Who Came First in Eurovision?
Determining “who came first” in Eurovision depends on how you define “first.” Do you mean the very first winner of the competition? Or the first winner from a specific country? Let’s break it down.
The Inaugural Eurovision Winner
The first-ever Eurovision Song Contest, then known as the “Grand Prix Eurovision de la Chanson Européenne,” took place on May 24, 1956, in Lugano, Switzerland. Only seven countries participated, each submitting two songs. The winner was Lys Assia representing Switzerland with the song “Refrain.”
Therefore, if you’re asking who was the very first winner in the history of the Eurovision Song Contest, the answer is Lys Assia of Switzerland with “Refrain” in 1956. It’s important to remember that the contest’s format and rules have changed considerably since then. In that first year, jury members were even allowed to vote for their own country’s entries – a practice long since abandoned!
First Winners from Specific Countries
Of course, each participating country has its own history with Eurovision, and for many, knowing their nation’s first win is of great interest. For example:
- France: André Claveau won in 1958 with “Dors, mon amour.”
- United Kingdom: Sandie Shaw won in 1967 with “Puppet on a String.”
- Spain: Salomé won in 1969 with “Vivo cantando” (tied with three other countries).
- Greece: Helena Paparizou won in 2005 with “My Number One.”
Each country’s journey to their first Eurovision victory is a unique story, often involving multiple attempts, varying musical styles, and a lot of national pride. Eurovision is more than just a song contest; it’s a cultural phenomenon deeply intertwined with national identity.
In Conclusion
So, while Lys Assia and Switzerland hold the title of the very first Eurovision winners, the meaning of “first” is multifaceted when considering individual countries and their achievements within the competition. The question of “who came first” ultimately depends on the context.