Even without a win
These ESC songs stormed the international charts
The band Texas Lightning landed an absolute hit in Germany with their song “No no never”.
© imago images/POP-EYE
The final of the Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Turin on May 14th. It doesn’t take a win to hit the charts.
Anyone who wins the Eurovision Song Contest can usually hope for international chart success. But the competition can also be a springboard for the losers. These songs became big hits, although they didn’t land at number one.
Domenico Modugno and “Nel blu dipinto di blu (Volare)”
Italian singer Domenico Modugno (1928-1994) competed in the 1958 Eurovision Song Contest. Although he only reached third place with “Nel blu dipinto di blu (Volare)”, the song became an international bestseller. Later artists like Dean Martin (1917-1995) or Peter Alexander (1926-2011) adapted the title. In 1959 Modugno even received a Grammy for it. In 1959, the interpreter tried his luck again at the ESC – but “Piove (Ciao ciao bambina)” didn’t land on the winner’s podium either, but had to settle for sixth place.
Vicky Leandros and “L’amour est bleu”
Vicky Leandros (69) stepped into the ring for Luxembourg in 1967 at the Grand Prix de la Chanson, as the ESC was then called. After reaching fourth place with it, the track “L’amour est bleu” went through the roof. Leandros then recorded the song in several languages. It was the first big success for the singer. Other artists such as Bing Crosby (1903-1977) later took on the song.
Katja Ebstein and “There are always miracles”
Katja Ebstein (77) represented Germany at the ESC three times (1970, 1971 and 1980) during her career. It was never enough for victory, but the singer was able to record hits. She competed in 1970 with the title “Wonders always happen again” and thus secured third place. The song stayed in the German Top 20 for weeks and is now one of the classic hits.
Cliff Richard and “Congratulations”
Actually, Cliff Richard (81) was traded as a favorite with “Congratulations” in 1968. But in the end, the Spanish singer Massiel (74) won with the song “La, La, La” – Richard had to settle for second place in London. Nevertheless, the track became a hit in Europe. With “Power To All Our Friends” he competed again at the ESC in 1973 – which brought Richard third place and another successful song. The title stayed in the German charts for 19 weeks.
Genghis Khan and “Genghis Khan”
In 1979, the German group Dschinghis Khan were given low chances of victory. With their title of the same name, the group put together by Ralph Siegel (76) wanted to bring a good mood to Jerusalem – with colorful costumes and a crazy text. Despite criticism, the band managed a solid fourth place. But that’s not all: “Dschinghis Khan” stayed at the top of the German single charts for four weeks.
Texas Lightning and “No No Never”
In Athens in 2006, the German band Texas Lightning only managed 14th place. But back home, people liked the rousing country song “No no never”. The radio stations played the title up and down, and it stayed in the charts for a total of 38 weeks. The result was a platinum disc.
The Common Linnets and “Calm After the Storm”
Conchita Wurst aka Thomas Neuwirth (33) took the ESC trophy to Austria in 2014. But the second-placed Dutch duo The Common Linnets burned themselves into the memories of many Europeans. The song “Calm after the Storm” made it to number three in Germany and number two in Austria and the Netherlands.