Runner-up: Switzerland 1958

There are so many things you can say about Lys Assia and Eurovision. She is the first ever winner, of course, but she was also the first internationally established star to take part in this new song contest.

She is also a steady presence, wanting to represent her country again as recently as in 2012. She has been a guest of honour at more ESC editions than even Johnny Logan.

She is one of only four acts to have competed three years in a row.

What people tend to acknowledge less often is that Lys also earned the title as First Lady of Bonkers. Her 1958 entry "Giorgio" is the first really quirky entry to find success in the contest, showing the audience it wasn't necessary to stay calm and composed at any cost.

In a furious tempo, Lys makes her way through the lyrics in a mix of German and Italian, telling the story of a heated meeting by Lago Maggiore between herself and her latin lover where they eat and drink and possibly engage is some other activity as well. Eurovision had never seen a woman as easy as this one and for most of the voting it looked like she'd bag a second victory.

A deserved 2nd place?
Yes. Funny, original and rather risqué for its time. Wouldn't have been a particularly useful winner but is the first wonderful proof that you can be totally crazy in Eurovision and get away with it.



Lys Assia - Giorgio (Switzerland 1958)