Welcome to Budapest
"Grandeur on the Danube"
Welcome to Budapest, the enchanting capital of Hungary, where the past and present gracefully intertwine to create a journey of endless discovery. This breathtaking city invites you to immerse yourself in its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture, promising an experience like no other. Budapest, often referred to as the "Paris of the East," boasts an architectural wonderland that will leave you awestruck. The iconic Chain Bridge, connecting Buda and Pest, is a symbol of unity that offers spellbinding views of the city. Explore the grandeur of Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and wander through the Fisherman's Bastion with its fairytale-like towers and panoramic vistas. As you stroll along the Danube Promenade, you'll encounter the breathtaking Hungarian Parliament Building, an architectural masterpiece that illuminates the city's skyline at night. The enchanting Matthias Church and its colorful roof tiles add to the city's picturesque charm. Budapest is a spa capital, renowned for its thermal baths that offer relaxation and rejuvenation. The Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Gellért Thermal Bath, and Rudas Thermal Bath are just a few of the soothing retreats waiting to pamper you. Indulge your taste buds in Budapest's vibrant culinary scene. Savor mouthwatering goulash, the national dish of Hungary, and relish delectable chimney cakes from street vendors. Explore the bustling Great Market Hall, where the aroma of paprika and fresh produce fills the air. Budapest is a city of festivals and cultural events. Don't miss the Budapest Wine Festival, a celebration of Hungary's rich wine culture, or immerse yourself in the Budapest International Documentary Festival for a taste of local and global cinema. The city's arts and music scene is world-class. Attend a classical concert at the Hungarian State Opera House or enjoy a performance at the Palace of Arts. Budapest's ruin pubs, tucked away in abandoned buildings, offer a unique nightlife experience. The city's green spaces provide a serene escape from the urban hustle. Margaret Island, nestled in the Danube, is a peaceful haven with gardens, fountains, and open-air theaters. Budapest warmly invites you to explore its fusion of history and contemporary vibrancy, offering a cultural journey that promises to be etched in your memory forever. So, set your sights on Budapest and let this Hungarian gem unveil its treasures to you. Your adventure begins in Budapest, where the past dances with the present in perfect harmony!
Host City / Budapest, Hungary
Venue / Buda Castle
Hosts / Lola and Tamas Mester
Participating countries / 37
Debuting countries / Iran, Luxembourg and South Korea
Returning countries / Andorra, Australia, Belgium, Malta, Moldova, Morocco, Poland and Venezuela
Withdrawing countries / Argentina, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Estonia, Iceland, San Marino and United Kingdom
Debuting players / Amy for Poland, Carsten for Luxembourg, Deo for Malta, Julian for Andorra, Laila for Iran and Min You for South Korea
Venue / Buda Castle
Hosts / Lola and Tamas Mester
Participating countries / 37
Debuting countries / Iran, Luxembourg and South Korea
Returning countries / Andorra, Australia, Belgium, Malta, Moldova, Morocco, Poland and Venezuela
Withdrawing countries / Argentina, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Estonia, Iceland, San Marino and United Kingdom
Debuting players / Amy for Poland, Carsten for Luxembourg, Deo for Malta, Julian for Andorra, Laila for Iran and Min You for South Korea
Returning Artists
The Result
Countries receiving most 12 points / Ukraine, 3
Countries giving 12 points to the winner / Portugal and Monaco
Countries receiving points from most juries / Finland, 16
Highest placing country not scoring a top mark / United States in 16th place with 10 points from Portugal and Romania as highest marks
Lowest placing country scoring a top mark / Portugal in 15th place getting 12 points from Spain
This was a very interesting voting, as - even though it was a fierce battle between Turkey and Sweden for most of the way - the top marks were thrown all over the place. This meant that the top 15 all received at least one time 12 points! It was, however, Turkey, who finished on top, while Finland sneaked into the runner-up position ahead of Sweden, who took home the bronze. Romania and Ireland rounded out the top 5.
Turkey is one of the founding members, having missed only one edition since. They reached the top 10 in the first edition and won their first medal in GM06, when Sertab Erener took the silver with the current HoD, Khalid, taking over the delegation. Another silver medal followed in GM09 and after a string of top 10 results, Turkey again stepped onto the medaltable ladder climbing one step each time for the last 3 editions. GM13 gave Turkey a bronze medal, GM14 saw them as runner-up and now - thanks to Murat Boz - Turkey takes the last step to the top of the scoreboard as Global Music Champions. Well done Turkey, Murat Boz and Khalid!
Countries giving 12 points to the winner / Portugal and Monaco
Countries receiving points from most juries / Finland, 16
Highest placing country not scoring a top mark / United States in 16th place with 10 points from Portugal and Romania as highest marks
Lowest placing country scoring a top mark / Portugal in 15th place getting 12 points from Spain
This was a very interesting voting, as - even though it was a fierce battle between Turkey and Sweden for most of the way - the top marks were thrown all over the place. This meant that the top 15 all received at least one time 12 points! It was, however, Turkey, who finished on top, while Finland sneaked into the runner-up position ahead of Sweden, who took home the bronze. Romania and Ireland rounded out the top 5.
Turkey is one of the founding members, having missed only one edition since. They reached the top 10 in the first edition and won their first medal in GM06, when Sertab Erener took the silver with the current HoD, Khalid, taking over the delegation. Another silver medal followed in GM09 and after a string of top 10 results, Turkey again stepped onto the medaltable ladder climbing one step each time for the last 3 editions. GM13 gave Turkey a bronze medal, GM14 saw them as runner-up and now - thanks to Murat Boz - Turkey takes the last step to the top of the scoreboard as Global Music Champions. Well done Turkey, Murat Boz and Khalid!
The Winner
Scoreboards and Live Voting
Voting
In the semi final, give 1 vote to the 14 songs, you think should qualify.
In the final, give 12, 10, 8...1 point for your top 10 and choose 3 substitutes
The voting forms are here / Semi final and Final
In the final, give 12, 10, 8...1 point for your top 10 and choose 3 substitutes
The voting forms are here / Semi final and Final
Watching the Videos
All the videos except the South Korean and Lithuanian ones are in the YouTube playlist at TVGlobalMusic