The First Eurovision Song Contest: May 24, 1956

On May 24, 1956, the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest was held in Lugano, Switzerland. This event marked the beginning of what would become one of the world’s longest-running and most-watched international music competitions.

Background

The Eurovision Song Contest was conceived by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) as a means to unite European countries through a shared television experience, fostering cultural exchange and cooperation in the post-World War II era. The idea was inspired by the Sanremo Music Festival in Italy and aimed to leverage the burgeoning medium of television to bring nations together.

The Event

• Location: The first contest took place at the Teatro Kursaal in Lugano, Switzerland.
• Participants: Seven countries participated in the inaugural event: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Each country was allowed to submit two songs, making a total of 14 entries.
• Format: Unlike later contests, the 1956 event did not have a public voting system. Instead, a jury from each participating country voted for their favorite songs, excluding their own entries.

The Winner

• Winning Country: Switzerland
• Winning Song: “Refrain”
• Performer: Lys Assia
• Composer: Géo Voumard
• Lyricist: Émile Gardaz

Lys Assia’s performance of “Refrain” secured Switzerland’s victory, making her the first-ever winner of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Significance and Legacy

The 1956 Eurovision Song Contest laid the groundwork for what would become a significant cultural event in Europe and beyond. Over the years, the contest has grown to include over 40 countries, expanding beyond Europe to include nations such as Australia. It has launched the careers of numerous artists, including ABBA and Celine Dion, and has become a platform for showcasing diverse musical styles and cultural expressions.

The contest’s format has evolved significantly since 1956, with changes in voting systems, the introduction of semi-finals, and the incorporation of televoting. Despite these changes, the core mission of promoting unity and cultural exchange through music remains unchanged.

The Eurovision Song Contest continues to be a symbol of European cooperation and creativity, attracting millions of viewers worldwide each year.