Switzerland in the Eurovision Song Contest Switzerland in the Eurovision Song Contest Switzerland has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 59 times since making its debut at the first contest in , missing only four contests, in 1995, 1999, 2001 and 2003. Switzerland hosted the first contest in 1956 in Lugano, and won it. Switzerland won the contest again in 1988, with the contest being held in Lausanne. Lys Assia won the first contest in 1956 with the song "Refrain". She returned to place second in . Switzerland would go on to finish second with Esther Ofarim () and Daniela Simmons () and third with Franca
Eurovision Song Contest 1988 as part of Milk and Honey returned to Eurovision as backing singers for Yardena Arazi, who represented the country in 1976 as part of the group Chocolat, Menta, Mastik. Arazi had hosted the contest in 1979, Portugal's Dora represented the country in 1986, Sweden's Tommy Körberg represented the country in 1969, and Turkey's MFÖ represented the country in 1985. Below is a summary of all 12 points in the final: The size of the national juries changed this year from 11 to 16 members, and this lasted until 1997. Eurovision Song Contest 1988 The Eurovision Song Contest 1988 was the