He’s often referred to as Mister Eurovision, and for good reason—Johnny Logan is the only artist to have won the Eurovision Song Contest three times: twice as a performer and once (correction: twice!) as a songwriter.

Looking back at your long career, what are you most proud of, and what keeps inspiring you?

“I’m, of course, very proud of my three Eurovision wins. But I’m also proud of how I’ve evolved—as a songwriter, a performer, and as a person. Longevity in the music industry doesn’t come from luck; it comes from real talent, discipline, and a genuine love for your audience. Beyond Eurovision, there have been many important moments in my career that have reignited my passion for music every time it started to fade.”

Still, your Eurovision legacy stands out—you’re the only person to have won three times (twice as a singer, once as a songwriter)…

“Actually, I need to make a small correction here: I wrote ‘Hold Me Now’ and ‘Why Me,’ and I performed both ‘What’s Another Year’ and ‘Hold Me Now.’ So technically, I’ve won Eurovision twice as a songwriter and twice as a performer. That’s something I’m very proud of.”

‘What’s Another Year’ and ‘Hold Me Now’ are considered Eurovision classics. What do you think made them resonate so deeply with audiences across Europe?

“I think they became classics because they’re great songs—even beyond the Eurovision context—and because they were written straight from the heart. There was no formula behind them. They touched people because they were authentic, and that allowed listeners to relate to them on a personal level.”

Do you still follow Eurovision? How do you feel about how the contest has changed since your first appearance?

“Last year, I performed a cover of Loreen’s ‘Euphoria’ during the first semi-final, so I got to experience the excitement and drama of the contest from the inside once again. It’s evolved a lot since the ‘80s and ‘90s—it now feels more like The X Factor or The Voice. There’s no live orchestra anymore, and I think most contestants these days are aiming for career exposure and fame.

When I first took part, just being chosen to represent my country was an honor; winning was the cherry on top. That said, the music industry has changed dramatically over the years—maybe I’m still a bit stuck in the past.”

Former Irish Grand Prix winner Johnny Logan performs during the dress rehearsal for the first semifinal at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, Monday, May 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Greece has had some memorable entries in the last 20 years, especially the 2005 win with ‘My Number One.’ Have any recent Greek entries stood out to you?

“I can’t name a specific Greek entry off the top of my head, but I will say that Greece consistently maintains a very high standard when choosing its songs for Eurovision.”

Based on your experience, what advice would you give to artists thinking about entering the contest today?

“I’m not sure I’m the best person to give advice, but if I had to, I’d say: be authentic. People all over the world are more alike than we think. We all love, struggle, face loss, and endure hardship. Write and perform something that speaks to those shared human experiences.

Alternatively—if you’re not going for heartfelt—then come up with the boldest, most eccentric concept you can, and commit to it fully.”

From 1980 to 2025: The Legacy of Johnny Logan

Johnny Logan, born Seán Patrick Michael Sherrard on May 13, 1954, in Victoria, Australia, is an Irish singer, composer, and musician best known as one of Eurovision’s greatest champions. He is one of only two artists to have won Eurovision twice as a lead performer—the other being Sweden’s Loreen.

Logan’s first win came in 1980 with “What’s Another Year,” which topped the charts in eight countries. His second victory followed in 1987 with “Hold Me Now,” a major hit in Ireland, Israel, Belgium, and ten other countries.

In addition to performing, Logan has twice composed entries for fellow Irish Eurovision contestant Linda Martin: “Terminal 3” (1984), which finished second, and “Why Me?” (1992), which won the contest. That makes him one of only five people to have written two winning Eurovision songs.

Over the past three decades, Logan has remained active in the music world, releasing albums like “Endless Emotion” (1999) and “The Irish Connection” (2007), while also performing regularly at concerts and festivals—maintaining his enduring popularity across Europe.