Eurovision Song Contest 1971 — 16th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest
Monaco won its first and only Eurovision victory in 1971, with eighteen countries competing at Dublin's Gaiety Theatre.
Key Facts
- Edition
- 16th Eurovision Song Contest
- Date
- 3 April 1971
- Participating countries
- 18 countries
- Winning song
- Un banc, un arbre, une rue
- Winning performer
- Séverine (Monaco)
- Venue
- Gaiety Theatre, Dublin
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Ireland's Radio Telefís Éireann earned the right to host the 1971 contest after Dana won the 1970 Eurovision Song Contest for Ireland with 'All Kinds of Everything.' Eighteen countries entered, equalling the participation record set in 1965 and 1966, with several nations returning after boycotting the previous year and Malta competing for the very first time.
The 16th Eurovision Song Contest was held on 3 April 1971 at the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin, hosted by Bernadette Ní Ghallchóir. Monaco's entry 'Un banc, un arbre, une rue,' performed by Séverine and composed by Jean-Pierre Bourtayre, won the contest. Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Italy followed in the top five, while debut entrant Malta finished last.
Monaco claimed its first and only Eurovision victory. Notably, the 1971 contest was the only edition in which second and third-placed entrants were also formally awarded. Malta's last-place debut finish was the worst result for a first-time entrant in twelve years, while the record-equalling field of eighteen participants reflected growing European broadcast interest in the competition.
Work
Un banc, un arbre, une rue
Monaco's sole Eurovision win, performed before eighteen competing nations at Dublin's Gaiety Theatre, marking a unique year in which second and third place were also formally recognised.