A deep dive into Hungary’s unforgettable participation at Eurovision

Today, October 23, is Hungarian Republic Day, a day of profound historical importance for Hungary.

This date commemorates two pivotal events in the nation's history: the outbreak of the 1956 revolution against communist rule and the proclamation of the Hungarian Republic in 1989.

Both anniversaries symbolise Hungary's enduring pursuit of freedom and democracy.

Hungary’s relationship with the Eurovision Song Contest has been a rollercoaster of unforgettable moments, catchy tunes, and some surprising decisions.

Let’s take a deeper look at their Eurovision history, highlighting the successes, the standout entries, and their unexpected departure after 2019.

The first taste of Eurovision glory (1994)

Hungary made its Eurovision debut in 1994, and boy, did they start with a bang! Friderika Bayer entered with the song Kinek mondjam el vétkeimet? and placed 4th, an impressive feat for a first-timer.

A hauntingly beautiful ballad, the song still holds a special place in the hearts of many Eurovision fans.

With this performance, Friderika secured Hungary’s best ever result, and also set a high bar for future Hungarian acts.

Everybody loves a comeback story!

After their strong debut, Hungary had a bumpy ride, with several years of non-participation, notably missing out from 1999 to 2004.

When they returned in 2005, NOX and their folk-inspired track Forogj, világ!" brought a touch of Hungarian culture to the stage, finishing in a respectable 12th place in the Grand Final.

From there, Hungary began to find its Eurovision rhythm. They became a consistent participant, giving fans a range of memorable performances and showcasing a variety of musical styles.

A rising star

2014 is the year that Hungary truly reached for the stars. András Kállay-Saunders wowed audiences with the English-language entry Running, blending his unique mix of electronic beats and raw emotion to earn an impressive 5th place.

This marked Hungary’s second-highest finish in Eurovision history, cementing Kállay-Saunders as a Eurovision legend in Hungary.

Bringing tradition to the modern stage

One of Hungary’s most beloved Eurovision acts is Joci Pápai. In 2017, he brought an ethnic, contemporary twist to Eurovision with Origo, blending Hungarian folk with modern beats and topping it off with a rap verse.

This unique combination saw Joci finish 8th, capturing Europe’s attention with his heartfelt performance and cultural authenticity.

Joci made a comeback in 2019 with Az én apám, a deeply personal song inspired by his father.

Az én apám couldn't replicate the same success as Origo, failing to qualify for the final and marking Hungary's first non-qualification since 2009. Despite this, Joci’s return demonstrated Hungary’s ability to stay true to its roots while offering something fresh and relatable.

The decision to withdraw after 2019

Despite its history of notable entries and respectable placements, Hungary took a surprising turn in 2019, withdrawing from Eurovision for the 2020 contest and beyond.

While the exact reasons were never made fully clear, it is expected that a rise in anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment amongst Hungary’s political and media leadership may have played a role, with many believing that Eurovision was simply “too gay” for the country to participate.

Eurovision fans worldwide were left disappointed, missing the energy and diversity Hungary consistently brought to the contest.

Will Hungary ever return?

This is the million-dollar question: will we see Hungary back on the Eurovision stage?

For now, it remains uncertain, but Eurovision fans continue to hope for their return. Hungary’s contribution to the contest has been diverse, full of artistic passion and cultural pride, and fans would love to see them take another shot at Eurovision glory.

From beautiful ballads that tug at the heartstrings to folk fusions and more, Hungary’s entries have always been bold, innovative, and uniquely theirs. Whether they return or not, Hungary’s Eurovision legacy is one to be celebrated.

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