Not only has Switzerland been the first country to host the Eurovision Song Contest in Lugano 1956 - they also won the first competition with a song called "Refrain" sung by Lys Assia. Since then Switzerland always has been a strong contender in the contest - their biggest success probably being a No. 1 with "Ne partez pas sans moi" sung by Céline Dion in Dublin 1988. Since then she has become a superstar, highly acclaimed internationally. Besides that there were also other great entries like "Bonjour Bonjour" by Paola de Medico (Madrid 1969), "Swiss Lady" by The Pepe Lienhard Band (London 1977) or "Pas pour moi" ("Not For Me") sung by Daniela Simons (Bergen 1986).

It was in a TV-show called "Music Star" where Piero Esteriore & The Music Stars were chosen to represent Switzerland in the qualifying round with the song "Celebrate". Unfortunately there has been hardly any interest in this years contest by the Swiss viewers. Those who have been following the Contest on a regular base might have noticed that in recent years there've been Swiss contributions with some potential for international success. This doesn't count for the song with which the country will be represented this year on the international stage. The song sounds very old fashioned and not even in the 80s jury's would have been convinced by such an artificially happy tune. Switzerland's starting position on May 12th is third - we just hope that Europe won't switch off their TV's.