The Grand Duchy's success in the Eurovision Song Contest extends beyond its five wins, with its four hosting stints setting new standards for production and innovation.
Luxembourg is widely recognised as one of the most successful countries in Eurovision Song Contest history, having won the competition five times between 1961 and 1983. Beyond its victories, the Grand Duchy also made a significant mark as a host, organising the event four times. Each hosting opportunity was used to showcase groundbreaking technical innovations, largely thanks to the efforts of René Steichen, who oversaw every Luxembourg-hosted edition from 1962 to 1984.
Steichen, a pioneer in the field of video production, introduced visual effects in the 1970s that were unprecedented at the time.
The first Eurovision Song Contest hosted in Luxembourg took place on 18 March 1962 at Villa Louvigny. Maurice Barry, a French camera operator praised by Le Figaro, wrote a letter to the newspaper commending the Luxembourgish team, of which the young Steichen was already a key member.
Steichen's influence continued to grow, and he played a central role in organising the second Luxembourg-hosted contest on 7 March 1966. The French press at the time celebrated "the intelligent work of directors René Steichen and Jos Pauly."
In 1973, Luxembourg achieved a double triumph: not only did it host the contest, but it also secured another victory. Anne-Marie David took the crown, succeeding Vicky Leandros, who had won the previous year. The event was held at the Grand Théâtre in Luxembourg City, with heightened security measures due to Israel's first participation, coming just one year after the Munich Olympic Games attack.
The final Eurovision hosted by Luxembourg took place on 5 May 1984. Steichen once again impressed with innovative special effects. While the technical team delivered a stellar performance, Luxembourg's contestant, Sophie Carle, finished in 10th place.
Despite this, the event was hailed as a technical triumph. The European Broadcast Union (EBU) sent a message to RTL congratulating the broadcaster on its exemplary work, which it said would serve as a model for future editions. Even the BBC praised RTL's efforts.
The 1984 contest was hosted by a 19-year-old Désirée Nosbusch, who would return to the Eurovision stage 40 years later when Luxembourg made its highly anticipated comeback to the competition.
Full video report (in Luxembourgish)
