Hungary was represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 1997 with the song "Miért kell, hogy elmenj?", composed by Viktor Rakonczai, with lyrics by Krisztina Bokor Fekete, and performed by the band V.I.P.. The Hungarian participating broadcaster, Magyar Televízió (MTV), selected its entry through a national final.

Before Eurovision

National final

Magyar Televízió (MTV) held the national final on 28 February 1997 at its television studios in Budapest, hosted by István Vágó. 19 songs took part with the winner being chosen by voting from five regional juries, who each awarded 10-7-5-3-1 to their top five songs.

At Eurovision

Heading into the final of the contest, RTÉ reported that bookmakers ranked the entry 8th out of the 25 entries. On the night of the final V.I.P. performed 19th in the running order, following and preceding. At the close of voting "Miért kell, hogy elmenj?" had picked up 39 points, placing Hungary joint 12th (with ) of the 25 entries. The Hungarian jury awarded its 12 points to contest winners the United Kingdom.

Voting