EUROVISION RULES THROUGH TIME
Eurovision language rules
Eurovision has moved between national-language restrictions and complete freedom several times. Today an entry can be performed in any language, but that was not always the case.
Can Eurovision songs be in any language today?
Yes. The current public rules state that Eurovision songs may be performed in any language. There is no requirement to sing in English or in an official language of the country being represented.
1956–1965
No formal national-language requirement
In Eurovision's early years, performers generally sang in languages associated with their country, but there was no formal rule requiring it. Sweden changed the conversation in 1965 when Ingvar Wixell performed “Absent Friend” in English rather than Swedish.
1966–1972
The national-language rule begins
From 1966, each country had to perform in one of its official national languages. The rule followed the debate caused by Sweden's English-language entry the previous year.
1973–1976
The rule is relaxed
The EBU relaxed the national-language requirement in 1973. That gave delegations more freedom and allowed Sweden to send the English-language “Waterloo” in 1974, when ABBA won the Contest in Brighton.
1977–1998
National languages return
The official-language requirement returned in 1977. Germany and Belgium were allowed to keep English-language entries that year because their songs had been selected before the rule was reintroduced. The national-language era then continued through 1998.
1999–present
Any language is allowed again
From Eurovision 1999, participating broadcasters were once again free to perform in any language. The change immediately led to more English-language entries, including Sweden's 1999 winner “Take Me To Your Heaven”.
ABBA and the 1974 rule window
ABBA's “Waterloo” arrived during the short period when the national-language restriction had been dropped. Sweden could therefore perform the song in English in Brighton. The rule was later restored in 1977.
Why 1999 changed Eurovision permanently
Jerusalem 1999 removed the national-language restriction again. Unlike the temporary 1973–1976 period, the freedom to perform in any language became the modern norm and remains part of the current rules.
Language-rule FAQ
Do Eurovision songs have to be in English?
No. Current Eurovision rules allow songs to be performed in any language.
When did Eurovision require national languages?
A national-language rule was introduced in 1966, relaxed from 1973, restored in 1977 and removed again from 1999.
Why could ABBA sing Waterloo in English in 1974?
The EBU had relaxed the national-language rule in 1973, so Sweden was allowed to perform Waterloo in English at Eurovision 1974.
What is the Eurovision 2027 language rule?
The public rules for Eurovision 2027 state that songs may be performed in any language, subject to the Contest's content principles.
Official Eurovision sources
This timeline follows Eurovision's own historical pages for Naples 1965, Luxembourg 1966, Luxembourg 1973, London 1977 and Jerusalem 1999, together with the current Rules of the Contest.