The European Soundmix Show was an imitation talent competition held yearly from 1996 to 1999, with two special shows in 2001 and 2002. The show was an international version of Joop van den Ende's "Henny Huisman Soundmixshow", which was aired on Dutch television the first time in 1985. Various European countries competed with one participant each imitating a famous artist, and most often, the participant was the winner of the national competition the same or the previous year. Some participants were, however, chosen internally by the national television company, without any pre-selection. The winner was chosen by a jury vote. Every country sent two jury members, which together awarded their top-4 countries 5, 3, 2 and 1 points.