I Guess That's Why They Call it the Twos: The UK's Runner-Up History at Eurovision

I Guess That's Why They Call it the Twos: The UK's Runner-Up History at Eurovision

Author: Bingewatch November 4, 2024 Duration: 20:02

In this episode, Stephen deep dives into a Eurovision record nobody particularly wants, but one the United Kingdom has... and it's not the number of 'nil points'!

From Cliff Richard to Sam Ryder, the UK is far and away the most successful runner up in Eurovision history, so we take a look at every one, from the lucky breaks to the near-misses, and everything in between.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The Netherlands confirmed its participation in Eurovision 2025 after extensive negotiations with the EBU.
  • Germany is changing its national final format for Eurovision 2025, promising more viewer involvement.
  • Australia will compete again in Eurovision 2025, marking their tenth year in the contest.
  • The UK has an impressive record with 16 second place finishes at Eurovision, the most by any country.
  • Stephen Perkins dives into the history of the UK's Eurovision entries that finished in second place.
  • Despite various runner-up finishes, the UK is still searching for its next winning entry.

...

Mentioned in this episode:

Electric Fields - ‘One Milkali (One Blood)’ (Australia, 2024): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wzpp6996QdI

Dami Im - ‘Sound Of Silence’ (Australia, 2016): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ymFX91HwM0

Pearl Carr and Teddy Johnson - ‘Sing Little Birdie’ (United Kingdom, 1959) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0m4ADnfu91k

Teddy Scholten - ‘Een beetje’ (Netherlands 1959): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaEskI58tAM

Bryan Johnson - ‘Looking High, High, High’ (United Kingdom, 1960): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2GivwSboXM

Jacqueline Boyer - ‘Tom Pillibi’ (France, 1960): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oX_hlMchXvc

The Allisons - ‘Are You Sure?’ (United Kingdom, 1961): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIxU_XWUmf4

Jean-Claude Pascal - ‘Nous les amoureux’ (Luxembourg, 1961): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i87Vm2BOXL4

Matt Monro - ‘I Love The Little Things’ (United Kingdom, 1964): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OIkip05qu0

Gigliola Cinquetti - ‘Non ho l’età’ (Italy, 1964): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Utd9cHBPfRA

Kathy Kirby - ‘I Belong’ (United Kingdom, 1965): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeDI52bdntQ

France Gall - ‘Poupée de cire, poupée de son’ (Luxembourg, 1965): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyFnDf8PvmU

Cliff Richard - ‘Congratulations’ (United Kingdom, 1968): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xJcE9tnY6E

Massiel - ‘La La La’ (Spain, 1968):


Hosted by journalist and lifelong superfan Steven Perkins, Douze Points is a fortnightly podcast from Bingewatch that treats the Eurovision Song Contest with the same depth and passion as a critically acclaimed TV series. This isn't just a seasonal recap; it's a year-round analysis for anyone who sees the contest as a compelling mix of high-stakes music, cultural commentary, and unforgettable television. Each episode weaves together breaking news, historical deep dives, and exclusive interviews, all while building the narrative toward the next contest. The discussion naturally extends beyond the stage, exploring how Eurovision intersects with broader trends in film, music, and pop culture. Listeners are invited into a ongoing conversation where predictions are debated, history is unpacked, and fan theories are thoroughly examined. Whether dissecting a national final's production values or analyzing a past winner's lasting impact, the podcast provides a dedicated space for thoughtful fandom. Your perspectives are part of the mix, too, as the show actively incorporates listener insights and those hot takes that make the community so vibrant. Join Steven as he navigates the road to Basel 2025 and everything that happens along the way, offering a smart, engaging listen that celebrates the complexity and joy of Eurovision.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 94

Douze Points
Podcast Episodes
Eurovision 1969 and the Four Way Tie [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:33
This year marks the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, and to celebrate, this week on Douze Points we're taking you all the way back to 1969.It was a legendary year with the first, and last, four way tie. Plus, one of the you…
Eurovision 2025 Semi-Final Running Orders Revealed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:26
The EBA have announced the official running orders for the two semi-finals of Eurovision 2025 in Basel. The big five are excluded from this. However, in keeping with last year's new tradition, they will all be given an o…
The Best of the Eurovision 2025 Nearly-Rans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:18
The Eurovision songs for 2025 have now been confirmed, and we now know what we'll be hearing in Basel this May. But who missed out? Who won't be making the cut? And who might be sat at home feeling robbed of their chance…
Too Much Butt and Not Enough Kant [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:26
It's just another Eurovision Song Contest! As all songs are now confirmed, the race to Basel in May is well and truly on. From controversial body parts to your classic three men singing about a sauna, this year really ha…
Kantgate, Saunas and Super Saturday [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:14
The deadline for song submissions for this year's Eurovision Song Contest has almost passed, and as usual there is a flurry of last minute announcements.So this week, Steven covers everything from Sweden's sauna song to…
The Horniest Eurovision in History with Special Guest AJ Clay [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:25
From Australia's Milkshake Man to Malta's Kant, the 69th Eurovision Song Contest is living up to its name, as May's contest in Basel is shaping up to be quite saucy!Steven brings you all the latest news, including confir…
Encore: What Makes a Good Eurovision Host? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:14
As Basel 2025 draws nearer, we wanted to reshare a classic episode, where Steven looks at Eurovision presenters of past to figure out what makes a great host.Enjoy!.Highlights from the episode:Takeaways:The history of Eu…
Silly Nostalgia and the Scream of Loneliness with Kat Stevens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:28
On this week's episode, Steven is joined by special guest Kat Stevens to discuss a boat load more national final results including Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, and Italy.As the Eurovision field continues to take shape, wh…
Serving Kant with Special Guest Adrian Bradley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:27
It's been a busy week of national finals as Europe gears up for the 69th Eurovision Song Contest in Basel... and boy is everyone really leaning into the '69'!How do Ireland follow up last year's Bambi Thug?Are Remember M…