Ahead of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, ACUM, Israel’s copyright society, has released a ranking of non-Israeli Eurovision-winning songs with the highest number of radio plays in Israel over the years.
The ranking is based on broadcast data collected through ACUM’s documentation and registration systems and AcumOnAir, which covers 34 national and regional radio stations operating under ACUM licenses. The figures show cumulative airplay since 1993, when ACUM introduced computerized tracking.
The most-played non-Israeli Eurovision song on Israeli radio is “Tu te reconnaîtras,” performed by Anne-Marie David, which represented Luxembourg and won the contest in 1973. It is followed in second place by “Save Your Kisses for Me” by Britain’s Brotherhood of Man (1976), while ABBA’s breakthrough song “Waterloo,” representing Sweden in 1974, ranks third.
The top 20 also includes songs such as “Heroes” by Sweden’s Måns Zelmerlöw (2015) and “Poupée de cire, poupée de son” by France Gall, representing Luxembourg in 1965.
ACUM also notes that Israel’s four Eurovision-winning songs receive even more radio play than the leading international entries. “A-Ba-Ni-Bi,” performed by Izhar Cohen and the Alphabeta in 1978, leads the Israeli list, followed by Netta Barzilai’s “Toy” (2018), Milk and Honey’s “Hallelujah” (1979) and Dana International’s “Diva” (1998).
ACUM board chairman Yoav Ginai said the Eurovision Song Contest has played a major role in popular culture and that the Israeli songwriters behind the country’s winning entries brought honor to Israel. ACUM wished the Israeli participants success ahead of the contest in Vienna.
Founded in 1936 and marking 90 years of activity, ACUM represents more than 14,000 Israeli and international creators and collects royalties for the use of their musical and literary works in Israel.
