With over 160 million viewers tuning in annually, the Eurovision Song Contest is one of the most-watched events in the world. But with so many eyes and opinions, what truly makes a winning entry? According to industry experts, there is a science—and a little magic—behind how to win Eurovision.
The Sound of Success
Joe Bennett, a musicologist at Berklee College of Music, has analysed hundreds of past finalists. He notes two main musical styles dominate the leaderboard: upbeat “Euro-bangers” like Sweden’s Euphoria (2012), and slow, emotive ballads like Portugal’s Amar Pelos Dois (2017).
Lyrically, the winning formula typically falls under six universal themes: love, unity, empowerment, celebration, history, and music itself. Songs that focus on self-assertion or inner strength, such as Rise Like a Phoenix by Austria’s Conchita Wurst (2014), often resonate strongly with voters. 
Simplicity on Stage
Over-the-top staging might seem tempting, but experts suggest restraint often prevails.
Thomas Stengaard, co-writer of Denmark’s 2013 winner Only Teardrops, credits its minimal yet memorable staging—barefoot vocals, two percussionists, and a flautist—for its appeal. “If a child can draw it, it’s probably good staging,” he explains.
Vocal coach Carrie Grant echoes this view. She warns against elaborate visuals that overshadow weak performances. Conchita Wurst’s 2014 win, achieved with no dancers or gimmicks, proves that vocal strength and stage presence can outweigh production.
“Eurovision celebrates the unique,” says Grant. “But authenticity matters more than theatrics.”
The Power of the Minor Key
Contrary to the belief that major key means happy and minor means sad, minor keys dominate Eurovision because they convey emotional weight. In 2023, 85% of finalists performed in minor keys.
However, some acts break from the trend to stand out. The UK’s 2022 entry Spaceman and the 2025 track What the Hell Just Happened were both written in major keys, designed to contrast the darker tones of their competitors.
Hooks, Surprises, and Staying Power
Memorability is crucial. Professor Elizabeth Margulis, a specialist in music cognition, explains that repetition helps—but so does surprise. Key changes, tempo shifts, or bold visual elements make performances linger in viewers’ minds.
A classic example is Bucks Fizz’s 1981 victory, where a last-minute costume change and key modulation created one of Eurovision’s most iconic moments.
Strong melodic hooks are essential too. “Eurovision is melody-first,” says Bennett. “Lyrics are secondary to a chorus people can sing across Europe.”
Although final-chorus key changes were once popular, no entry using this technique has won since Serbia’s Molitva in 2007. Still, unpredictability remains a valuable tool—especially when done creatively.
Standing Out Without Overdoing It
In a competition where everyone is trying to be noticed, subtlety can be the real standout strategy.
“Ask yourself,” says Stengaard, “How do you stand out in a show where everyone is trying to stand out?”
The answer, it seems, lies in balancing creativity with clarity, emotional depth with simplicity—and always delivering a chorus the continent won’t forget.
