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The glamorous Mediterranean resort of Cannes, France hosted the 4th Eurovision Song Contest in March 1959.

73 minutes live from Cannes

The Eurovision Song Contest of 1959 welcomed the small principality of Monaco. Moreover, the United Kingdom re-entered the contest after one year of absence, and Luxembourg decided not to participate. A new rule was introduced to this fourth Eurovision Song Contest; musical experts were no longer allowed in the national juries, but other than that, the same voting system as in 1957 and 1958 was used.

About the winner

The Netherlands won the contest for the second time with the song Een Beetje performed by Teddy Scholten. The lyrics of the song were written by Willy van Hemert, who also wrote the winning song of 1957. Domenico Modugno returned again for Italy, this time finishing in 6th place. 

Facts & figures

  • For the first and the last time in the history of the Eurovision Song Contest, the top three songs were reprised at the end of the show.