Q 01/05

Which organisation has run the Eurovision Song Contest since 1956?

A) The European Commission

B) The International Music Council

C) The Council of Europe

D) The European Broadcasting Union

Answer · why

D) The European Broadcasting Union

The word 'Eurovision' was coined by British journalist George Campey in the Evening Standard in 1951.

Q 02/05

Eurovision was modelled on an Italian song competition held since 1951 in which town?

A) Sanremo

B) Bologna

C) Venice

D) Naples

Answer · why

A) Sanremo

The idea was first proposed by RAI manager Sergio Pugliese.

Q 03/05

In which Swiss city was the first Eurovision Song Contest held in 1956?

A) Lugano

B) Lausanne

C) Zurich

D) Geneva

Answer · why

A) Lugano

Only seven countries took part, each with two songs — the only time multiple entries per country were allowed.

Q 04/05

Who won the very first Eurovision in 1956, singing 'Refrain' for the host country?

A) Lale Andersen

B) Lys Assia

C) Caterina Valente

D) Corry Brokken

Answer · why

B) Lys Assia

The voting was held behind closed doors, and only the winner was announced.

Q 05/05

How many countries competed in the first contest in 1956?

A) Five

B) Twelve

C) Ten

D) Seven

Answer · why

D) Seven

By the 1960s between 16 and 18 countries were taking part every year.