All over the country, people have been gearing up for the Eurovision Song Contest. For the first time since 1998, it will be held in the United Kingdom.
Last year Ukraine won the competition with Kalush’s track Stefania. Unfortunately, due to the country’s ongoing conflict with Russia, they are unable to host and the UK will do it on their behalf.
Throughout the week various outlets have delved into the history of the international song competition. Eurovision has been running since 1956 and every year since (apart from 2020), there has been a contest.
Read more: Quiz: How well do you know your Eurovision?
During that time, several Welsh performers have been involved but who were they, what song did they sing and where did they place? Here’s everything you need to know.
Mary Hopkin (1970)
Place: 7th
The first Welsh performer at Eurovision was Mary, who represented the UK in 1970 with her song Knock, Knock Who’s There. She ultimately finished in seventh place.
Mary, who was born in Pontardawe, is now 73 years old. She still makes music and released her latest album, Two Hearts, at the start of May this year.
Nicky Stevens (1976)
Place: 1st
Nicky brought home the Eurovision title in 1976 as part of the group Brotherhood of Man. The band scored their first hit in 1974 and entered Eurovision two years later with the song Save Your Kisses For Me.
Last year Brotherhood of Man - which also includes Martin Lee, Lee Sheriden and Sandra Stevens - announced their retirement from touring.
Emma Louise Booth (1990)
Place: 6th
Bridgend’s Emma Louise Booth became the youngest person to represent the UK at Eurovision’s 1990 contest. She was 15 years old at the time.
Emma, who is now 48, finished in sixth place with her song Give a Little Love Back to the World. She now lives in Seattle with her husband and children.
Jessica Garlick (2002)
Place: 3rd
In 2002 the United Kingdom scored the highest it achieved in the noughties with Jessica Garlick’s song Come Back. The singer, who was born in Derbyshire in England, was educated at Glan-y-Mor Comprehensive School in Burry Port.
Prior to representing the UK at Eurovision, Jessica was a contestant on ITV talent show Pop Idol.
James Fox (2004)
Place: 16th
Someone who had less success at Eurovision was Cardiff’s James Fox, who performed at the contest in 2004. He sang the track Hold Onto Our Love and finished in 16th place.
James, who is now 47 years old, has since transitioned into musical theatre roles. In 2008 he wrote and recorded the Cardiff City F.C. FA Cup Final song Bluebirds Flying High.
Bonnie Tyler (2013)
Place: 19th
In 2013 the United Kingdom held out for a hero when it recruited Neath’s Bonnie Tyler to represent it at the Eurovision Song Contest. Despite being one of the more famous people to take up the challenge, Bonnie finished in 19th place with her song Believe in Me.
Most people will remember Bonnie, who is now 71, for her songs Total Eclipse of the Heart and Holding Out For A Hero. Her work has earned her three Grammy Award nominations and three Brit Award nominations, among other accolades.
Lucie Jones (2017)
Place: 15th
Wales’ most recent Eurovision star is West End star Lucie Jones, who represented the UK at the contest in 2017. She ultimately finished in 15th place with her song Never Give Up on You.
Lucie found fame while appearing on the sixth series of The X Factor in 2009 where she finished in eighth place. She is currently appearing as Fantine in the West End production of Les Miserables.
Eurovision’s second semi-final airs on BBC One at 9pm on Thursday, May 11. For the latest TV and showbiz news sign up to our newsletter here.
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