We know a lot about Eurovision and we want to share this knowledge with you! Therefore we’d like to bring you a blast from the past. Today: singers from six different countries coming together.
Switzerland in the Eurovision Song Contest
Switzerland participates in the Eurovision Song Contest since the very first moment, in 1956. They even organized the first contest, in the Teatro Kursaal in Lugano. They also won this contest in their own country. Lys Assia gained the first prize with her song “Refrain”. Lys took part twice after this, but didn’t win again. Until she passed away in 2018, she has been a welcome guest in the contest.
The second, and last, Swiss victory was in 1988. Also this singer is not quite a nobody: it’s Celine Dion. Only famous in the French speaking countries in those days, the Canadian singer won for Switzerland with her song “Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi”. A year later, she was the guest of honour in the contest. She sang “Where Does My Heart Beat Now”, which became her first worldwide hit.
Although the country won only twice, Switzerland has a history with many top-5 places. The most recent one was in 2021, when Gjon’s Tears became 3rd with “Tout l’Univers”, getting the highest amount of votes from the juries.
National final
On 22 July 2005, SRG SSR idée suisse started accepting song submissions from interested composers, with the deadline set for 14th of October 2005. By 14th of December, it was revealed that the song chosen to represent Switzerland in Athens was penned by Ralph Siegel and Bernd Meinunger. The song’s selection process involved a jury made up of members from Switzerland’s three major broadcasters: SF DRS (Swiss-German/Romansh), TSR (Swiss-French), and TSI (Swiss-Italian).
Between November 25-27 2005, auditions for the song’s performers were held at Munich’s Olympia Studios. Siegel, in collaboration with a panel from SF DRS, TSR, and RSI, picked six artists from six countries to form the group named six4one for the Eurovision competition. The chosen song, “If We All Give a Little,” was introduced to audiences on 18 March 2006 during the SF1 program, Benissimo.
Six4One
Six4One was formed specifically for the Eurovision Song Contest in 2006. The group’s name, which can be read as “six for one,” symbolized the unity of the six individual artists coming together for a single purpose, which was to represent Switzerland in the Eurovision Song Contest. Their members are:
Andreas Lundstedt
Andreas Lundstedt is a Swedish singer best known as a founding member of the pop group Alcazar. Born on May 20th, 1972, in Uppsala, Sweden, he embarked on a solo career in the 1990s, releasing several singles. Andreas gained widespread recognition with Alcazar’s disco-centric hits in the 2000s. Open about his HIV diagnosis, Andreas has been an advocate for destigmatizing the condition. His charisma and vocal prowess have secured his place in Swedish pop history.
Tinka Milinović
Tinka Milinović is a versatile Slovenian artist recognized for her endeavors in singing, television hosting, and acting. Born on September 18th, 1973, in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, she kickstarted her career in music before branching out into television. Tinka’s presence earned her various hosting gigs, including for popular Slovenian TV shows. Beyond music and TV, Milinović also ventured into the world of opera.
Claudia D’Addio
Claudia D’Addio is a Swiss singer who came into the limelight as a member of the band Six4One. Prior to her Eurovision stint, she was a participant in the third series of the reality show MusicStars in Switzerland, where she garnered attention for her vocal abilities. Post-Eurovision, Claudia continued her musical pursuits, but her presence in the mainstream media has been relatively limited. She remains a figure of interest in Swiss music circles.
Keith Camilleri
Keith Camilleri is a Maltese singer, most prominently recognized for his participation in the group Six4One. His versatile voice allowed him to experiment with various genres, cementing his place in the Maltese music scene. Besides Eurovision, Keith has been involved in local music events and productions in Malta. His commitment to his craft has made him a respected figure in Maltese entertainment. He took part in the Maltese preselections for the Eurovision Song Contest in 2004 and 2005.
Marco Matias
Marco Matias is a German singer of Portuguese origin. Born in Portugal, Marco showcased a penchant for music from a young age. His melodious voice and distinct style led him to explore various musical projects, both within Portugal and beyond. His involvement with Six4One was a significant milestone in his career, allowing him to connect with a wider audience. Outside of Eurovision, Marco’s contributions to the music scene are celebrated, especially in Portuguese-speaking circles. He participated in Internationalen Festival Jovem das Comunidades Portuguesas 2000 and in Die Deutsche Stimme 2003.
Liel Kolet
Liel Kolet is an Israeli singer who began her musical journey at a very young age. Born on July 11th, 1989, in Karmiel, Israel, she quickly gained recognition for her captivating voice and impactful performances. At just 14, Liel shared a stage with former U.S. President Bill Clinton, singing John Lennon’s “Imagine” in a peace rally. Her dedication to promoting peace through music led to collaborations with notable figures like Scorpions’ frontman Klaus Meine.
If We All Give A Little
“If we all Give A Little” was a typical Ralph Siegel ballad, with lyrics written by Bernd Meinunger. The song embodies a message of unity, peace, and understanding. As the title suggests, it emphasizes the power of collective effort, suggesting that even small contributions from everyone can lead to significant positive change. The lyrics speak to a global audience, urging cooperation and mutual support. In the contest, Switzerland was automatically placed for the final, due to a successful score in 2005. The song placed 16th in the final.
