The hosts nation always has an interesting job on its hands. They might want to win, but the contest has cost them a whole chunk of money, so an honorable mention might be better.
Our friends in Luxembourg have, like a few others, taken time out from the singing of late. And we’re as thrilled as anything to know they’re returning in 2024. But they have a record of wins only beaten by two countries. The last time they hosted, they sent today’s birthday girl Sophie Carle. Sophie was a bit of a rarity – she was actually a native Luxembourger singing for her country. And a teenager to boot. We know that everyone’s favourite country eventually won her contest, and she could only scrape a 10th place. We say scrape, but there are many host countries that would kill for a 10th place these days.
Sophie is 59 today.
Bonne anniversaire/Alles Guddes fir de Gebuertsdag, Sophie!