The Eurovision Song Contest 2010 was the 55th edition held at the Telenor Arena in Oslo, Norway. The semis took place on 25 and 27 May 2010 with the final on 29 May 2010. The show was hosted by Nadia Hasnaoui, Haddy N'jie and Erik Solbakken.
With the success of the debut of the split jury/televote voting system in the previous year's final, it would become the system that would not only choose the winner in the final, but also choose the ten qualifiers from each of the two semi-finals. 39 countries took part, Georgia returned after their one-year absence. Andorra, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Montenegro all withdrew.
This year's contest is best known for giving birth to an Internet phenomenon: Moldova's song proved to be extremely popular with fans and went viral due to a saxophone solo by Sunstroke Project member Sergey Stepanov, who would earn the nickname "Epic Sax Guy".
It was also the final contest for then Executive Supervisor Svante Stockselius. Jon Ola Sand, who was the executive producer of the 2010 contest, would go on to be his successor.
The contest was won by Germany, who had waited 28 years since their last win back in 1982 and became the first Big Four nation to win since the rule was introduced back in 2000. The winning song was Satellite performed by Lena.
Participants[]
Semi-Final 1[]
France, 
Germany and 
Spain voted in this semi. It was held on 25 May 2010.
Semi-Final 2[]
Norway and 
United Kingdom voted in this semi. It was held on 27 May 2010.
Grand Final[]
All countries voted. It was held on 29 May 2010
Trivia[]
- This was the first (and so far only) time in the semifinal era that Sweden did not qualify to the grand final.
- In order to be able to pay for the event, NRK sold its rights to broadcast the 2010 World Cup.
- During pre-production, there was a proposal to return the orchestra, but it was ultimately turned down.
- During Spain's performance, the stage was invaded by Spanish streaker Jaume Marquet i Cot, better known as Jimmy Jump. After being chased by security, Daniel Diges was allowed to perform the song again after all other songs had been performed.
- This was the last time Portugal made it to the grand final until 2017.
- In addition, it was the last time Israel qualified until 2015.
