The first ever singer at Eurovision – Mis Jetty Paerl passes away. RIP. Photograph courtesy of dutchaidan.blogspot

It is with sadness that we bring you the news that the very first performer at the Eurovision Song Contest, Miss Jetty Paerl, has sadly passed away at the age of 92.

Jetty sang the very first song in the very first Eurovision Song Contest in 1956 – “De vogels van Holland”. The song was composed by Cor Lemaire and Annie MG Schmidt. During WWII Jetty entertained the Dutch people on Radio Oranje from London.

Jetty Paerl’s song “De Vogels van Holland” is translated as “The Birds Of Holland”. It is almost like a tribute to her, that Anouk brought The Netherlands back to the Top 10 at Eurovision this year with the song “Birds”.

Our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Jetty Paerl – from the Eurovision Ireland team.

Author/Website Co-Founder and Editor in Chief Garrett Mulhall

Source – RTL