In 2020, he was supposed to represent Switzerland at Eurovision. For that opportunity, he co-wrote the song “Respondez-Moi” which turned out into one of the fan favourites of Eurovision 2020. Of course, the contest got cancelled, but fortunately Switzerland gave Gjon a new chance next year.
Looking for a new song
The Swiss broadcaster started the search for a new Eurovision song already back in May after Gjon got announced as their candidate for 2021. SRG SSR opened the submissions and set up songwriting sessions with Gjon + songwriters from in and outside Switzerland. A few months later, Gjon finally made his choice as he announced on his Instagram stories. What kind of song do you expect to hear? Details about when we will get to hear the song haven’t been revealed yet.
Switzerland’s Eurovision journey
Together with six other countries, Switzerland debuted in the very first Eurovisionof 1956. They didn’t have to wait long for a win, as they immediatly took the trophy that year. Lys Assia represented Switzerland in 1956 with “Refrain” and managed to win the first Eurovision edition ever. Since then, Switzerland participated in every edition apart from 1995, 1999, 2001 and 2003. So, Gjon’s Tears and “Repondez-Moi” would have been the 60th entry of the country. After their first win in 1956, it took them 32 years to get a second one. In 1988, Lys Assia finally got a successor, none other than Céline Dion. In 2019, Switzerland managed to qualifiy for the final for the first time since 2014. Luca Hänni and “She Got Me” were the lucky charm of the Swiss people.
Are you excited for Gjon’s new Eurovision entry? Make sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify and YouTube to see our reactions to the news in the run up to Rotterdam!