For the first and so far only time, Belgium won the Eurovision Song Contest back in 1986 with the song “J’aime la vie” sung by Sandra Kim. Throughout the years, Belgium has achieved many good results, including several top 10 finishes.
Belgium is participating in the Eurovision Song Contest for the 65th time this year in Liverpool, alternating between representatives from Flanders and Wallonia due to the countries two official languages and regional divisions. Both regions have had success in recent years, with strong performances and high rankings. However, there have been some setbacks, as the 2018 and 2019 entries failed to qualify for the Grand Final. Notable recent successes include Blanche‘s 4th place finish with “City Lights” in Kiev 2017, Loïc Nottet’s “Rhythm Inside” in Vienna 2015, and Laura Tesoro’s 10th place with “What’s The Pressure” in Stockholm.
Due to the introduction of Semi Finals in 2004, some countries, including Belgium, have faced challenges in qualifying for the Grand Final. Out of the last eighteen years, Belgium has only managed to qualify for the final eight times. It is important to note that the competition has become more challenging over the years, with the participation of an increasing number of Eastern European countries and even non-European countries like Australia. As a result, some well-established countries have had to make way for newer entrants.
However, this has had a positive impact on the quality of the songs being presented, as it forces composers to bring their best work to the competition and leaves little room for weaker entries.
Biggest successes
2nd place, Fud Leclerc with ”Messieurs Les Noyés De La Seine” (Lugano 1956)
2nd place, Mony Marc with “Le Plus Beau Jour De Ma Vie” (Lugano 1956)
2nd place, Jean Vallée with ”L’amour ça Fait Chanter La Vie” (Paris 1978)
History
- Debut: 1956
- Participations: 64
- Victories: 1
- Finals: 54 (8 since 2004)
- Chances to reach the final: 84% (44% since 2004)
- Top 10: 26 (4 since 2004)
- Chances to reach the Top 10: 41% (22% since 2004)
- Last place: 8
Video Nostalgia
Pierre Rapsat with “Judy Et Cie”, Rank 8 (The Hague 1976)
Pas de Deux with “Rendez-vous”, Rank 18 (Munich 1983)
Philippe Lafontaine with “Macédomienne”, Rank 12 (Zagreb 1990)