The 2010 entry for Slovakia, which failed to qualify to the final
Similar to The Curse of Number Two, the Curse of Green is another "curse" in the Eurovision Song Contest that involves the colour green being used on stage or worn by the performer.
Usually, but not in all situations, the performer fails to do well, doesn't qualify for the final or becomes the unlucky recipient of the Barbara Dex Award (from 1997 to 2021).
The source of this curse originates outside of Eurovision. In theatre, wearing green is also considered unlucky. This rumour is said to originate from 17th Century France, when actor Moliere, who was wearing green, died on-stage during a performance of "La malade imaginarie", known in English as "The Hypochondriac".
The 1968 contest was the first to be broadcast in colour, so any participants prior to that year are unknown to have worn green on the night of their performance or have green on the stage.
Katja Ebstein of Germany in 1970 is the first recorded participant to suffer the Curse of Green, whereas Alvan & Ahez of France are the most recent. They finished second last in the 2022 contest while including green lights in their performance.
Notable aversions would include Tamara Todevska in 2019, Käärijä in 2023 and Baby Lasagna in 2024. While these artistes included green in their outfits/staging, they managed to top the jury or the televote and give their country their highest-scoring entries to date.