When Céline won the Eurovision Song Contest 1988

The reason some non-European countries (like Israel, and at one point even Morocco) can participate, is that these countries' broadcasters are full members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which, despite its name, is indeed open to memberships from non-European countries. The EBU also has so-called 'associate members' all over the world (including CBC in Canada), but associate membership does not grant one automatic access to or participation in EBU productions like the Eurovision Song Contest. However, the EBU may invite such associate members to join in, which is what happened to Australia. The reason for Australia's inclusion in the contest despite it 'only' being an associate member, is the fact that the contest had been broadcast and had been very popular in Australia for many years, with fans gathering in the early morning to watch the show live from the other side of the globe. Whether a similar invite will ever be extended to Canada remains to be seen, but one of the prerequisites for participation is that the Contest must be broadcast in its entirety - live, unabridged and uncensored - in the country in question. Hope this clears things up a bit? Source: Wim Lammens

3:54 she was convinced she had lost. That room did not expect the twist of Yugoslavia awarding no points to the UK’s entry

And Switzerland won by 1 point?! After Yugoslavia has voted?! That's history! I was watching that and don't remember that my country voted last and bring victory to Celine!!!

Still obsessed with this in 2023. The fact that she was fully crying and then just casually gave that awesome performance...that's hard to do!! But she pulled it off perfectly!

Who knew this barley 18-19 years old girl would become one of the most successful singers in the history of music

She was 20 years old at that time .. And she remain such a great voice in history..

My husband was so exited that unforgettable night!! His composition won the first price!! Bravo Atilla Sereftug!!

She is the best stil here 2022 Who is with me here ?

That time when Eurovision was about song, lyrics and voice. 👍😢

They didn’t know they were in the presence of greatness!! The vocal trinity!!

Simply iconic. The voice, the dress, the camera shots, the stage.

Celine has always seemed very humble to me. I love that the woman presenter realized Celine was struggling to dry her face off, probably worried about ruining her make up, and the woman helped Celine dry her face off. That was so sweet!

I still remember how me and my family sat in front of the TV in Sweden and were so happy when Switzerland won. Ne partez pas sans moi was our favourite. It was the first time that I saw the entire Eurovision show and didn’t fall asleep during the voting. I was 10 back then.

Celine is the most wonderful singer in the world Hope she gets well soon and be back singing again Love you Celine XXX

I don't understand how a French Canadian singer was representing Switzerland in Eurovision. But as a Canadian I'm happy it happened.

I actually can't believe that Celine Dion was on the Eurovision Song Contest!! It must have been after this that she became SO FAMOUS!! Well done Celine! xx

Celine still talks about Eurovison to this day and what it means to her. Especially when she performs in Ireland. She spoke on stage here many times that it was a magical night and Dublin was her lucky charm 🍀 Eurovision was the start of her international career as an artist, and also the night her and Renee became "close" for the first time romantically. She says she will always hold ireland close to her heart ❤

Her voice is a gift from God. We are. blessed that she shared it with us.. God Bless you Celine.🌈

When Celine Dion won ESC in 1988 she was unknown and she performed in french, but later she began to sing in english and boom! The rest is history. Mari

She had a miracle right there - coming back from 14 points lag to winning with only 3 juries