Eurovision Song Contest 1981
The Eurovision Song Contest 1981 was the 26th edition of the annual Eurovision Song Contest. It took place in Dublin, Ireland, following the country's victory at the 1980 contest with the song "What's Another Year" by Johnny Logan. Organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and host broadcaster Radio Telefís Éireann (RTÉ), the contest was held at the RDS Simmonscourt on 4 April 1981, and was hosted by Irish television journalist Doireann Ní Bhriain.
| Eurovision Song Contest 1981 | |
|---|---|
| Dates | |
| Final | 4 April 1981 |
| Host | |
| Venue | RDS Simmonscourt Ballsbridge, Dublin, Ireland |
| Presenter(s) | Doireann Ní Bhriain |
| Musical director | Noel Kelehan |
| Directed by | Ian McGarry |
| Executive supervisor | Frank Naef |
| Executive producer | Noel D Greene |
| Host broadcaster | Radio Telefís Éireann (RTÉ) |
| Website | eurovision |
| Participants | |
| Number of entries | 20 |
| Debuting countries | Cyprus |
| Returning countries |
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| Non-returning countries |
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Participation map
| |
| Vote | |
| Voting system | Each country awarded 12, 10, 8-1 point(s) to their 10 favourite songs |
| Winning song | United Kingdom "Making Your Mind Up" |
Twenty countries participated in the contest, equalling the record of the 1978 edition. Cyprus made their début this year, while Israel and Yugoslavia both returned to the competition, after their one-year and five-year absences, respectively. Morocco and Italy decided not to participate.
The winner was the United Kingdom with the song "Making Your Mind Up", performed by Bucks Fizz, written by Andy Hill and John Danter. Germany finished second for the second consecutive year, while France finished third. Norway again finished last, with its third nul points in the contest.
Bucks Fizz's win launched the group's hugely successful international career. Their performance on the Eurovision stage included a dance-routine where the two male members ripped the skirts off the two female members only to reveal mini-skirts, and today stands as one of the most defining moments in the contest's history.