Bernese singer Veronica Fusaro will represent Switzerland at the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna. She will perform 'Alice', an alternative pop track addressing psychological violence.
"The song is about a woman called Alice â thatâs where the title comes from â but she never says a word. She becomes completely objectified by the person in front of her."
"Alice doesnât live in Wonderland, but in a reality where crossing boundaries is disguised as affection."
Switzerland is betting big on raw emotion and alternative grit for the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. Bernese powerhouse Veronica Fusaro has been officially selected to represent the nation in Vienna, tasked with delivering a performance that transcends the typical pop glitter of the competition. She will perform 'Alice', a dynamic alternative pop track infused with rock influences, scheduled to debut in the second semi-final on May 14.
The selection marks a decisive shift towards substance and storytelling for the Swiss delegation. Following the contest's return to German-speaking Europeâcourtesy of Austrian singer JJ's victory in Basel in 2025âthe pressure is on to maintain Switzerland's reputation for high-quality musical exports. Fusaro is not merely attending; she is competing with a track designed to cut through the noise. The announcement, released today by Swiss public broadcaster RSI, confirms that Switzerland is ready to fight for a spot in the Grand Final with a song that demands attention.
This is no Wonderland. 'Alice' confronts the harrowing reality of psychological violence, dismantling the facade of affection that often masks abuse. The song tackles a critical social theme, stripping away metaphors to reveal a stark truth: a reality where crossing boundaries is manipulated to look like love. The lyrics describe a protagonist who has been silenced and stripped of her agency.
"The song is about a woman called Alice... but she never says a word. She becomes completely objectified by the person in front of her," Fusaro explains. This is a bold thematic choice for Eurovision, a contest often associated with camp and spectacle. By addressing the silencing of women and the insidious nature of non-physical violence, Fusaro is bringing a heavy, necessary conversation to an audience of millions. The track promises to be an emotional anchor in the competition, contrasting sharply with the lighter fare expected from other nations.
Fusaro enters the Eurovision arena with a staggering 600 concerts under her belt. While many contestants crumble under the pressure of the massive Eurovision audience, Fusaro is a battle-hardened live performer. Since being named SRF 3 Best Talent in 2016, she has relentlessly toured Switzerland and the globe, proving her mettle on some of the world's most prestigious stages.
Her resume reads like a musician's bucket list: performances at the legendary Glastonbury Festival, the Montreux Jazz Festival, and the Gurtenfestival. She has even held her own opening for rock icon Mark Knopfler at the NĂŽmes amphitheatre. This extensive experience is a critical asset. In a contest where vocal stability and stage presence can make or break a score, Fusaro's history suggests she will deliver a technically flawless performance. Switzerland is sending a seasoned professional who knows exactly how to command a crowd.
To ensure 'Alice' resonates globally, the track was forged in collaboration with award-winning British producer Charlie McClean. This partnership signals a strategic move to blend Fusaro's authentic Swiss artistry with world-class production values. McClean's involvement ensures the track possesses the sonic polish required to compete against the heavyweights of the European music industry.
As the countdown to May 14 begins, the stakes are high. Switzerland has seen a rollercoaster of results in recent yearsâdescribed as "colourful hits and misses"âbut the combination of a seasoned live performer, a socially relevant anthem, and top-tier production positions Fusaro as a formidable contender. Vienna awaits, and if Fusaro's track record is any indication, she isn't going there just to participate; she is going there to be heard.