Switzerland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008

Paolo Meneguzzi represented Switzerland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2008

SRG SSR idée suisse opened a submission period for interested artists and songwriters to submit their entries until 22 October 2007. Composers and artists of any nationality were able to submit songs; however, only artists that have had television and stage experience (live performances), have made at least one video and have released at least one CD which placed in an official chart were eligible.[3] A jury panel composed of members from the three Swiss broadcasters SF, TSR and RSI, Swiss music channel VIVA and SF's German radio channel DRS evaluated the entry submissions received and selected the winner.[4] SF later revealed that it was most likely that a Swiss artist would be selected, with the media naming comedian Peach Weber, Jürgen Drews and Swiss German rapper Gimma as possible Swiss entrants.[5][6][7]

In November 2007, Swiss newspapers claimed that Italian Swiss singer Paolo Meneguzzi had been selected as the Swiss entrant at the 2008 contest with the song "Era stupendo", which was later confirmed by SRG SSR on 25 November 2007.[8][9][10] After the selection announcement, Meneguzzi stated that he was "very happy and honoured to represent [his] homeland at Eurovision 2008".[11] The song was premiered on 12 January 2008 during the sixth annual Swiss Music Awards show, broadcast on all channels in SRG SSR.[12][13]

After the release of the song, there was speculation that "Era stupendo" was a plagiarism of "It Can Only Get Better" by Swedish singer Amy Diamond who was competing in the 2008 Swedish national final Melodifestivalen 2008. Accusations arose that the beginnings of both songs were too similar to be a coincidence, however the song was not disqualified by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the organiser of the contest.[14]

Meneguzzi at the Eurovision semi-final

Before the contest, Meneguzzi was a favourite to qualify from the final, as well as to win the contest, evident by a poll conducted by Eurovision fan site "ESCToday.com".[20]

Meneguzzi sang in the second semi-final on 22 May 2008, performing 7th on the night. His performance included him wearing a black suit with a black shirt, and included two male and two female backing dancers and singers; the women dressed in black dresses with silver gloves, and the men in black shirts and black trousers. A pianist was also present on stage, dressed in a white shirt and black tie. The song began with Meneguzzi singing solo in the centre of the stage, with the back-up dancers surrounding the piano. As the song sped up, the dancers moved to behind Meneguzzi and began to sing. The performance included the use of pyrotechnics when the song sped up, as well as during the bridge.[21] Despite being a fan favourite the song only managed to receive 47 points, placing 13th in a field of 19 and failing to qualify for the final.[21]