2007: The Winner

MARIJA ŠERIFOVIĆ WITH "MOLITVA" FOR SERBIA

PHOTO: Reuters/Sari Gustafsson/LEHTIKUVA

It's amazing when a great song wins and this is a GREAT song. "A Prayer (trans. from Serbian)" is a powerful ballad. The first and last ballad to win since televoting was introduced in the late 90s. This win was also the first and last song to win without any English lyrics since 1998. It was proof that looks don't matter and you don't need any gimmicks to win the Eurovision Song Contest. All you need is the perfect song with the perfect performer.

I watched the final of the 2007 contest with a group of Slavs. From Poland to Slovenia, we joked through most of the songs. It wasn't until Marija came on that everyone stopped and paid attention. The Slovenian girl announced "Wow, the lyrics are really good." Even with my own basic understanding of Slavic languages, I could grasp the plea for a prayer in the song. It's so powerfully performed. Her voice makes you listen. There was no question in my mind that this song would win the final and it won by a landslide!

Semi-Final Score: 298 pts (1st place out of 28)

Final Score: 268 pts (1st place out of 24)

Written by Beqa Jafaridze & Bibi Kvachadze.

Final Performance:

Music Video: