Recollections from Artists in Swiss Selections (1982-1987)

Hello, this is Lewis in his first Blogger post!

I figured this would be a good way to document any information I come across regarding Swiss national finals that I have little to no sources of online, but have claims to back my sources thanks to the various people I’ve contacted.

Since late 2024, I’ve been heavily researching on Swiss national finals before 2000, because there were several years that were barely documented online, despite the information being easily available on Swiss newspaper archives, such as Scriptorium, E-Newspapers.ch, and Archivio digitale Sbt dei Quotidiani e Periodici (SBT), which are the three main online Swiss news archives I use to find my sources. Since then, I’ve found several results of Swiss finals from the 50s and 60s, all of the song titles from the 1959 semifinals, and confirmation of the 1962 (and maybe 1958) selection(s) being internal, despite conflicting online sources.

In February this year, I rediscovered news clippings that mentioned regional Swiss-German selections from 1982-1984 that were held to select the three German-speaking songs for the nationwide Swiss national final that would be held months later, which would decide the Swiss song for Eurovision. 

Earlier, I found sources of these Swiss-German selections from 1985 and 1986 (as well as a tiny mention for 1987), but I didn’t know these were held before 1985, because many sources I’ve seen and cited claimed that year was the first where any regional Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG SSR) would have their own selection methods (either public or internal).

However, due to the lack of information available on the news archives regarding these regional selections in general, I decided to personally email any of the performers if they recalled what happened in the event they ran for and more.

In this blogpost, I will talk about everything I got answers to regarding the Swiss-German (held by DRS, which these rounds will be shortened to) selections from 1982-1986, as well as other accounts regarding Swiss selections in general, with the help of the participants I contacted whose information will be quoted directly whenever needed. I will go in chronological order on what I found and was told (and by who). This post is subject to update whenever I find/get new information.

1982

Swiss-German news clipping mentioning much of the participants in the regional selection, along with dates and the host's name

Among the few participants I was able to contact in this event, I currently only got a response from Michel Villa. News clippings I found reported he performed, as well the group "Villa's Matterhorn Company". When I asked him about his song, he told me they performed the song "Radio Matterhorn," which was fortunately recorded, but is currently unavailable online. He was also excited to tell me that among his backing singers in his 1989 Swiss national final performance was popular Swiss singer, Sina.

Michel Villa, pictured in 1983

Album cover of "Radio Matterhorn", released in 1982

“ One of the choir singers in 1988 is Sina!!  And the song from 1982 was called “Radio Matterhorn””  

Translated to English (every non-English message will be translated to English in every second paragraph):  

“One of the choir singers in 1988 is Sina!! And the song from 1982 was called "Radio Matterhorn"”

Later on, he told me that he and the group unfortunately failed to qualify from the semifinal.

“With ‘Radio Matterhorn’ we only made it to the radio preliminary round, which was held only once in 1983??, but not to the TV final. I googled it and found nothing.”

“With "Radio Matterhorn," we only made it into the radio preliminary round—which was held just once, in 1983—but not into the TV final. I Googled it and found nothing.”

 

News clipping about the first semifinal, featuring "Villa's Matterhorn Company" among the participants

I saw reports of Michel Villa's name and Villa's Matterhorn Company in separate clippings, which made me think there was a thin chance of the participants being different, so I asked him about the Matterhorn Company. He responded with a voice message, due to a then-ongoing incident, saying he did indeed collaborate with the Matterhorn Company, but the group was mislabeled in the clippings I found, and was instead called "Michel Villa und die (& the) Matterhorn Company." The collab was also short lived as it was only made for the DRS selection. Since the broadcast guides I found mentioned his group competed in the first semifinal on 5 December, I was able to conclude which semifinal they performed in.

So far, the other participant I've contacted is Andy Lütolf, who competed as a member of Dorados with an unknown song. Unfortunately, by the time I sent the email, I found out he passed away in 19 July 2025.

1983

Clipping of the 1983 first semifinal's lineup

And another clipping of the second semifinal

Unlike the DRS selection in 1982, I got super useful information from 3 participants rather than just one.

The first of the participants I’ve contacted was Christian Hunziker, who qualified from the event and tied 6th in the nationwide national final. Already thanks to his website, http://chrismusic.musicfarm.ch/, he already documented his experience in great detail, including his 3rd place finish in the final of the DRS selection and even his two rejected songs. He has is own website where documents his personal experiences in the Eurovision national final and the music industry in general.

