As Eurovision 2026 approaches, fans look back at the songs that achieved the highest scores in the modern voting era. Since 2016, when jury and televote points began being announced separately, Eurovision totals have reached record-breaking heights. These are the 10 highest-scoring songs of all time under the current system — performances that redefined the contest.

With Eurovision 2026 getting closer, the excitement is not only about this year’s contenders. Every season, fans return to the performances that broke records and pushed the scoreboard to new extremes. Since 2016, when Eurovision introduced the split voting system separating jury and televote points, the final results have become more dramatic than ever. The new format created bigger swings, emotional turnarounds, and totals that once seemed impossible.

Under this system, a song can dominate both professional juries and the public — or rely heavily on one side to create a shocking late surge. That shift transformed the contest and produced some of the highest scores in Eurovision history. Here are the ten entries that achieved the biggest totals in the modern era.

At the top stands Salvador Sobral, who represented Portugal in 2017 with “Amar pelos dois.” He achieved a record-breaking 758 points — the highest score ever recorded under the current voting system. His performance was intimate and emotional, standing out in a year filled with large-scale productions. He received 30 sets of 12 points overall, including 18 from juries and 12 from televoters. That night gave Portugal its first Eurovision victory and reshaped expectations about what kind of song can win.

Second on the list is “Stefania” by Kalush Orchestra, which won Eurovision 2022 for Ukraine with 631 points. The televote played a decisive role that year, awarding the group 28 sets of 12 points. Juries added five more. The dramatic scoreboard reveal created one of the most powerful moments in recent Eurovision history and showed how influential public voting can be.

Kristian Kostov’s “Beautiful Mess” from Bulgaria in 2017 ranks third with 615 points. Although he finished second overall, his score remains one of the highest ever recorded for a runner-up. His performance earned 11 sets of 12 points and proved that 2017 was one of the strongest competitive years of the modern era.

Switzerland’s Nemo secured victory in 2024 with “The Code,” collecting 591 points. Juries were especially supportive, awarding 19 sets of 12 points. The televote contributed enough to guarantee a clear win. The result once again highlighted how decisive jury backing can be.

Loreen returned to Eurovision in 2023 with “Tattoo” and made history by winning again, scoring 583 points. Juries awarded her 340 points, including 15 sets of 12 points, while the public vote confirmed her dominance. Her second victory cemented her place among the contest’s legends.

Croatia’s Baby Lasagna nearly won in 2024 with “Rim Tim Tagi Dim,” finishing with 546 points. In many other years, that score would have secured first place. The performance combined theatrical staging with high energy, earning strong support from both juries and viewers.

Jamala’s “1944,” which won Eurovision 2016 for Ukraine, was the first champion of the split voting era. She secured 534 points, earning 17 sets of 12 points. Her emotionally charged performance established an early benchmark for high modern scores.

Netta delivered Israel’s 2018 victory with “Toy,” scoring 529 points. With 13 sets of 12 points, the song stood out for its originality and playful staging. It proved that Eurovision rewards bold creativity.

Finland’s Käärijä became a televote sensation in 2023 with “Cha Cha Cha,” collecting 526 points. Although he finished second, his 18 sets of 12 points from viewers created one of the most explosive public voting moments of recent years.

Completing the top ten is Italy’s Måneskin with “Zitti e buoni,” which won Eurovision 2021 with 524 points. Their rock performance brought a fresh energy to the contest and helped launch the band to international fame.

These record-breaking totals are more than just numbers. They represent nights filled with tension, surprise, and unforgettable performances. From emotional ballads to bold pop and rock statements, each of these entries pushed Eurovision to new heights.

As Eurovision 2026 approaches, these milestones serve as reminders of how high the bar has been set. Any new contender dreaming of victory must now measure themselves against these historic scoreboard giants.