History of Europe

German ESC victory 2010:Lena makes it possible

2010 in Germany. The Eurovision Song Contest has lost its luster:Nicole's victory was 28 years ago. Then Lena from Hanover steps onto the stage - and creates the impossible.

In 1982, singer Nicole enchanted the whole of Europe with her song "A Little Peace". She brings the great European music prize, the Grand Prix Eurovision de la Chanson, to Germany. And you have to draw on this triumph for a long time in this country. Almost three decades to be precise. It was only in 2010 that a young woman from Hanover managed to do what was now thought to be almost impossible. Lena Meyer-Landrut from Lower Saxony brings the Grand Prix - which now even has a new name - to Germany. With her hit "Satellite" she won the final of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in Oslo on May 29th with 246 points from starting position 22.

The ESC's heydays are almost written off

Perhaps many people had the feeling back then that there was not much going on with the ESC. The evening always ended quite disappointing for Germany. Glorious times were long gone. Were the Germans, including the Lower Saxony, no longer interested in the once so glamorous song competition? The reaction to the victory of 19-year-old Lena showed that this impression was deceptive. Hanover was in the ecstasy of victory and turned the celebration screw up to the stop.

The crowd greets their heroine

Lena was received in her hometown with unprecedented jubilation. Apparently Hanover understood immediately what Stefan Raab explained shortly thereafter:"It's more difficult to win the Eurovision Song Contest than to become soccer world champion." A crowd was already waiting for the ESC heroine at the airport. Lena was honored with a victory celebration that was broadcast on television. Those responsible for the ESC were also full of enthusiasm. They announced very quickly:We'll try that again, Lena Meyer-Landrut will also be representing Germany next year.

Lena's second round in the following year

And that's what she did - in 2011 with "Taken By A Stranger". However, the title defense, which would have been truly historic, did not work:Lena finished tenth in her second Eurovision Song Contest. The only person who has ever won the ESC twice is Irishman Johnny Logan.