Eurovision Song Contest — Season 24

Aired 31 March 1979 • 177 min

Jerusalem hosted 19 delegations. Turkey withdrew from the contest due to pressure from several Arab countries because the event took place in Israel. There were lots of familiar faces in 1979. Peter, Sue & Marc returned for Switzerland, 1973 winner Anne-Marie David represented France, and Anita Skorgan sang again for Norway. Germany's entry, Dschinghis Khan, became a hit across Europe despite being heavily criticised at home. The Swiss contestants also had difficulties, having to explain to customs why their unique performance required watering cans, hoses, and bottle openers. Belgian singer Micha Marah was so unhappy with her song "Hey Nana," which was selected against her will, that she refused to record a studio version. Meanwhile, after finishing 16th, Monaco withdrew from the contest and would not return for another 25 years, until 2004.