Juries were reintroduced as a key part of Eurovision voting in 2009, and since then, have remained as 50% of the total vote. Looking back at the contests between 2009 and 2019, it is often the case that the jury winner is the winner overall, and it isn’t uncommon to see a nation achieve top spot in both the jury and the televote. There have been a few cases however where the jury winner is both different to the televote winner, and isn’t the overall winner of the contest! In today’s Top 5, we are ranking our favourite five jury vote winners between 2009 and 2019!
5. Tamara Todevska – Proud
It was after the show that it was revealed that North Macedonia had in fact won the jury vote. It’s not standard practice that the winner is changed after the show itself (sorry Sweden) but the true winner emerged. It may not be the most modern song, but Proud was a simple yet emotional ballad which had the ability to touch the hearts of so many people, especially with the jury. A vocally spectacular performance wasn’t overshadowed by a underwhelming visual performance, as we have unfortunately come to expect from North Macedonia, but instead it all came together as a very well-produced package.
4. Cesár Sampson – Nobody but You
Another case of the jury winner not matching up with the televote winner, Austrian representative Cesár Sampson proved to be a big underdog at Eurovision. It’s surprising that many of us didn’t see this coming, since it was definitely one of the better songs of 2018, and well performed, both vocally and visually. The use of the stage was one of the best of the year, and matched with the lighting, it created a visual performance that was unique but also matched the moodiness of the song. Cesár came across as cool, calm and collected on camera and it made for a very natural performance. Looking back, it’s easy to see why this topped the jury vote.
3. Raphael Gualazzi – Madness of Love
Those who know me will know that I have a serious soft spot for Raphael Gualazzi, and Italy’s return to the contest. This was the perfect return for Italy, understated, classic but genuine. It kick-started the new Italian wave at Eurovision which has yielded exceptional results more often than not, and that’s probably because the nation never compromises for Eurovision. Jazz isn’t a style we often see at the contest, but Raphael pulled it off with ease. Visually, the performance suited the song and added to the overall vibe. A deserving jury winner – if only this was the actual winner!
2. Loreen – Euphoria
I mean, it would be criminal not to mention this Eurovision masterpiece, and possibly one of the best entries of all-time. Literally not one thing was wrong during this performance, the staging was inspired, Loreen’s vocals were spectacular and the song itself is an absolute earworm. This clearly won the jury vote, otherwise it wouldn’t be in this Top 5, but it also unsurprisingly won the televote. It was a close vote in the televote, but Loreen had a strong lead in the jury vote. It really ticked all the boxes, and years later it still does.
- Salvador Sobral – Amar Pelos Dois
This could be a controversial number 1, especially considering we just passed Loreen, however there is something so moving about this song and performance that I just can’t place it any lower. It was joyous to see Portugal FINALLY win Eurovision, but even more rewarding knowing it was all about the song. Not exactly the most modern Eurovision winner, but Amar Pelos Dois is iconic for other reasons. This is simple, beautiful, and all about the melody and vocals, and the emotions that come from those two things. I can’t be the only one who loved this performance as it topped the jury vote by a significant margin, as well as topping the televote.
Which 5 jury vote winners would make it into your Top 5? Make sure to tell us your favourites!