Oldest Eurovision Song Contest winner

Dave Benton (Estonia; b. Efrén Benita, Aruba, 31 January 1951) won the 46th Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) on 12 May 2001 at the age of 50 years 101 days. “Everybody”, performed by Benton alongside Tanel Padar and the backing group 2XL (now known as Soul Militia), notched up 198 points at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, Denmark, as Estonia secured their only ESC win to date (from 29 attempts since 1994).

Benton’s earlier musical accomplishments include stints as a drummer and backing vocalist for artists such as The Drifters, Tom Jones, Billy Ocean and José Feliciano.

Olsen Brothers (Jørgen, b. 15 March 1950, and Niels, b. 13 April 1954), representing Denmark, won the ESC in Stockholm, Sweden, on 13 May 2000 with “Fly on the Wings of Love” at the ages of 50 years 59 days and 46 years 30 days, respectively. Jørgen’s record as the oldest contest winner lasted almost exactly a year.