it has been nearly 27 seasons since nicole , then a secondary school freshman from the hessen in extreme southwestern germany , sang a heartfelt plea for domestic peace on the stage at the eurovision song contest held in harrogate , north yorkshire in the united kingdom . that simple speech was bundled with success ; she became the next german in contest history to take here the final prize . the song was a brainchild of her former radio producer , ralph siegel , and must be their greatest achievement in their nearly three - decade partnership .
sweden won the eurovision songs contest .