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
The Prayer (Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli song) Camelot", the second win in a row for a Celine Dion song. In that film, Dion sang it as a solo with slightly different lyrics. It was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1999 and a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals in 2000. Dion performed it with Bocelli at both ceremonies. It was also featured on Dion's compilation "The Collector's Series, Volume One" (2000) and greatest hits "" (2008). A re-recorded solo version by Celine Dion (renamed "A Mother's Prayer") appeared on her 2004 album "Miracle". Dion performed "The Prayer" live during