80s legend’s performance at Eurovision sparks calls to return 37 years after victory-Sabrina Barr-Entertainment – Metro

The beloved singer won the Eurovision Song Contest twice (Picture: Viktor Dammann/RDB/ullstein bild via Getty Images)

One of the biggest legends in Eurovision history returned to the competition for the first semi-final of this year’s contest for a very special performance.

And fans are already calling for the 80s music icon to come back properly to compete in the near future.

Tonight, Johnny Logan – the most successful Eurovision artist of all time – sang a cover of Loreen’s Euphoria before the results of the semi-final were revealed, leaving viewers mesmerised.

Both he and Loreen have each won the contest twice, with Johnny securing the victory for Ireland in 1980 with What’s Another Year and then again in 1987 with Hold Me Now.

In addition to his two winning performances, Johnny, now 69, also composed two songs that were performed by Ireland’s Linda Martin – Terminal 3 in 1984, and Why Me in 1992.

Linda ended up winning the contest 32 years ago, which added to Johnny’s overall success at Eurovision.

The crooner blew fans away with his special performance of Loreen’s Euphoria (Picture: AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

He paid homage to two-time Eurovision winner Loreen, who won for Sweden in 2012 and 2023 (Picture: Anthony Devlin/Getty Images)

Ahead of the first semi-final of the 2024 contest, the acclaimed singer shared how ‘honoured’ he felt to have been invited to perform as a special guest.

If the reactions from fans are anything to go by, he certainly left his mark on Eurovision once again.

‘What a beautiful cover by Johnny Logan❤️,’ Katherine wrote on X, while Barra said: ‘Hold me now!!! It’s only our Johnny Logan. Loved that version of Euphoria.’

Referencing Johnny’s upcoming 70th birthday on May 13, Karl added: ‘Johnny Logan turns 70 years old in a few days time and he’s still got it. He truly needs to represent 🇮🇪#Ireland at #Eurovision one last time. Just one more win Johnny. 🙏🏻.’

‘How do we vote for THAT Johnny Logan performance then,’ Michael also quipped.

In the post that he shared ahead of the semi-final, Johnny wrote: ‘I am extremely honored and excited to have been asked to perform as a guest on May 7th at the Eurovision Malmo.

‘Sweden has won 7 times, as has Ireland. To be asked to represent my country one final time is something very special for me and I’m very grateful to all involved with the decision.

‘I’m really looking forward to being back on the Eurovision stage as a guest this time and not a contestant ☘️.’

Ireland’s Bambie Thug has made it through to the 2024 Eurovision grand finale (Picture: Jessica Gow/TT/Shutterstock)

Coincidentally, when Linda won Eurovision in 1992 with the song that Johnny had composed, the competition also took place in Malmö.

So could Ireland’s 2024 entry Bambie Thug – who’s already a favourite to win after taking their country to the grand finale for the first time in six years – also secure the victory?

The Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Finals air on Tuesday, May 7, and Thursday, May 9, at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer. The Grand Final airs on Saturday, May 11, at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

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