Top 10 Swiss Eurovision Songs of All Time: Switzerland’s Greatest ESC Moments

Switzerland has had a rich and diverse history at the Eurovision Song Contest. As the first-ever winner in 1956, the country has been part of some of the most iconic moments in ESC history. From soaring ballads to energetic pop anthems, Swiss artists have showcased their musical talent on the Eurovision stage for nearly seven decades.

In this article, we take a nostalgic journey through Switzerland’s Eurovision highlights, ranking the top 10 Swiss entries of all time based on impact, performance, and legacy.

🎤 10. Takasa – “You and Me” (2013, 13th in Semi-Final)

Switzerland’s 2013 entry was unique for many reasons. Takasa, a group featuring the oldest-ever Eurovision participant (95-year-old Emil Ramsauer), delivered the uplifting song “You and Me”. While it failed to qualify for the Grand Final, the song had a charming message of unity and positivity.

🎵 Why it’s memorable: The band’s connection with the Salvation Army and its heartwarming backstory made this an entry to remember.

🎤 9. Francine Jordi – “Dans le jardin de mon âme” (2002, 22nd Place)

This French-language ballad by Francine Jordi is a hidden Eurovision gem. Though it didn’t achieve a high ranking, the song was beautifully performed and remains a fan favorite among Swiss Eurovision enthusiasts.

🎵 Why it’s memorable: A classic, elegant ballad that showcased Switzerland’s continued commitment to French-language entries.

🎤 8. Peter, Sue & Marc – “Djambo, Djambo” (1976, 4th Place)

Peter, Sue & Marc were Eurovision legends for Switzerland, having represented the country four times (1971, 1976, 1979, and 1981). Their 1976 entry, “Djambo, Djambo,” was a catchy, folk-inspired song that secured a strong 4th-place finish.

🎵 Why it’s memorable: This group’s ability to switch between languages and musical styles made them one of Switzerland’s most versatile Eurovision acts.

🎤 7. Vanilla Ninja – “Cool Vibes” (2005, 8th Place)

Estonian pop-rock girl group Vanilla Ninja represented Switzerland in 2005 with “Cool Vibes”, a dark, dramatic entry that stood out for its edgy style. The song’s mysterious atmosphere and strong vocals earned it 8th place, making it one of Switzerland’s better modern results.

🎵 Why it’s memorable: The rock-infused ballad brought a fresh, dynamic energy to Switzerland’s Eurovision history.

🎤 6. Luca Hänni – “She Got Me” (2019, 4th Place)

Swiss pop sensation Luca Hänni broke Switzerland’s 15-year dry spell by taking the country back to the Top 5 in 2019. His infectious Latin-inspired hit, “She Got Me,” was packed with energy, charisma, and slick choreography, making it one of the biggest dance anthems of the year.

🎵 Why it’s memorable: It showed that Switzerland could compete with modern pop hits and thrive in a televote-heavy competition.

🎤 5. Piero Esteriore & The MusicStars – “Celebrate” (2004, 22nd in Semi-Final)

While “Celebrate” holds the unfortunate record of receiving zero points in the semi-finals, it remains a fascinating piece of Swiss Eurovision history. The upbeat pop song had a feel-good energy, but it struggled to stand out in a tough competition.

🎵 Why it’s memorable: Even though it ended in disaster, it’s still talked about as one of Switzerland’s most infamous Eurovision moments.

🎤 4. Gjon’s Tears – “Tout l’univers” (2021, 3rd Place)

After the disappointment of Eurovision 2020 being canceled, Gjon’s Tears returned in 2021 with “Tout l’univers”, an emotional, cinematic ballad that stunned audiences. With his haunting falsetto and breathtaking performance, he secured Switzerland’s best result in over 25 years.

🎵 Why it’s memorable: The intense emotion and artistry made this one of Switzerland’s most beloved modern entries.

🎤 3. Lys Assia – “Refrain” (1956, 1st Place)

Switzerland will always be remembered as the very first winner of the Eurovision Song Contest in 1956. Lys Assia’s “Refrain” was a beautiful, classic chanson that captured the elegance of the era.

🎵 Why it’s memorable: As the first-ever Eurovision winner, “Refrain” is a historic landmark in music history.

🎤 2. Céline Dion – “Ne partez pas sans moi” (1988, 1st Place)

Before becoming a global superstar, Céline Dion won Eurovision 1988 for Switzerland with the powerful ballad “Ne partez pas sans moi”. It was a tight victory—she won by just one point over the UK—but her phenomenal voice and stage presence sealed the deal.

🎵 Why it’s memorable: This performance launched Céline Dion’s international career and remains one of the most iconic Eurovision winners of all time.

🎤 1. Nemo – “The Code” (2024, 1st Place)

In 2024, Switzerland made history once again when Nemo won Eurovision with “The Code”, an experimental opera-meets-electronic pop masterpiece. The song’s powerful message about self-acceptance and its genre-defying sound made it a standout moment in ESC history.

🎵 Why it’s memorable: Switzerland’s first Eurovision victory in 36 years and a game-changing entry for the contest itself.

Switzerland’s Eurovision Legacy

From classic ballads to contemporary pop bangers, Switzerland has shown that it can adapt to changing music trends while still maintaining a unique national identity at Eurovision. With two Eurovision wins and multiple Top 5 finishes, Switzerland continues to be a strong contender in the competition.

With Zoe Më representing Switzerland at Eurovision 2025, will she be the next name to add to this list? Time will tell!