Die Grand Prix Hitliste: Determining the Best Eurovision Song in History
Music fans have long debated which entry stands as the greatest in the history of the Eurovision Song Contest. In 2006, the German broadcaster Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR) sought to settle this debate with a special one-off music competition titled Die Grand Prix Hitliste – Die schönsten Songs Europas (The Grand Prix Hit Parade – The Best Songs of Europe).
Broadcast for ARD, the program was designed as a comprehensive opinion poll to identify the most beloved song from the contest's storied past. The event captured the attention of the German public, drawing a television audience of approximately six million viewers.
The Selection Process and Competition
The journey to find the ultimate song began with a massive pool of candidates. A total of 103 songs were considered, encompassing every single winner of the Eurovision Song Contest as well as every entry submitted by Germany between 1956 and 2005.
To narrow this list down to a manageable number for the live broadcast, an online poll was conducted. From this process, 20 songs were selected to compete in the final round.
The Grand Final
The final event took place on 20 May 2006, hosted at the NDR Studios in Hamburg, Germany. The program was led by presenters Thomas Hermanns and Georg Uecker.
To ensure a diverse range of perspectives, the winner was decided using a multi-faceted voting system. This combination included:
- Televoting: Viewers calling in to vote.
- Jury Vote: Expert panels providing scores.
- Online Poll: Digital voting available exclusively to the German public.
The Results
The competition featured a clash between modern hits and timeless classics. While legendary tracks such as "Waterloo" and "Ein bißchen Frieden" were strong contenders, they were ultimately surpassed by a more contemporary energy.
The title of the best song in Eurovision history, according to the poll, was awarded to "Wild Dances" performed by Ruslana.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | 20 May 2006 |
| Venue | NDR Studios, Hamburg, Germany |
| Broadcaster | ARD – Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR) |
| Total Initial Songs | 103 |
| Finalists | 20 |
| Winning Song | "Wild Dances" by Ruslana |
| Viewership | Approx. 6 million |
Key Facts
- Winner: "Wild Dances" by Ruslana took the top spot.
- Scope: The competition evaluated all Eurovision winners and German entries from 1956 to 2005.
- Scale: 103 songs were initially considered, with 20 reaching the final.
- Audience: Approximately six million people watched the broadcast in Germany.
- Method: The result was determined by a mix of televoting, jury votes, and an online poll.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of Die Grand Prix Hitliste?
The program was a one-off competition created by NDR to determine the best song in the history of the Eurovision Song Contest through a public opinion poll.
Who won the competition?
The winning song was "Wild Dances," performed by Ruslana.
How were the 20 finalists chosen?
The finalists were selected via an online poll from a pool of 103 songs, which included all Eurovision winners and all German entries between 1956 and 2005.
Where and when did the final take place?
The final was held on 20 May 2006 at the NDR Studios in Hamburg, Germany.
How was the winner decided during the live show?
The winner was chosen through a combination of a jury vote, a televote, and an online poll restricted to the German public.