The Eurovision Song Contest's first star is back in the spotlight after winning the chance to represent Switzerland in the next Grand Prix der Volksmusik. In addition to returning to song contest competition, the 83 year-old chanteuse posed nearly nude for pictures published in a Swiss woman's journal. Now the world famous singer told Schweizer Illustrierte magazine this week that her phone won't stop ringing.

Lys Assia – who won the first ever Eurovision Song Contest in 1956 – took part in the Swiss selection for the Grand Prix der Volksmusik last month when all eyes were looking toward Helsinki. The 83 year-old Swiss lady sang the song Sag mir wo wohnen die Engel (Tell me where the angels live) with her 18 year-old duet partner Beatrice. Out of 12 entries, Beatrice and Lys Assia received the most support from televoters during a live broadcast by Swiss Television (SF) on 21st April. This means they will represent Switzerland (along with the other top four Swiss entries) in the Grand Prix der Volksmusik final when it takes place in Vienna on the 25th August, 2007.

The Grand Prix der Volksmusic is an annual German language television song contest between Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the German language region of Italy. Organized by the public broadcasters in these countries, the international song contest follows a familiar format but is geared to German language folk music. Previously, Swiss musician Francine Jordi found success in the Grand Prix der Volksmusik – winning for Switzerland in 1998. However, she was much less successful when she entered the Eurovision Song Contest for Switzerland in 2002 – finishing third from last.

Lys Assia also made a splash in the last issue of the woman's journal Annabelle when she posed half naked for international star photographer Brigitte Lacombe. The theme of the photo shoot was "Beauty with Age". Ten other prominent older Swiss women also took part (the youngest was 49) .

Now Ms. Assia says her phone won't stop ringing. But don't call this a comeback, she warned Schweizer Illustrierte this week. "I was never gone!"