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The 1990 Eurovision Song Contest was held in Zagreb following Yugoslavia's win the previous year. As communism fell in Europe, many of the songs reflected the wider political context.

22 countries participated in the 1990 Eurovision Song Contest, the same line up as in 1989. Many of the songs reflected the wider political developments that were taking place in Europe. 

The Spanish performance was beset by technical problems. First the backing track failed to play, then it started too early. The delegation's conductor completely lost control and the Spanish duo, Azúcar Moreno, left the stage. The second attempt was successful and the duo ended up in fifth place.

Eurovision veteran, Serge Gainsbourg, wrote the French entry White And Black Blues performed by Joelle Ursull which finished in second place along with Ireland's song Somewhere in Europe.

United for Italy

The well-known Italian singer Toto Cutugno won this year's song contest with the song Insieme: 1992 which was about a united Europe.

Facts and figures

  • The postcards featured travelogues of each of the participating countries to mark the European Year of Tourism 1990
  • The UK sent its youngest ever representative, Emma Booth, who was fifteen at the time of the contest. She was allowed to compete however since she turned 16 in the year of that particular competition. 
  • At the end of the voting Toto Cutugno splashed water on his face and hair which caused his hair dye to run. He covered this up with a jacket that he wore for the winning reprise.