To make things potentially easier to explain, I sent him my Eurovision National Final Google Sheet, which documents every national final ever. Not only did he see it, he was super amazed, and I gave him a shoutout in the 1983 Swiss selection part. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10a_F8mzhJSiVqGGEeWNtHykwhpMRebMuXPrHIynA4DI/edit?usp=drivesdk

Christian Hunziker performing "D'Änglischüebig" in the 1983 regional semifinal

and in the Swiss national final

I asked him if he remembers other details I struggled to figure out based on my research on online Swiss archives alone. Firstly, I asked him, was the full lineup of artists and songs, since all of the reports I've found claim there were 20 songs (10 in 2 semifinals), but all of them only mentioned 9 artists in the first semifinal and 8 in the second. However, he told me he recalled all of the artists in the semifinals performed one song and that he only remembered 17 songs competing. This somewhat answered my question about the number of participants, but raised a bigger question; why were there only 17 total songs implied to compete if there were allegedly 20? He was also confused about why Manuela Felice and Angela (Ricardi), who both also qualified, competed with two total songs, and theorized good management as the reason. Fortunately, he confirmed that the top 5 in each semifinals advanced to a 10-song final, which match the reports' claims.

Next, I asked him if he remembered how each entry placed in the event, since he remembered he finished third in the final. He told me he remembered that Manuela Felice with "Odulidam" won the final and Angela with "Mona Lisa" finished second. Additionally, he explained that the public voting consisted of radio listeners who phoned the studio with designated phone numbers of each song. The more calls the song got, the better.

“ I don’t remember the exact details, but since viewer votes determined the ranking, it wasn’t points but rather the number of calls.
Yes, my song was third out of 17 in the radio pre-selection. There were three pre-selections in total. I don’t remember why only 9 artists competed in the first and only 8 in the second. But in the end, for the third pre-selection, the 10 with the most calls were chosen from the 17 participants. 
I also don’t remember why Manuela Felice and Angela each had two songs represented (good management?!).
As far as I can recall, Manuela Felice came in first with “Odulidam,” Angela came in second with “Mona Lisa,” and my song came in third.” 

“I don't remember the exact details, but since viewer calls were decisive for the ranking, it wasn't points but rather the number of calls.
Yes, my song came third out of 17 in the radio pre-selection. There were three pre-selection rounds in total. I don't remember why only 9 artists competed in the first and only 8 in the second. But in the end, for the third pre-selection, the 10 with the most votes were chosen from the 17 participants.
I also don't remember why Manuela Felice and Angela were each represented with two songs (good management?!).
As far as I can remember, Manuela Felice with Odulidam was in first place, Angela with Mona Lisa was in second place, and my song was in third place.”

He also sent me a very high quality of the 1983 nationwide Swiss national final, but he originally forbade me from uploading it online. He told me he spent a long time upscaling the footage, and his policies regarding his website and mentions of himself online are quite strict. However, once he and his publishing team realized I was asking him these things for research purposes, they lifted all of the restrictions and therefore allowed me to upload his restoration. https://youtu.be/XjvnqP161Vk?si=736KJhqCxAgfbQsG

Out of curiosity, I later asked him if he had any information regarding the TSI and RTS radio selections, since I found evidence of a Swiss-Italian preselection taking place at the exact same dates as the DRS selection. Unfortunately, he didn’t have any records.

“Leider habe ich keine Unterlagen, wer in den anderen Landesteilen in den Radiovorentscheidungen mitwirkte.” 

“Unfortunately, I have no documentation on who participated in the radio pre-selections in the other parts of the country.”

The other people I managed to get word from were two members from the Romansh-speaking band, Rezia Spontana. Namely, Corin Curschellas and Benedetto Vigne.

I first asked Curschellas first about what she remembers from the event, while mentioning the group performed a song composed by Peter Wydler. She responded, saying there was a song titled "Mira cheu," that was composed by him and performed by them, and that the group likely finished within the top 5. Since they failed to qualify, they finished in fourth or fifth. She then told me to ask Vigne for further questions since he founded the band and allegedly remembered more than her.

Old photo of Corin Curschellas, the lead singer of Rezia Spontana

“ ‘Mira cheu’ (RTR still playing today) was the name of one song by Peter Wydler, music and lyrics by Benedetto Vigne, and  ‘La stialla’, music and lyrics by Benedetto Vigne; these titles were probably in 4th and 5th place! … the first Romansh songs to be entered!
Benedetto Vigne certainly knows much more; he was the initiator of Räzia Spintana.”   

