
Jeremy Williams-Chalmers
Arts Correspondent
P.ublished 27th March 2026
arts
Eurovision 26: Veronica Fusaro
![Veronica Fusaro]()
Veronica Fusaro
Few countries can claim a Eurovision legacy as rich and varied as Switzerland. From winning the very first contest in 1956 to producing global icons like Celine Dion, Switzerland’s journey has been one of quiet influence punctuated by standout triumphs. More recently, the country returned to the top of the scoreboard thanks to Nemo, proving
that Swiss entries can still define the modern Eurovision era.
Now, stepping into that legacy is Veronica Fusaro, who represents Switzerland at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest with her deeply personal track Alice. Thoughtful, grounded, and refreshingly candid, Fusaro brings a different kind of energy to the competition—one rooted
in authenticity rather than spectacle.
Fusaro’s path to Eurovision reflects Switzerland’s unique internal selection process. Rather than a televised national final, artists submit songs behind the scenes. Having entered before, Fusaro returned this year with a collection of unreleased tracks from her album.
Looking for Connection. Two of her songs made the top 25—strong odds by any standard—but even she was surprised when Alice was ultimately chosen.
“I didn’t think it would be the one,” she admits. “It’s not a classic Eurovision song.” That difference, however, is precisely what makes it compelling. For Fusaro, the song’s message mattered more than its fit within Eurovision conventions. Being able to share it on such a global platform, she says, is “a big honour".
Unlike some lifelong superfans, Fusaro’s relationship with Eurovision grew organically. It was a family tradition—something watched together rather than studied obsessively. But one performance left a lasting impression: Conchita Wurst performing
Rise Like a Phoenix. “That was the first time something really stuck with me,” she recalls. “It was a great song, but also the performance, the image, everything together.” That balance—strong songwriting paired with meaningful presentation—clearly informs Fusaro’s own approach.
When reflecting on Switzerland’s Eurovision history, Fusaro points to both past and present. She praises Nemo’s recent victory as well deserved, but her personal favourite remains Celine Dion’s
Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi. “It’s just a great song,” she says, highlighting Dion’s extraordinary voice and enduring career. “It’s quite badass to have her represent Switzerland.”
Beyond Swiss entries, Fusaro also draws inspiration from artists like Mahmood, whose broader discography she admires. A future collaboration, she suggests, would be “really inspiring".
Having explored this year’s Eurovision entries, Fusaro highlights a couple of favourites that have resonated with her so far—particularly Albania’s entry and Moldova’s energetic performance. What stands out to her isn’t just the songs themselves, but the authenticity behind them. “I love when it feels genuine,” she explains. “When people do it for the love of music.”
While Fusaro is clear that Eurovision is, at its core, a competition—“you’ve got to dream big”—her personal goal goes beyond trophies or rankings. “My biggest ambition is that the song makes people feel something,” she says. “That’s the purpose of music.” It’s a perspective that feels increasingly relevant in a contest often defined by spectacle. Fusaro isn’t chasing gimmicks; she’s aiming for connection.
Eurovision may be her biggest stage yet, but Fusaro is no stranger to international audiences. She has already performed across the UK, including memorable shows in London and appearances at festivals like
The Great Escape in Brighton. Her most recent London gig, she recalls, was particularly special: “It was a small room, but it was full—and I
felt so much love.” With plans for a European tour later this year, including hopes to return to the UK, Eurovision could be the springboard that brings her music to even wider audiences.
In a contest known for bold statements and unforgettable moments, Veronica Fusaro offers something quietly powerful: sincerity. Representing Switzerland, a country with both historic prestige and renewed momentum, she carries forward a legacy – while shaping it in her own image. Whether Alice follows in the footsteps of past Swiss winners remains to be seen. But if Fusaro achieves her goal—making people feel something—she may already have won in the way that matters most.