The stage is set for Switzerland at the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. Singer-songwriter Veronica Fusaro will represent the nation with her song, “Alice,” a track already familiar to fans as it’s featured on her recently released album, “Looking for Connection.” The announcement, confirmed by multiple sources, marks a second attempt for Fusaro, who previously vied for the Eurovision spot last year. As the competition draws nearer, anticipation is building to see if Switzerland can improve upon its tenth-place finish in 2025, achieved by Zoë Më with “Voyage.”
Fusaro, hailing from Thun, has steadily built a strong following through extensive live performances and a series of well-received albums. Her dedication to her craft has earned her recognition, including the Best Talent award from Swiss national radio SRF 3 in 2016. She’s no stranger to large stages, having opened for music legend Mark Knopfler at the Amphitheatre of Nîmes and performing at renowned festivals like Glastonbury, Montreux Jazz Festival, and Gurtenfestival. This experience will undoubtedly serve her well as she prepares to compete in the second semi-final, scheduled for May 14, 2026, in Vienna, Austria.
Veronica Fusaro’s Journey to Eurovision 2026
The selection of Fusaro and “Alice” wasn’t a spontaneous decision. According to EurovisionWorld, the Swiss broadcaster received a remarkable 493 song submissions. The final choice was a collaborative effort, combining public voting with the expertise of a jury, each holding a 50% weight in the overall result. This demonstrates a commitment to representing the diverse musical tastes of the Swiss public while also ensuring a high artistic standard. Fusaro herself expressed her excitement, stating, “I am extremely happy and honored to represent Switzerland at Eurovision. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share my music on a beautiful stage like that, with people from all over watching.”
The upcoming performance promises a visually striking presentation, with reports indicating that Fusaro will appear in a wedding dress during the music video. This artistic direction is being developed in collaboration with Fredrik “Benke” Rydman, a seasoned professional known for his work on several successful Eurovision entries, including “The Code” (Switzerland 2024), “Cha Cha Cha” (Finland 2023), and “Heroes” (Sweden 2015). Rydman’s involvement suggests a serious commitment to creating a memorable and impactful stage presence for Fusaro.
“Alice” and the “Looking for Connection” Album
“Alice” isn’t a brand-new composition created specifically for Eurovision; it’s an existing track from Fusaro’s album, “Looking for Connection,” which was released on October 24th. This approach is becoming increasingly common in Eurovision, allowing artists to showcase established work and connect with fans on a deeper level. The song’s inclusion on the album provides listeners with an opportunity to experience “Alice” within the context of Fusaro’s broader artistic vision. The album itself explores themes of connection, vulnerability, and self-discovery, offering a glimpse into the artist’s personal experiences and emotions.
While the song is confirmed, the official release date was set for March 11, 2026, allowing fans to fully immerse themselves in the track before the competition begins. This strategic timing allows for maximum exposure and builds anticipation for Fusaro’s performance. The release will be accompanied by the music video, offering a visual interpretation of the song’s themes and showcasing Fusaro’s artistic style.
Switzerland’s Eurovision History and Current Standing
Switzerland has a long and storied history with the Eurovision Song Contest, dating back to its inception in 1956. While the nation hasn’t secured a win since Celine Dion’s victory in 1988 with “Ne partez pas sans moi,” it consistently participates and often delivers strong performances. In 2025, Zoë Më’s tenth-place finish with “Voyage” was a notable achievement, demonstrating Switzerland’s continued competitiveness in the contest.
Currently, Switzerland is ranked 17th in pre-competition predictions, as reported by 20min.ch. However, these rankings are subject to change following the official release of “Alice” and the unveiling of Fusaro’s stage performance. The song’s reception among fans and critics, as well as the impact of the music video, will undoubtedly influence its position in the betting odds and overall expectations. The Eurovision Song Contest is known for its unpredictable nature, and a strong performance in the semi-finals can significantly boost a country’s chances of reaching the grand final.
The Semi-Final Challenge
Fusaro’s participation in the second semi-final on May 14th presents both an opportunity and a challenge. The semi-finals are highly competitive, with countries vying for a limited number of spots in the grand final. A captivating performance and a well-received song are crucial for securing a place among the finalists. The voting system in Eurovision combines jury votes with public votes, meaning that Fusaro will necessitate to appeal to both the professional music critics and the broader European audience.
The host city, Vienna, Austria, adds another layer of excitement to the competition. Vienna is a vibrant cultural hub with a rich musical heritage, providing a stunning backdrop for the Eurovision Song Contest. The city’s enthusiastic embrace of the event is expected to create a lively and supportive atmosphere for all participating artists.
The Eurovision Song Contest is more than just a music competition; it’s a celebration of diversity, creativity, and cultural exchange. It provides a platform for artists from across Europe to showcase their talent and connect with millions of viewers worldwide. Veronica Fusaro’s participation represents Switzerland’s continued commitment to this unique and beloved event.
As the release date of “Alice” approaches, anticipation is building among Eurovision fans. Fusaro’s experience, combined with Rydman’s expertise and the song’s existing fanbase, positions her as a strong contender in the 2026 competition. The coming weeks will be crucial as she prepares to seize the stage in Vienna and represent Switzerland with pride.
The next key date for Eurovision fans is March 11, 2026, when Veronica Fusaro’s “Alice” will be officially released. Keep an eye on the official Eurovision website https://eurovision.tv/ for updates, news, and behind-the-scenes content. What are your thoughts on Switzerland’s entry? Share your predictions and excitement in the comments below!