Eurovision Song Contest 1974 — 19th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest
ABBA's 'Waterloo' victory at Eurovision 1974 launched the group to global stardom, making them one of the world's best-selling music acts.
Key Facts
- Edition
- 19th Eurovision Song Contest
- Date
- 6 April 1974
- Winning song
- Waterloo by ABBA, representing Sweden
- Countries competing
- 17 (France withdrew, Greece debuted)
- Venue
- Brighton Dome, Brighton, UK
- Host broadcaster
- BBC (fourth time hosting as replacement)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Luxembourg's CLT declined to host after winning the 1973 contest, and Spain's TVE also refused when approached. The EBU selected the BBC over bids from IBA and ITV. France withdrew entirely after President Georges Pompidou died, with ORTF considering participation inappropriate during the national day of mourning.
The 19th Eurovision Song Contest was held on 6 April 1974 at the Brighton Dome, hosted by Katie Boyle and organised by the BBC. Seventeen countries competed after France's withdrawal, with Greece making its debut. ABBA performed 'Waterloo' for Sweden, using a voting system reverted to the pre-1971 format of ten jurors per country each awarding one vote.
Sweden claimed its first Eurovision victory, with Italy and the Netherlands finishing second and third. ABBA's win served as the launching point for their global career following earlier European success with 'Ring Ring'. Performer Olivia Newton-John, representing the United Kingdom, also subsequently achieved international fame in the years that followed the contest.
Work
Eurovision Song Contest 1974 — 'Waterloo' by ABBA
ABBA's Eurovision victory with 'Waterloo' gave the group their first global hit and launched them toward becoming one of the world's best-selling music artists of all time.