AVRO Studios, Hilversum, 
Eurovision Song Contest 1958
The Netherlands had the honour of hosting the third Eurovision Song Contest. The 1958 contest took place at the television studios in Hilversum, the 'media capital' of the Netherlands. For the occasion, the venue was decorated with thousands of tulips.
Familiar faces in 1958 contest
The Dutch entry Net Als Toen by Corry Brokken had brought the first victory to the Netherlands in Frankfurt am Main the previous year and Dutch TV was the proud host in 1958.
Despite ending third, the Italian entry Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu by Domenico Modugno became a worldwide hit and to date, it is one of the most successful songs in the history of the Eurovision Song Contest even if it is better known under the title Volare. Domenico even managed to reach the No.1 spot in the US-American Billboard Charts with his song and was also awarded three Grammies.
About the winner
Sweden entered the contest for the first time with one of their biggest star, Alice Babs but it was not enough to stop France from getting the trophy with the song Dors, Mon Amour, performed by André Claveau.
Facts & figures
- The Swiss winner of 1956, Lys Assia, represented her native country again and narrowly missed out a second victory by just 3 points;
- After winning the Eurovision Song Contest the year before, Corry Brokken came last on home ground and it was her last attempt to enter the contest as a singer. However, Corry would return to the Eurovision Song Contest stage as a presenter in 1976.
