No entirely instrumental composition has ever been allowed in Eurovision contests . Norway won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1995 with a song focused on its instrumentals , but was eligible for participation because some lyrics ( 22 words in total ) were added . Latvia performed their act a cappella in 2006 , as did Belgium in 2011 . Norway 's entry in the 2010 Contest , and Austria 's 2011 in the contest started a cappella but then the instruments started as well . Live music has been banned in Eurovision performances since 1998 . This rule remains to this day
Eurovision Song Contest in 1995
Eurovision Song Contest 1995
Rules of the Eurovision Song Contest