26 Monterrey

Welcome to Monterrey
"City of the Mountains"

Welcome to Monterrey, a vibrant jewel of northern Mexico, where tradition meets modernity, and natural beauty intertwines with urban sophistication. This city is a captivating blend of culture, adventure, and stunning landscapes that will leave you enchanted. Nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Sierra Madre, Monterrey is a city of striking contrasts. As you explore the historic Barrio Antiguo, you'll be transported to another era, with its charming colonial architecture, cobbled streets, and lively atmosphere. Yet, just around the corner, you'll find gleaming skyscrapers, emblematic of Monterrey's dynamic economy. The heartbeat of this city resonates with the rhythms of Mexican culture. Savor the fiery flavors of local cuisine at bustling markets and traditional restaurants. From street tacos to succulent cabrito (roast goat), your taste buds will embark on an unforgettable culinary journey. Monterrey is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. The surrounding mountains offer thrilling opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and even paragliding, providing panoramic views of the city and the lush landscape. Fundidora Park, a former steel mill turned urban park, is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic. If you seek history and culture, Monterrey has an array of museums and galleries to explore. The MARCO (Museum of Contemporary Art) is a cultural gem, while the Museo del Noreste sheds light on the city's rich heritage. Art lovers will find inspiration at every turn. Music and dance are integral to Monterrey's identity. Join in the lively folkloric performances or immerse yourself in the electrifying rhythms of traditional and modern music. The Cervantino Festival showcases the best of the region's artistic talents. Monterrey is a shopper's delight, with upscale malls, bustling markets, and designer boutiques. Find unique souvenirs, handcrafted textiles, and stylish fashion items to take home as a memento of your trip. For those who crave adventure, the nearby Grutas de García beckon with ancient caves and awe-inspiring rock formations. Explore the subterranean wonders that have captivated visitors for centuries. Monterrey's people are known for their warmth and hospitality, ensuring your visit is not just a journey through a new city, but a genuine cultural experience. So, set your sights on Monterrey and let this city in northern Mexico reveal its charms to you. Your adventure begins in Monterrey, where tradition, nature, and modernity combine to create an unforgettable tapestry of experiences!

Host City / Monterrey, Mexico
Venue / Estadio Tecnologico
Hosts / Eva Longoria and Eduardo Verastegui

Participating countries / 33
Debuting countries / None
Returning countries / Croatia, Iceland, Italy, Macedonia and South Korea
Withdrawing countries / Australia, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Slovenia and Sweden

Debuting players / Krikor for Italy and Maryan for Macedonia

Returning Artists

David Fonseca / for Portugal / Global Music Champion

Chenoa / once for Spain and Andorra / her best result being 17th
Within Temptation / for Netherlands / Bronze Medallists

Laura Pausini / for Italy / placing 18th
Natalia Kukulska / for Poland / not qualifying for the final
Shayne Ward / for United Kingdom / placing 5th
Tamta / for Greece / placing 5th
Weird Al Yankovic / for United States / placing 28th

The Result

Countries receiving most 12 points / Italy, 5
Countries giving 12 points to the winner / Italy and Monaco
Countries receiving points from most juries / Germany and Israel, 18
Highest placing country not scoring a top mark / Denmark in 7th place with 10 points from Croatia as highest mark
Lowest placing country scoring a top mark / Croatia in 23rd place getting 12 points from Bosnia-Herzegovina

Again it was a close voting with 4 countries scoring more than 100 points. In the end the United Kingdom had collected the most points and was crowned champion. Italy made a splashy comeback, taking the silver, and the bronze wendt to Germany, while Canada and Israel rounded out the top 5.

United Kingdom debuted in GM03 and took home the bronze with Sugarbabes on their first attempt. In the following editions, the UK ended up in the top 10 in about half of them, though no other medals were obtained. They thus opted for a break and returned in GM18 with Taslim as new HoD. And in just his second participation he took Des'ree all the way to the top of the podium. Following a few other top 10 results, he now claims United Kingdom's second gold medal - this time with a male solo artist, Shayne Ward. Well done United Kingdom, Shayne Ward and Taslim!