Eurovision Song Contest 2016 facts for kids

The Eurovision Song Contest 2016 was a big music event! It was the 61st time this contest happened. In May 2016, singers from many countries gathered in Stockholm, Sweden. They all wanted to win the famous Eurovision trophy.

Forty-two countries took part in the contest that year. Australia joined in for the second time, which was quite exciting! The winner was Jamala from Ukraine. Her powerful song was called "1944".

Millions of people all over the world watched the show on TV. Viewers in the participating countries could vote for their favourite songs using their phones. Each country then added up all their votes. They gave points (1 to 8, 10, and 12) to the countries they liked best. The country with the most points at the end won!

What is the Eurovision Song Contest?

The Eurovision Song Contest is a huge international music competition. It happens every year, mostly involving countries from Europe. Each country chooses one singer or group to represent them. They perform an original song live on stage.

The contest is known for its exciting performances. It features many different music styles. It's also famous for its colourful costumes and impressive stage designs. It's a celebration of music and culture from across the continent.

How Does Eurovision Work?

The contest usually has two Semi-Finals and one Grand Final. Countries must perform in a Semi-Final to try and qualify for the Grand Final. Only a few countries automatically get a spot in the Grand Final. These are the "Big Five" (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom) and the host country.

During the shows, both professional juries and the public vote. Each country has a jury made up of music experts. The public votes by phone or app. Their votes are combined to decide which songs get points. The country with the most points wins the contest. The winning country then gets to host the next year's event!

The 2016 Contest in Stockholm

The 2016 contest was held in the Globe Arena in Stockholm. This is a very large and famous indoor arena. Sweden had won the contest in 2015, so they got to be the host country.

The hosts for the 2016 show were Måns Zelmerlöw and Petra Mede. Måns had won Eurovision in 2015. Petra is a well-known Swedish comedian and TV host. They did a great job guiding everyone through the exciting shows.

Special Performances and Guests

The Eurovision Song Contest often features special guest performers. In 2016, a very famous American singer, Justin Timberlake, performed during the Grand Final. He sang his hit song "Can't Stop the Feeling!" This was a big moment because it was rare for such a global star to perform at Eurovision.

These special performances add extra excitement to the show. They give viewers a chance to see different artists. It also helps make the contest even more popular around the world.

Ukraine's Winning Song: "1944"

Jamala's song "1944" was very powerful. It told a story about her grandmother's experiences. The song was about the forced removal of Crimean Tatars from their homeland in 1944. This historical event was very important to Jamala and her family.

The song's deep meaning and Jamala's strong performance touched many hearts. It showed how music can tell important stories. It also showed how it can connect people through shared emotions and history.

Images for kids

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  Globe Arena, Stockholm - host venue of the 2016 contest

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  Måns Zelmerlöw and Petra Mede, hosts of the 2016 contest.

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  Justin Timberlake performed "Can't Stop the Feeling!" during the interval of the final.

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  Cover art of the official album