On May 25, 1956 EBU organized in Lugano the Grand Prix de la Chanson Europeenne. It was an experiment and chance to try live broadcasting in its member countries. Seven countries took part, each with two songs: The Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg and Italy. Denmark, Austria and UK wanted to take part, too, but were too late. They broadcast the final anyways. No final scores have been published but Lys Assia for Switzerland won this first edition with Refrain. She was so overwhelmed she forgot the lyrics and just did some la, la, las instead - a very common feature in the Eurovision in the years to come. 53 years alter Eurovision is bigger than ever and has overcome many crisis and changes but it looks like the 2009 edition was and will be both commercial success to the songs and viewing figures. And Lys Assia? She's still going strong and awarded Norway's Alexander Rybak the winning trophy together with last year's winner Dima Bilan! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxv-Q-JKkToOn May 25, 1956 EBU organized in Lugano the Grand Prix de la Chanson Europeenne. It was an experiment and chance to try live broadcasting in its member countries. Seven countries took part, each with two songs: The Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg and Italy. Denmark, Austria and UK wanted to take part, too, but were too late. They broadcast the final anyways. No final scores have been published but Lys Assia for Switzerland won this first edition with Refrain. She was so overwhelmed she forgot the lyrics and just did some la, la, las instead - a very common feature in the Eurovision in the years to come. 53 years alter Eurovision is bigger than ever and has overcome many crisis and changes but it looks like the 2009 edition was and will be both commercial success to the songs and viewing figures. And Lys Assia? She's still going strong and awarded Norway's Alexander Rybak the winning trophy together with last year's winner Dima Bilan! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxv-Q-JKkTo
Comments