Eurovision Song Contest

A new voting system, still in place today, was implemented in 1975. Juries in each country awarded points to their top 10 songs: 12 to their favourite, 10 to the second, 8 to the third, and then from 7 down to 1. A record 19 countries took part. France and Malta returned to the contest and Turkey made its debut, while Greece withdrew. Norway's Ellen Nikolaysen performed for a rare third consecutive year. Portugal's entry was highly political, as singer Duarte Mendes dedicated his song to the country's peaceful revolution the previous year. Germany’s entry, Ein Lied Kann Eine Brücke Sein performed by Joy Fleming, saw a disappointing 17th place finish. However, the song has since become a major favourite among fans.