Switzerland in Eurovision Song Contest Odds
Switzerland has been part of the Eurovision Song Contest since it first began in 1956 with the exception of the years 1995, 1999, 2001 and 2003. This year will be no exception because Switzerland will once again be represented by the Swiss group Heilsarmee. The group is made up of six Salvation Army soldiers.
The group won the final with the song “You and Me” by online selection televoting. They won on December 15th, 2012 but two days later were told they would have to change both their name and their uniforms for the Eurovision Song Contest 2013 since the name of their group stands for Salvation Amy in German. The rules of the contest state there is no room for political content in the song contest.
Even though the group has one song out, they have not yet released an album. Their song “You and I” hit the Swiss Music charts at #21.
The Swiss group consists of Michael Sterckx, Christoph Jakob, Jonas Gygax, Katharina Hauri, Sarah Breiter and 94-year old Emil Ramsauer. Christoph is the lead vocalist, Sarah, who is the youngest of the group at age 20, sings vocals, Jonas plays electric guitar, Katharina sings backup vocals and plays timpani, Michael plays trombone and Emil plays contrabass.
The group will enter the contest and have to make it through to the first semi finals on May 14th in order to compete in the finals on May 18th.
Switzerland did not go to the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2007 - 2010 or 2012, but 2011.
Odds on Eurovision Song Contest 2013: Will Switzerland qualify for the final?