Graham Norton’s 10 Best Eurovision Zingers Will Leave You Howling

TV & Movies The much-loved presenter’s playful remarks are a key part of the viewing experience. by El Hunt May 12, 2022

Eurovision Song Contest / YouTube An annual celebration of all things camp, the Eurovision Song Contest premiered in 1956, and participating countries have been locked in a gruelling music battle ever since. Expect eye-catching costumes, outlandish stage sets, and brilliant snarky commentary from national treasure Graham Norton. Taking over from the late Sir Terry Wogan, talk show host Norton has led the UK’s telly coverage of the Eurovision since 2009. Ahead of this year’s contest, let’s look back at some of Norton’s best on-air zingers.

It’s an unusual Eurovision this year. There are lots of songs that are really quite good and brilliantly sung. This is not one of those. - on Russia's entry, Buranovskiye Babushki, 2012 VYACHESLAV OSELEDKO/AFP/Getty Images

He does look a bit preoccupied throughout the performance. He looks like he’s thinking, ‘Did I leave the gas on?’ On Norway’s entry, Carl Espen, 2014 Ragnar Singsaas/WireImage/Getty Images

One of the most beautiful cities in the world, and yet we may as well be in Middlesbrough. It's been so grim since we’ve been here. Quite damp. On host city Vienna, 2015 Eurovision Song Contest / YouTube

Presumably by ‘distinctive looks’ they mean his mother still cuts his hair On Serbian singer Milan Stanković, 2010 AFP/AFP/Getty Images

It's like the gay wedding I'll never have On Eurovision cameras entering his booth with a confetti cannon, 2014 Eurovision Song Contest / YouTube

The song is called ‘Alcohol Is Free.’ Ironic to sing that in Sweden, where it’s anything else. You have to sell your car to get a pint. On Greece entry Koza Mostra's song, 2013 JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty Images

This year’s theme is celebrating diversity. Let’s see who they’ve chosen to host. Oh, it’s three white men. On Ukraine's all-white presenting trio in 2017 BBC

Small children and pets should probably be removed from the room… On Romania's entry, Cezar, 2013 picture alliance/picture alliance/Getty Images

Goodness! I’m guessing hairdressers have reopened in Serbia. On Serbia entry Hurricane's stage look, 2013 Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Well, this song is Marmite. If everyone hated Marmite. On Germany entry Jendrik's song "I Don't Feel Hate," 2021

Graham Norton’s 10 Best Eurovision Zingers Will Leave You Howling

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