You no doubt will all be aware by now that this year is the 70 year anniversary of our beloved contest .It’s come a long way from that day back in 1956 when Lys Assia sang her way to victory for Switzerland in the first ever song contest . We at Eurovision Ireland have decided in the days leading up to the Grand Final ,to mark the seventy years by looking back on our memories over the years that we have been involved in the contest be it be as a TV viewer during our younger years or during the media work that we do . Today I will share Bogdan’s memories .

What’s your favourite ever Eurovision song and why?

It simply has to be “Nocturne” by Secret Garden (1995). I fell quite hopelessly in love with the contest while watching it late at night as a young child; I was utterly captivated by that superb, haunting melody and its ethereal, lullaby-like quality.

Eurovision has seen many changes in 70 years. If you could turn the clock back, which decade would you go back to and why?
I would journey back to the 1990s. There was something magical about the era when the live orchestra still graced the stage. I’d love to have been there in person to witness Azúcar Moreno and their infamous “double take” during the 1990 opening: a moment of pure, unscripted Eurovision drama.

Are there any songs you feel should have won but didn’t?

I’ll admit to being terribly biased, and the list is rather extensive! If I must choose, I’d highlight “Is It True?” (Yohanna), “Calm After the Storm” (The Common Linnets), “Vuelve conmigo” (Anabel Conde), “Quédate conmigo” (Pastora Soler), “Se på mig” (Jan Johansen), “It Hurts” (Lena Philipsson), “Eloise” (Arvingarna), “Once in a Lifetime” (Ines), “In a Moment Like This” (Chanée & N’evergreen), and of course, the phenomenon that was “Cha Cha Cha” (Käärijä). Honestly, I could go on for hours.

What is your most memorable moment from all the years you have watched the contest?

Watching Salvador Sobral perform “Amar pelos dois” live in the arena in Kyiv. It was an incredibly poignant moment; my personal life was fracturing at the time, and I remember crying as I listened. The song resonated deeply, echoing the bittersweet thought that one can still love someone even when the feelings are no longer mutual.

Who are your favourite Eurovision hosts and why?
It has to be Petra Mede. Quite simply, the woman is an icon. Her wit, timing, and sheer “Eurovision energy” are entirely unmatched.

What is your favourite Irish entry from 70 years of Eurovision?
Ireland has provided us with so many gems, but my absolute favourites would have to be “Hold Me Now” (Johnny Logan), “Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids” (Paul Harrington & Charlie McGettigan), and the wonderful “It’s Always Over Now” (The Duskeys).

What is your favourite interval act?

I’ll be honest and say I don’t really watch the interval acts with much attention. I’m usually more focused on calling for my favourites and discussing potential winners.

What are your favourite memories of Eurovision over the years?

Let us know what you think of Eurovision and the seventy year anniversary by leaving us a comment below and you can find us on our Facebook, X , Instagram and Bluesky feeds .

You can find Part Three of this series HERE

Author : Sarah Rudman

Source : Eurovision Ireland ,You Tube, Eurovision.TV