We have our first entry for the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest in Baku – and, despite the hype in the run-up to the event, ESC legend Lys Assia came away from last night’s Swiss final empty-handed. Instead, it was the duo Sinplus, submitted by the Italian-language broadcaster, who proved victorious with their song “Unbreakable” in a tight finish to the voting.

A nearly three-hour show (longer than scheduled – how un-Swiss!) at the Bodensee Arena in Kreuzlingen culminated in the announcement of the top three in the 100% televote: the synthy rock of Sinplus, the pretty ballad “Anima nuova” by young Chiara Dubey, and experienced Ivo‘s middle-of-the-road rocker “Peace & Freedom”. (At this point, Ralph Siegel, author of Lys Assia’s “C’était ma vie”, apparently left the hall in disgust.)

Ultimately, it was Sinplus who prevailed, gathering 17.87% of the popular vote as against runner-up Ivo’s 16.02%.

Meanwhile, Lys finished 8th with 5.46% of the vote – and the misery for the French-language entries deepened, with Ze Flying Zezettes Orchestra and Sosofluo occupying the last two places.

Over in the #esc chatroom, more than 30 people joined us to discuss the proceedings and cast their votes. A great way to start the season! We were more Lys-friendly than the Swiss population, with the veteran singer topping our poll, followed closely by Katherine St-Laurent, Chiara Dubey, Sinplus, and Patric Scott featuring Fabienne Louves.

Sinplus now have the best part of five months to sort out their visas for Azerbaijan. We wish them the best of luck!