten of Spain’s most memorable moments at the Eurovision Song Contest – some good and some not as good! Every country has them!

1) Julio Iglesias

Before Enrique was even a twinkle in his father’s eye, Julio represented Spain at the 1970 Eurovision Song Contest and finished a respectable joint 4th (8 points), with the song “Gwendolyne”. The international heart-throb was born!

2) Spanish Winners

Spain have actually won the contest twice in 1968 and 1969, but haven’t come as close to that trophy since. Massiel won with “La, La, La” in 1968 with 29 points. In 1969, Salomé finished joint 1st with “Vivo Cantando” with 18 points.

3) 1969 Joint Winners

To date, Spain has only ever hosted the contest once. The one they have hosted will be remembered for having four winners – Spain, the UK, Netherlands and France. A Tie-Break rule was introduced the following year. We loved the hosts confusion with the result at the end of the voting sequence.

4) Nul Points

Spain May have won the contest twice, but they have actually finished with Nil Points on three occasions too – 1962, 1965 and 1983. In 1962, Victor Balaguer sang “Llamame”, in 1965, Conchita Bautista sang “Que Bueno, Que Bueno” and in 1983, Remedios Amaya sang “Quién Maneja Mi Barca”. On all three occasions, Spain finished joint last. Challenging Norway’s record – phew!

5) The ‘Fun’ Entry

Ireland sent Dustin The Turkey to Belgrade in 2008 and the UK have sent a number of questionable entries over the years. In 2008, the Spanish public chose Rodolfo Chikilicuarte. “Baila El Chiki Chiki” finished 16th with 55 points. Was that the year of the stuffed entries!

6) The Walk Off

The one moment that the 1990 contest is remembered for apart from Toto winning. Azucar Moreno came on stage and started their routine, then realised the backing tape was all out of synch so walked off. The performance was started again and the two sisters with “Bandido” finished 5th with 96 points.

7) Eurovision Hits The USA Charts

Back in 1973, Mocedades finished runner-up to Anne-Marie David in Luxembourg with the song “Eres Tu”. The song might not have won the European jurors over, however it went on to do something bigger – it broke into the USA charts.

8) The Classic Entry

There are many classics throughout the Spanish history in the contest. Anabel Condé took Europe by Storm back in 1995 with her song “Vuelve Conmigo”. This is the last time Spain came any close to lifting the trophy and took the second place with 119 points.

9) The Modern Day Classic

We only have to go back to Baku four years ago when Pastora Soler took Europe by Storm with the powerful “Quédate Conmigo”. It may have only finished 10th with 97 points, but it consistently rates highly in the top 10 of ESC Radio’s annual Top 250 countdown at New Year.

10) The Next Generation

Spain has since gone on to win Eurovision again, the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. In 2004, María Isabel took victory with “Antes Muerta Que Sencilla”. María is one of the artists in this year’s Spanish National Final. Can the follow in the footsteps of fellow Junior winners, The Tolmachevy Sisters and go on to represent her country?

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Do you agree with our ten memorable moments? Do you have any of your own? Don’t forget to comment below.

Author/Richard Taylor

Source: Eurovision Ireland