Eurovision's first ever winner Lys Assia talks to Deutsche Welle

The first ever Eurovision Song Contest took place in Lugano, Switzerland on May 24th 1956 and was a far cry from the bright, tinsely event we know today.

Few European countries had television in those days so the event was geared for radio, only seven countries took part with each performing two songs and the jury members sat in the audience and voted in situ.

The first winner, for host nation Switzerland, was Swiss singer Lys Assia. Then 30, her ballad "Refrain" impressed the jury. She walked off with the first trophy and into the history books as Eurovision's first victor.

Fast forward 55 years, and it's almost as though time has stood still for the now 86-year-old Assia. She is bright, sprightly and still as glamorous as ever and at the red carpet reception as Düsseldorf's Esprit Arena spoke to Deutsche Welle.

Deutsche Welle: Lys, what do you remember about the first ever Eurovision?

Lys Assia: Well it's a long time ago but of course there were only seven countries and we sang along to a very nice orchestra. Everything was live of course. And I never got an award. We didn't know at that time if it would come back again the next year, you see. I think it's fantastic that we still have Eurovision.

How would you compare Eurovision today with the contest you sang at in 1956?

Well from a technical point of view you just can't compare it really. Everything was live in my day. Maybe now it's a bit more rehearsed. But I still think it's the best show in Europe and entertaining for young and old.

What do you think of Lena's song, "Taken by a Stranger"? Do you like it?

Yes, of course. It's very good.

What do you think about this idea that Germany has sent Lena again to Eurovision?

Well, of course, I wasn't only at Eurovision in 1956 you know. I went back in 1957 and 1958. That was normal in those days but of course that's a long time ago. But with Lena, yes I think it's a good idea. Why not?

What about your winning song, "Refrain", what do you think about when you hear that today?

Oh, it's still a lovely song. I still have it in my repertoire. I sing it in several languages. I still think it's lovely although it belongs to another era of course.

What does Eurovision mean to you?

I think it's fantastic that it's still going on. The idea in the beginning was to open these doors, get people to know each other and understand the cultures of the individual countries. And that was important then and it still is now. I think it's wonderful.

Are you going to party tonight after the final?

Yes, of course. We've been partying all week!

Interview: Gavin Blackburn, Lavinia Pitu
Editor: Rick Fulker