The 25th Eurovision Song Contest, held in The Hague, saw Ireland win with Johnny Logan's 'What's Another Year' and marked Morocco's sole contest appearance.
Key Facts
- Edition
- 25th Eurovision Song Contest
- Participating countries
- 19
- Winning song
- What's Another Year
- Winning artist
- Johnny Logan (Ireland)
- Songwriter
- Shay Healy
- Venue
- Nederlands Congresgebouw, The Hague
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Israel won the 1979 Eurovision Song Contest but declined to host the 1980 edition, having already staged the competition in 1979. As a result, the EBU assigned hosting duties to the Netherlands and its broadcaster NOS, making 1980 the last contest not held in the previous winner's country until 2023.
The 25th Eurovision Song Contest took place on 19 April 1980 at the Nederlands Congresgebouw in The Hague, presented by Marlous Fluitsma. Nineteen countries competed, with Morocco making its only-ever appearance and Turkey returning to the contest. Ireland's entry 'What's Another Year', performed by Johnny Logan and written by Shay Healy, won the competition.
Ireland's victory gave the country its first Eurovision win under Johnny Logan, launching his long association with the contest. Morocco's participation remained a unique episode, as the country never returned to Eurovision. The event also set a precedent that held for over four decades regarding host-country rules.
Work
Eurovision Song Contest 1980
Ireland's win with 'What's Another Year' began Johnny Logan's iconic Eurovision legacy, while Morocco's sole participation marked the contest's furthest geographic reach into Africa.