“"Mira cheu" (RTR still plays today) was the name of a song by Peter Wydler, music and Benedetto Vigne, lyrics and La stilala, music and lyrics by Benedetto Vigne, were probably in 4th and 5th place! ... the first Romansh songs to be entered!
 Benedetto Vigne certainly knows much more; he was the initiator of Räzia Spintana” 

Two months later, I get my first response from Benedetto Vigne. Firstly, he told me the group performed the songs "Mira cheu" and "La stiala," and even told me what the songs were about and sent zip files of the songs themselves. He also told me the song "La stiala" was the only song in the event that was performed with a backing track rather than the orchestra. Based on this message, he doesn’t appear to know the number of participants either.

Old photo of Benedetto Vigne, member and composer of Rezia Spontana

“ Here’s a funny anecdote about ‘La stiala’:  In  this preliminary round in December 1982, all (10?) songs were accompanied by an ad-hoc studio band – among them was the now very well-known guitarist Max Lässer. ‘La stiala’ was an exception, though – we played the song with the band that had also recorded the demo. When we were finished, Max Lässer said something like this: ‘Of all songs, I wasn’t allowed to play on the best one!’” 

“Here's another funny anecdote about «La stiala»: In this preliminary round in December 1982, all (10?) songs were accompanied by an ad-hoc studio band – among them was the now very well-known guitarist Max Lässer. "La stiala" was an exception, however – we played that song with the band that had also recorded the demo. When we were finished, Max Lässer said something like this: "Of all songs, I wasn't allowed to play on the best one!"”

Out of curiosity, I also asked if Rezia Spontana performed in the 1986 Romansh selection, because several Romansh groups and bands took part. However, he said the group was a short-time thing that disbanded shortly after the DRS event.

“ Rezia Spontana was just an ad-hoc name for this one-off collaboration between Corin and me. We did some more collaborations later, but never under the name Rezia Spontana.” 

“Rezia Spontana was just an ad-hoc name for this one-off collaboration between Corin and me. We did several more collaborations later, but never under the name Rezia Spontana.”

He then confirmed that "Mira cheu" finished fourth and "La stiala" finished fifth. Furthermore, he allowed me to upload both songs to YouTube. Unfortunately, he didn’t archive the show, and nor does he remember anything else, including which semifinal the songs were performed in.

“ Mira cheu came 4th, La stiala 5th. That's all I know. Unfortunately, I lost the recording of the live broadcast.  Of course, Lewis, you can watch the songs on YouTube.”  

“Mira cheu came in 4th, La stiala 5th. That's all I know. Unfortunately, I've lost the recording of the live broadcast. Of course you can post the songs on YouTube”

For those who are curious, "Mira cheu" (Look here) is about a rural farmer who travels to the big city for the first time, and despite his excitement, he decides the urban life isn’t for him, and stays in his village. "La stiala" (The staircase) is about a young person who complains about their constantly arguing parents.

The only other participant I attempted to contact was Manuela Felice, as I believed she would hand out the most helpful information, since she competed in the 1983, 1984, 1987, and 1988 Swiss finals. Unfortunately, I have yet to get a response from her. Christian Hunziker however told me her family was known to keep to themselves.

1984

News clipping featuring most of the 1984 regional selection lineup

This is the first of a few years where I unfortunately have nothing new from the participants themselves. Of the few artists I could contact, I asked Corinne Hobi, who performed the song "Sempre tu", if she recalled anything from the event. Unfortunately, she didn’t, but she did give me a little insight about her thoughts about her at-the-time new musical career.

Corinne Hobi performing at La Grande Chance in 1984

“it s been sooooooooooo long! i do not remember who won, i do not have a recording of my song, unfortunately.. either. the worst is.. lewis, at the time i found myself being an awful singer.. and did not believe in myself. today, after a long time on stage, i know and am recalled by your mail, that i was just young and with no experience.. so, i should have kept it all.. but i did not. i m afraid”

Fortunately, she since found the confidence she needed to proudly perform in public. I asked her if she knew anyone who might have know more about the event that I can contact, but unfortunately, I haven’t gotten a response.

Among the other artists I contacted with no response are Andy L. (who is deceased) and Manuela Felice.

As of now, two of the 16 acts are yet to be identified, as well as most of the competing songs and their songwriters. Fortunately, there was only one 16-song final rather than an event with semifinals. So far, I haven’t found any other people who I can contact to help me.

1985

News clipping mentioning the 1985 regional lineup and a vague number of competing songs

In the DRS selection, 3 artists competed with 3 songs each; Mariella Farré, Pino Gasparini, and the Martin Richard Trio (now Swiss Singers). I made attempts to contact all three, but I only got responses from 2 of them. Unfortunately, neither of them remembered the event enough to help me out.

