Posted May 6, 200817 yr There have been various news stories today that suggest that the 1968 Eurovision was fixed and we should have won with Cliff Richards - Congratulations. from BBC News: Congratulations... 40 years late A Derry songwriter was robbed of victory in the 1968 Eurovision Song Contest because of vote-rigging by General Franco, it has been claimed. Cliff Richard took the runner-up spot with 'Congratulations' - penned by Derry songwriter Phil Coulter. The claim was made in a documentary shown on Spanish television on Sunday. According to the programme, the dictator thought a Spanish win would improve the country's international reputation. It is alleged that corrupt officials working for state-run television travelled across Europe rigging votes. Phil Coulter said the claim was "hilarious". "I'm kind of grateful that this theory didn't emerge in the weeks and months after the event because then I would have been very very irate. "There was certainly a sense that something odd had gone on, but maybe it was just the disappointment of coming so close to winning for the second time, back to back," he said. "We had already been taken out of our seats at the Royal Albert Hall to come backstage because everyone was convinced we were home and then I believe that that last country to vote maybe gave 11 to Spain and none to us, thereby snatching the victroy for Spain by one vote," said Mr Coulter. The Spanish entry, 'La La La', beat the Derry man's song by just one point - but 'Congratulations' went on to become a number one hit for Cliff Richard, selling more than a million copies. "History has proven that the song that won the Eurovision in real terms that year was 'Congratulations'," said Mr Coulter. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/norther...and/7384130.stm
May 6, 200817 yr I keep seeing this all over the internet... Sounds like a load of c**p though tbh. :(
May 6, 200817 yr I'm in two minds about this. One part of me knows that Massiel was very against Franco's regime, even refusing to collect a national prize for her victory, but on the other hand it was alot easier to rig votes back then, so it is plausible. Then again, why is everybody convinced to this day that Cliff Richard should have won, just because he is Cliff Richard? Edited May 6, 200817 yr by Peter30
May 6, 200817 yr Had it been televotes then this would've been very plausible, given the popularity of Congratulations and the fact that votes would've been fairly easy to fudge back in those days. Then again, wasn't the Spanish victor very much against Franco's regime?
May 6, 200817 yr Had it been televotes then this would've been very plausible, given the popularity of Congratulations and the fact that votes would've been fairly easy to fudge back in those days. Then again, wasn't the Spanish victor very much against Franco's regime? Well since it was only 10 jurors in each country, if you knew who they were, which would be easy if you're in a high position, then I'd say it would be easy to manipulate them into voting for you.
May 6, 200817 yr Yes, btu with that you've also got the possibility that Spain are innocent in this and that a few of the jurors didn't like Congratulations enough...had it been televotes the success of the song worldwide would more than back up any accusations that it had been rigged.
May 6, 200817 yr Then again, why is everybody convinced to this day that Cliff Richard should have won, just because he is Cliff Richard? maybe because it was a bloody good euro pop song.... sung by a (young) golden boy cliff and he was english! (ok he was born in india) like they say.... conspiracy theories are like arseholes, everybodys got one.... and all produce $h!t.
May 11, 200817 yr What does it matter? 'Congratulations' was a far, far bigger Global Hit Single, than the Winner for Spain, by Masseil, anyhow. The Cliff Song was originally going to be called, 'I Think I Love You' - which fits in, (perfectly), where 'Congratulations' is sung in the Song..... Edited May 11, 200817 yr by zeus555
June 2, 200817 yr 7iArJm9gBvg Just watch it and appreciate it everyone. :heart: It's such a funny dance. :heehee:
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