Eurovision Song Contest 1986 — 31st edition of the Eurovision Song Contest
Belgium won the 31st Eurovision Song Contest with 13-year-old Sandra Kim, making her the youngest winner in the contest's history.
Key Facts
- Edition
- 31st Eurovision Song Contest
- Date
- 3 May 1986
- Venue
- Grieghallen, Bergen, Norway
- Winner
- Sandra Kim – "J'aime la vie" (Belgium)
- Age of winner
- 13 years old (youngest ever)
- Participating countries
- 20
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Norway earned the right to host the 1986 contest after Bobbysocks! won the 1985 Eurovision Song Contest with 'La det swinge', prompting broadcaster NRK to organise the event at Grieghallen in Bergen.
The 31st Eurovision Song Contest was held on 3 May 1986, hosted by Åse Kleveland and featuring 20 competing countries. Belgium's entry Sandra Kim performed 'J'aime la vie', with Iceland making its debut and Norwegian royalty attending as guests for the first time in the contest's history.
Sandra Kim's victory made her the youngest Eurovision winner ever at age 13, a record that current rules—requiring participants to be at least 16—ensure will never be broken. Switzerland's appeal for disqualification after her true age was revealed was unsuccessful.
Work
Eurovision Song Contest 1986
Sandra Kim's win at age 13 set an all-time record for the youngest Eurovision winner, prompting a rule change requiring contestants to be at least 16, permanently enshrining her record.