For 70 years, the Eurovision Song Contest has been a cultural touchstone, a dazzling spectacle of music, performance, and, let’s be honest, delightfully over-the-top staging. Now, the complete story of this beloved competition is being told in a novel book, Seven Decades of Glitz, Glamour and Unforgettable Performances – Douze Points!, set to hit shelves on April 9. The book, written by pop-culture writer Paul Lang and published by Penguin Random House, promises a deep dive into the history of Eurovision, exploring the artists, songs, and moments that have defined the contest across generations.
More than just a recounting of winners and losing entries, the book aims to capture the enduring appeal of Eurovision, a phenomenon that transcends borders and languages. As Graham Norton, the BBC’s Eurovision Grand Final commentator since 2009, writes in the foreword, the contest’s power lies in the audience’s genuine investment. “We aren’t just passively watching a spectacular night of entertainment; the viewers are invested in not only the winner, but how every other country does, the staging, the varying quality of the hosts and, of course, the wildly unpredictable voting,” Norton explains.
Lang, whose earliest Eurovision memory involves watching Bucks Fizz win in 1981, has been a dedicated viewer ever since. His passion for the contest shines through in his meticulous research, which involved revisiting every Eurovision entry ever made. He even had a unique vantage point for a decade, enjoying the contests from the sofa of his landlady, who happened to be 1999 UK entrant Gina G. This immersive experience fueled his exploration of the contest’s rich history, uncovering hidden gems and forgotten favorites along the way.
Unearthing Eurovision’s Hidden Treasures
The research process wasn’t just about revisiting familiar hits; it was about rediscovering lesser-known tracks that deserve a second listen. Lang found himself particularly captivated by Birthe Kjær’s 1989 Danish entry, “Vi Maler Byen Rød,” describing a recent performance as “gliding through the arena atop a three-metre-high red dress as the crowd went absolutely crackers.” He similarly rediscovered his appreciation for Gigliola Cinquetti’s “Si” from 1974 and Niamh Kavanagh’s winning performance of “In Your Eyes” in 1993.
But the journey through Eurovision’s archives also revealed surprising historical tidbits. Lang was particularly struck by a story surrounding the 1974 contest and Italian broadcaster RAI. Apparently, RAI delayed the broadcast due to a national referendum on divorce laws, fearing that Gigliola Cinquetti’s song title, “Si” – meaning “Yes” – might sway voters. “Absolutely bonkers!” Lang exclaimed, highlighting the unexpected intersection of politics and pop music.
A Personal Connection to the Contest
For many fans, Eurovision isn’t just about the music; it’s about the memories and shared experiences. Lang notes that a person’s favorite Eurovision year often reveals a lot about their personal history and preferences. He himself holds a particular fondness for 2004, the only contest he’s attended in person, and 2008 and 2016, citing standout songs like “In The Disco,” “On Again… Off Again,” “Shady Lady,” and “Secret Combination.”
Looking ahead to the more recent contests, Lang shares his enthusiasm for some of the entries from the 2025 Basel competition, including “ICH KOMME” and “Laika Party.” He expresses particular regret that Olly’s “Balorda Nostalgia,” which won Sanremo, was ultimately withdrawn from the Italian selection process.
Seven Decades of Glitz, Glamour and Unforgettable Performances – Douze Points! isn’t just a book for die-hard Eurovision fans; it’s a celebration of a cultural phenomenon that has brought joy and connection to millions around the world. It’s a reminder that, even in a world often divided, music has the power to unite us.
As the contest looks toward Vienna in 2026, this book offers a comprehensive look back at the journey so far, providing context and appreciation for the spectacle to approach. Seven Decades of Glitz, Glamour and Unforgettable Performances – Douze Points! is available for pre-order now and will be released on April 9.
What are your favorite Eurovision memories? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
