Expert Insights on Winning Eurovision: A Guide to Success

With the Eurovision Song Contest drawing millions of viewers each year, experts outline essential elements for success, from song style to effective staging. Insights on the importance of emotional depth, surprises in composition, and the alignment of visuals with a powerful performance reveal what it takes to capture Europe’s heart.

The Eurovision Song Contest boasts a staggering viewership of approximately 163 million, each with opinions on what constitutes the ideal performance. Should contestants opt for a soul-stirring ballad that invokes emotions, or should they embrace flamboyant, high-energy showmanship that grips audiences?

According to Joe Bennett, a forensic musicologist from Boston's Berklee College of Music, there are two principal styles frequenting the contest. The first is the "Euro-banger," typified by upbeat, high-energy songs that boast rapid tempos (120 BPM or more) and rich synth sounds, as exemplified by Sweden’s iconic winners, such as Loreen's "Euphoria." In contrast, the slower-paced emotional ballads, like Salvador Sobral's “Amar Pelos Dois” from Portugal, appeal to those looking for depth.

In analyzing lyrics, Bennett identifies prevalent themes, including love, unity, and self-assertion. He underscores that self-empowerment anthems often resonate well with audiences, which was evident in Conchita Wurst’s acclaimed 2014 entry "Rise Like a Phoenix."

While extravagant staging may seem enticing, expert songwriter Thomas Stengaard cautions against overindulgence. He attributes the success of Denmark’s 2013 winner, “Only Teardrops,” to its straightforward stage setup. Vocal coach Carrie Grant echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that a blingy set should complement a strong performance rather than overshadow it.

Increasingly, Eurovision songs are being composed in minor keys. Bennett highlights that 85% of 2023's entrants utilized this tonal choice, which can evoke emotion. He adds that while the association of major keys with happiness is societal, artistic depth can be effectively portrayed through minor compositions.

The element of surprise also plays a critical role in making a song memorable. Margulis explains that for a song to resonate, it must incorporate unexpected elements while remaining catchy. The 1981 British winner “Making Your Mind Up” serves as a classic example of this approach.

Despite being traditionally mocked for lacking lyrical depth, Eurovision songs are recognized for their melodic hooks, essential for widespread singability. Bennett notes that catchy choruses and innovative key changes are vital, but the trend of songs switching keys has declined since the early 2000s.

With the next contest approaching, songwriter Stengaard outlines a crucial question in his creative process: “How do you stand out in a contest where everyone wants to shine?” His new entry for the UK this year, “What the Hell Just Happened,” seeks to encapsulate this philosophy through its various shifts in melody and rhythm.