Mariella Farré recommended me to ask SRF (modern Swiss-German broadcaster) directly, but I don’t think they would help with my research.

(from left to right) Pino Gasparini and Mariella Farré performing "Piano, piano" in the Swiss national final

“ Unfortunately, I can’t help you, but you can write to SRF, they have everything!
I’m very sorry, it’s been too long.
I wish you all the best and hope you get this data.”  

“Unfortunately, I can't help you further, but you can write to SRF, they have everything!
I'm very sorry, it's been too long.
I wish you all the best and hope you receive this data.”

 The Swiss Singers lineup consists of 2 out of 3 members of the original Martin Richard Trio, and I only got a response from Addi Hochreutener. He told me he was also on the same boat as Farré. However, the other member, Moritz Meichtry, hasn’t responded yet.

Swiss Singers (from left to right: Addi Hochreutener and Moritz Meichtry) performing "Der Kuckuck" in the Swiss national final

“ Thank you for asking. Unfortunately, I'm in the same boat as Mariella Farré. It was so long ago. I can't remember any details from that time either. Sorry! I wish you the best of luck with your continued search.”   

“Thanks for asking. I'm afraid I'm in the same boat as Mariella Farré. It was so long ago. I can't remember any details from that time either. Sorry! I wish you the best of luck with your continued search.”

As for Pino Gasparini, the email I tried to contact him through was inactive, so my message didn’t go through. I’m also not sure how to get his current email, so I think I’m stuck for this event.

1986

New clipping announcing the second edition of Festival dalla Musica Romontscha, the Romansh selection where one group advanced to the Swiss-German selection

Lineup of the 1986 regional final

I contacted Linard Bardill, who competed in the DRS selection and possibly the RTR (Romansh) round as well. Unfortunately, I also haven’t gotten a response from him. I’m also unable to find contact info from any of the other participants in either the Romansh or German selections.

Linard Bardill performing "Tragnölin" in the Swiss national final

I also contacted Alexi Nay and Marcus Hobi, who participated in the event with the song "Il clom dalla Greina", and I'm awaiting a response from them, mainly if they remember any of the events from the Romansh selection and how Linard Bardill and Shefali Banerjee advanced to the Swiss-German selection.

1987

News clipping of the 1987 national final lineup, including a mention of Claude Lander's rescinded song, "Amoureux d'elle"

Unlike the other years, I contacted this artists for his withdrawal from the 1987 Swiss national final. Claude Lander was supposed to represent Swiss-France with the song "Amoureux d’elle", but was withdrawn due to the song "failing to be presented as intended from the Swiss-French selection," whatever that means.

Claude Lander performing "Laissez-le vivre" in the 1991 Swiss national final

When I asked him about his withdrawal, he gave me a detailed response as to why, as well as his attempts to remain in the selection before he was cut off completely from the show.

“ Regarding 'Amoureux d'elle' (In Love with Her), that's not at all what they said, but they had to come up with a story. In truth, I had the opportunity to take an exceptional trip with my wife, and I didn't feel I had the right to deprive her by participating in Eurovision when I was selected. I suggested that Alex Castel sing it (he's also a singer and has also participated in Eurovision before), but I sensed they were offended that someone would dare to withdraw, so they refused.” 

“Regarding "Amoureux d'elle," that's not at all what they said, but they had to come up with a story. In truth, I had the opportunity to take an exceptional trip with my wife, and I didn't feel I had the right to deprive her by participating in Eurovision when I was selected. I suggested that Alex Castel sing it (he's also a singer and has already participated in Eurovision), but I sensed they were offended that someone would dare to withdraw, so they refused.”

In short, by the time he was chosen to compete, he already planned to take a big vacation with his wife and prioritized that over his participation. Despite him wanting to change the singer to Alexandre Castel, his offer was rejected, and the song was disqualified. Unfortunately, he didn’t remember, nor care about where his song would have performed. There’s a possibility he was disqualified before the running order was drawn.

“ You can do whatever you want with it. I don't
care about the order  
. I really don't remember the order in which they were presented...”  

“You can do whatever you want with it.
I don't care about the order.
I really don't remember the order in which they appeared...”

Like Christian Hunziker and Benedetto Vigne, he also sent me copies of much of the songs he competed with and composed for the national finals, among which was "Amoureux d’elle", which he also let me upload.

End

This is where my research and personal contact ends as of now.  Currently, I know much more of the 1983 DRS selection than the 1982 selection, but hopefully that will change soon if I find the best people who can help me. I would like to give a massive thanks to everyone who handed me their recollections and guided me for my research. These guys were super helpful, and I couldn’t have made this without their help.