14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
All the Welsh acts who have performed at the Eurovision Song Contest
All the Welsh acts who have performed at the Eurovision Song Contest
Several Welsh performers have taken to the Eurovision stage - but who were they, what did they sing and where did they place, if at all?
Welsh legend Bonnie Tyler even took the stage for the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest.
(Image: Richard Swingler )
Across the nation, folks are eagerly preparing for the Eurovision Song Contest as the grand final is looming. Although, there are people across Wales wondering, why can't we compete separately to the UK?
Well, in January of this year, MSs discussed a petition that was created by calling for Wales to compete in the competition. Bakel Walden, from the EBU, wrote: "As the BBC continues to participate, and remains the rights holder in the United Kingdom, this means an entry from the individual nations of the UK is therefore not possible at the Eurovision Song Contest."
This is because only one broadcaster in the UK is allowed broadcasting rights and as it stands that is the BBC. In the case of Junior Eurovision in 2018 and 2019, the BBC didn't want the rights and instead S4C took the job, meaning Wales was able to complete singlehandedly with Welsh language songs.
That being said, despite not competing as Wales, plenty of Welsh people have competed in the competition. Let's take a look? For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter .
Mary Hopkin (1970)
Place: 7th.
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The first Welsh performer at Eurovision was Mary, who represented the UK in 1970 with her song Knock, Knock Who's There.
Born in Pontardawe, Mary is now 75 years old. She continues to create music and released her latest album, Two Hearts with her daughter in May 2023.
Nicky Stevens (1976)
Place: 1st.
In 1976, Nicky brought the Eurovision title home as part of the group Brotherhood of Man. The band scored their first hit in 1974 and entered Eurovision two years later with the song Save Your Kisses For Me.
In 2022, Brotherhood of Man - which also includes Martin Lee, Lee Sheriden and Sandra Stevens - announced their retirement from touring.
Emma Louise Booth (1990)
Place: 6th.
Bridgend's own Emma Louise Booth holds the record as the youngest person to represent the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1990, when she was just 15.
Now 50 and residing in Seattle with her family, Emma secured a respectable sixth place with her song Give a Little Love Back to the World.
Jessica Garlick(2002)
Place: 3rd
In 2002, Jessica Garlick brought the UK its highest score of the noughties with her song Come Back, finishing third.
Born in Derbyshire and educated at Glan-y-Mor Comprehensive School in Burry Port, Jessica had previously showcased her talent on ITV's Pop Idol.
James Fox (2004)
Place:16th
Cardiff's James Fox didn't fare as well when he represented the UK at the 2004 Eurovision contest.
His song Hold Onto Our Love landed him in 16th place. Now 49, James has since moved into musical theatre and penned the Cardiff City's FA Cup Final song Bluebirds Flying High in 2008.
Bonnie Tyler (2013)
Place: 19th
Neath's Bonnie Tyler was the UK's hopeful in 2013, but despite her fame, she finished in 19th place with her song Believe in Me.
Most people will recall Bonnie, now aged 73, for her hit songs Total Eclipse of the Heart and Holding Out For A Hero. Her work has garnered her three Grammy Award nominations and three Brit Award nominations, among other honours.
Joe and Jake (2016)
Place: 24th
Joe and Jake are a British duo which includes Joe Woolford and Jake Shakeshaft. They performed in Stockholm's Eurovision Song Contest 2016 with the song You're Not Alone, and unfortunately finished in 24th place.
Although Jake was born in Stoke on Trent, Joe is very much a Welsh boy who was born and raised in Ruthin in North Wales. The pair met whilst competing in the Voice UK in 2015.
Lucie Jones (2017)
Position: 15th
The most recent Welsh Eurovision star is West End sensation Lucie Jones, who represented the UK at the contest in 2017. She ultimately secured 15th place with her song Never Give Up on You.
Lucie gained fame while participating in the sixth series of The X Factor in 2009 where she finished in eighth place. She has also performed as Fantine in the West End production of Les Miserables and has more recently announced she will be performing at this year's Glastonbury.
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This year's Eurovision Song Contest will be available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 8pm on Saturday, May 17.
