Top 10 Eurovision Controversies
Originally conceived in the 1950s as a way to bring Europeans together after World War II, the Eurovision Song Contest was never just about the music. With the 2009 finals in Moscow coming May 16, TIME takes a look at the years when controversy shouldered the singing out of the limelight
1. Cliff Notes a Scandal
Forty years later, the truth can be told: according to a Spanish documentary, dictator Francisco Franco rigged the 1968 Eurovision Song Contest to boost Spain's flagging tourism. British crooner Cliff Richard, whose entry "Congratulations" was a popular favorite, lost to Spanish entry "La La La", by Massiel.
Many years later, it continues to play on Sir Cliff's mind. "I've lived with this number two thing for so many years, it would be wonderful if someone official from the contest turned around and said: 'Cliff, you won that darn thing after all,'" he has said.
See a TIME package on Eurovision's memorable moments.
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