An historic ESC in many ways. The first country not geographically in Europe, Israel, took part for the first time. A female conductor was seen for the first (and second) time when Monica Dominique was the conductor for the Swedish entry (Nurit Hirsch became the second female conductor 5 songs later when conducting the Israeli entry). The rule stating each country must sing in a language native to that country was relaxed for the first time. Sweden and Norway were the only ones to take advantage of this rule, with Sweden singing in English and Norway singing in numerous languages (although predominantly in English & French). The Swedish entry had some of the most controversial lyrics ever seen at ESC. The lyrics "your breasts are like swallows in nesting" were considered offensive by some and hilarious by others. The voting systems flaws were seriously exposed this year when only 6 points separated the top 3 entries. How much was to do with the performance of one of the Swiss juror's overacting is unknown but it was clear the system needed to be changed. Luxembourg became the first country to successfully defend their title without sharing it. Finland's Marion Rung returned after 11 years to better her country's highest finish by 1 place. She would be their most successful entrant for 33 years. The Belgian entrants were due to sing at the 1971 contest in Dublin but were forced to withdraw due to illness. They did go on to represent their country but perhaps shouldn't have bothered coming a convincing last.

RESULTS
1.(11) 129 points - Luxembourg - Tu te reconnaîtras - Anne-Marie David
2.(7) 125 points - Spain - Eres tu - Mocedades
3.(15) 123 points - United Kingdom - Power To All Our Friends - Cliff Richard
4.(17) 097 points - Israel - Ey-sham - Ilanit
5.(12) 094 points - Sweden - You're Summer - Nova & The Dolls
6.(1) 093 points - Finland - Tom, Tom, Tom - Marion Rung
7.(6) 089 points - Norway - It's Just A Game - The Bendik Singers
8.(4) 085 points - Germany - Junger Tag - Gitte
(5) 085 points - Monaco - Un train qui part - Marie
10.(3) 080 points - Portugal - Tourada - Fernando Torro
(14) 080 points - Ireland - Do I Dream? - Maxi
12.(8 ) 079 points - Switzerland - Je vais marier. Marie - Patrick Juvet
13.(10) 074 points - Italy - Chi sarà - Massimo Ranieri
14.(13) 069 points - Netherlands - De oude muzikant - Ben Cramer
15.(9) 065 points - Yugoslavia - Gori Vatra - Zdravko ?oli?
(16) 065 points - France - Sans Toi - Martine Clemenceau
17.(2) 058 points - Belgium - Baby Baby - Nicole & Hugo