News - Congratulations: 1956-1965 | Eurovision Song Contest News - 2008 Belgrade, Serbia 

This week, we will discuss one decade of the Eurovision Song Contest's history. Or, more particular, the entries from that decade chosen to compete among the last 14 during the 50th anniversary show Congratulations, which will take place this Saturday in Copenhagen, Denmark.

1958 - Italy - Domenico Modugno - Nel blu dipinto di blu (Volare) The Netherlands organises the third Eurovision Song Contest, which takes place on 12th March in Hilversum. Hannie Lips hosts the event. Each country has 10 jury members, 10 countries compete. Lys Assia, who won the Eurovision Song Contest for Switzerland back in 1956, came second. Unlike what many people think Nel blu dipinto di blu, better known as Volare, didn't win the contest. The song, performed by Domenico Modugno representing Italy, came third with less than half of the points the winner received. Modugno composed the song himself and wrote it together with Francesco Migliacci. Mitchell Parish wrote the English version of the song. Without doubt, the song is the most covered Eurovision Song Contest entry ever; Louis Armstrong, David Bowie, the Gipsy Kings, Engelbert Humperdinck, Dean Martin, Luciano Pavarotti, Barry White and many others recorded a cover of the song. In its original version, the song even became a big hit in the United States! Domenico Modugno was born on 9th January, 1928, in Polignano a Mare, Italy and died on 6th August, 1994. In 1960 he was accused of plagiarising an opera composer's song, but was found not guilty. He won the San Remo festival twice in a row and represented Italy again in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1959 and 1966. 1965 - Luxembourg - France Gall - Poupée de cire, poupée de son The 1965 Eurovision Song Contest took place on 20th March at the Sala di concerto della RAI in Napoli. Renata Mauro hosted the show. It was quite a shock when the Swedish participant Ingvar Wixell performed his song in English instead of Swedish. This incident was the base for the language rule which wasn't in the rules before. Poupée de cire, poupée de son brought Luxembourg its second victory. In 1961, the small country won for the first time. After France Gall's victory of 1965, it also won in 1972, 1973 and 1983. France Gall was born in Paris on 7th October, 1947, as Isabelle Gall. She became popular in France during the 1960s, singing songs such as Les sucettes by Serge Gainsbourg and her success crossed over to the UK. She was considered to be France's equivalent to Lesley Gore in the United States of America and Twinkle in the UK. In 1988 she topped the pop charts in many countries with Ella, elle l'a. Tuesday: 1966-1975 1968 - United Kingdom - Cliff Richard - Congratulations 1973 - Spain - Mocedades - Eres tu 1974 - Sweden - ABBA - Waterloo