Fans around the globe are preparing to watch the semifinals of the Eurovision Song Contest, the largest music event worldwide, kicking off on Tuesday night. In this context, Spotify has released a new report revealing the most streamed songs in the contest's history, along with those that did not win but gained significant popularity in subsequent years.
Over the years, the Eurovision Song Contest has featured many standout songs that have become part of popular culture. The song Arcade by Dutch artist Duncan Laurence, the winner of the 2019 contest, topped the list of the most streamed songs, achieving over 1.5 billion streams on Spotify. Following closely is Snap by Armenian artist Rosa Linn, which ranked second despite finishing twentieth in the 2022 contest.
Details of the Report
The Eurovision Song Contest is known as a launching pad for many famous artists, having contributed to the fame of groups like ABBA from Sweden, who participated in 1974 and became the most streamed artists from the contest, with their songs achieving over 12.5 billion streams globally. Måneskin, who took part in the contest in 2021, ranks second with 9 billion streams, followed by Céline Dion, who represented Switzerland in 1988.
Although some songs did not win the contest, they achieved widespread fame, such as Deslocado from Portugal, which sparked a wave of personal videos on social media, making it the most streamed song from the 2025 contest, despite finishing twenty-first.
Background & Context
The Eurovision Song Contest was established in 1956 and has since become one of the most prominent musical events in the world, bringing together diverse cultures and providing artists from across Europe the opportunity to showcase their talents. The contest has undergone significant changes over the years, evolving from a simple musical showcase to a massive event attracting millions of viewers.
Statistics show that the Gen Z audience tends to prefer modern songs like Deslocado and Fairytale, while older generations favor classic songs such as Arcade and Snap. This disparity in musical tastes reflects the cultural and social changes within different communities.
Impact & Consequences
Spotify's analysis of winning songs in Eurovision has revealed certain patterns that characterize successful tracks. Winning songs often strike a delicate balance between emotional rhythm and liveliness, contributing to their success.
Moreover, the impact of Eurovision extends beyond the contest itself, influencing the music industry and shaping popular culture. The contest's ability to launch careers and create global hits underscores its significance in the music landscape.
Regional Significance
Eurovision serves as a cultural bridge, fostering unity among European nations through music. It highlights the diversity of musical styles and traditions, allowing artists to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
As the contest continues to evolve, it remains a vital platform for emerging artists and a celebration of cultural exchange, making it a significant event in the global music calendar.