Eurovision Winners 1990 to 1999: Who are they?
Eurovision in the 1990s. A glorious mess of dodgy fashion, political pandering, and the occasional iconic tune. For a decade, nations battled it out with performances that veered between brilliant and baffling. Let’s dive into the winners, dissect the highs, the lows, and the moments that left us cringing into our tea.
1990 – Italy’s European Dream
Song: “Insieme 1992” by Toto Cutugno
Italy opened the decade with a passion project about European unity. Simpler times, before the Eurozone gave everyone trust issues. Toto belted it out like his life depended on it, and somehow it worked. Meanwhile, the UK’s “Give a Little Love Back to the World” came 6th. Earnest, yes. Memorable? Not really.
1991 – Sweden’s Storm on Cue
Song: “Fångad av en Stormvind” by Carola
Carola brought wind machines and melodrama, as expected. Subtlety was never going to win here. Sweden’s third victory and Carola performed like rent was due the next day. The UK’s Samantha Janus (yes, that one) sang “A Message to Your Heart”. Nobody really got the memo, though—it finished 10th.
1992 – Ireland Starts Collecting Trophies
Song: “Why Me” by Linda Martin
The first of Ireland’s four wins this decade. Linda came armed with big vocals and even bigger shoulder pads. It was essentially a wedding ballad in Eurovision drag. The UK gave us Michael Ball with “One Step Out of Time”, landing 2nd. Musicals meet Eurovision? Not a bad shout, actually.
1993 – Ireland Keeps Winning
Song: “In Your Eyes” by Niamh Kavanagh
Another heartfelt Irish ballad, another trophy. Niamh nailed it. The UK’s Sonia came close with “Better the Devil You Know”, finishing 2nd. A solid effort, but letting the UK host Eurovision two years after Birmingham 1998? Financial suicide.
1994 – Nostalgia Sells
Song: “Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids” by Paul Harrington & Charlie McGettigan
Ireland went minimalist with two blokes and a piano. Somehow, it worked. Francis Ruffelle’s “Lonely Symphony” did fine for the UK, coming 10th. Consistent mediocrity is still mediocrity.
1995 – Norway Gets Quiet
Song: “Nocturne” by Secret Garden
More strings than lyrics, but Norway took a risk, and it paid off. The UK countered with “Love City Groove”, a rap number that felt wildly out of place. It came 10th, which is honestly kinder than it deserved.
1996 – Ireland’s Final Flourish
Song: “The Voice” by Eimear Quinn
Ethereal vocals and Celtic vibes. Ireland’s last win of the decade, and one of its best. Gina G’s “Ooh Ah… Just a Little Bit” was robbed. Eighth place, but at least it became a pop classic. Eurovision jurors clearly weren’t into fun that year.
1997 – The UK’s Rare Triumph
Song: “Love Shine a Light” by Katrina and The Waves
Finally, the UK pulled it off. A genuinely brilliant entry that became a Eurovision classic. The kind of song that makes you wonder why the UK hasn’t managed to win since.
1998 – Israel Steals the Show
Song: “Diva” by Dana International
Dana International made history as Eurovision’s first openly transgender winner. Disco meets empowerment, with just the right level of Eurovision camp. The UK’s “Where Are You” by Imaani came 2nd. So close, yet so far. Again.
1999 – Sweden Ends on a High
Song: “Take Me to Your Heaven” by Charlotte Nilsson
Pure Abba-inspired pop. Glossy, upbeat, and just the right amount of kitsch. The UK stumbled with “Say It Again” by Precious, finishing 13th. Says it all, really.
Recommended Listening
Still basking in the UK’s rare win? Give “Love Shine a Light” another spin. A masterclass in how to do Eurovision right. Or, if you’re feeling bold, revisit Dana International’s “Diva”. It’s Eurovision chaos at its finest.
