Geneva has signalled it’s intent to host the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest with the launch of a task force to assess the city’s suitability to host the contest.
Geneva’s taskforce
The announcement regarding a potential bid from Geneva comes shortly after SRG SSR revealed its timeline on the selection process for deciding next year’s host. Swiss cities have until the end of June to submit a formal bid to Switzerland’s public service broadcaster, with a decision set to be made in August.
The taskforce announced is comprised of three interest groups; the city government of Geneva, the cantonal government of Geneva, and Palexpo. The inclusion of the third party is suggestive that the desired hosting venue would be at the Palexpo exhibition centre as opposed to either of the two arenas in the city; the Geneva arena, and the Patinoire des Vernets. At the time of publishing no Swiss city has formally declared their intent to bid to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
Switzerland’s Eurovision Journey
Switzerland both hosted and debuted in the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest in 1956. Their first participation was successful, as they won with Lys Assia’s “Refrain”. Since then, they have participated on 63 occasions, making the Grand Final 52 times.
Switzerland’s most recent participation saw them being represented by Nemo with their song “The Code”. Performing in the second semi-final, they qualified for the Grand Final for a fifth consecutive participation. At the end of voting in the final, it was revealed Switzerland had won the Contest. Nemo scored 365 points with the national juries, as well as 226 points with the televote. The overall winning score for “The Code” was 591 points. This win marks Switzerland’s third win in the contest following on from Lys Assia in 1956 and Celine Dion in 1988.
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News Source: Tribune De Geneve
Photo Credit: Wikimedia / Becks
Giwrgos Oiko