Rykka to compete in finals of 2016 Eurovision Song Contest

Surrey-nativeRykkawill be competing in the finals of the 2016EurovisionSong Contest, representing Switzerland.

The B.C. bornsinger and songwriter, who hasSwiss roots,said it felt "like a miracle" beatingout five other finalists during the country's national competition on Saturday.

Eurovisionis considered one of theworld's most watched non-sporting events. Previous notablecompetitors includeABBA, JulioIglesiasandCelineDion who won in 1988, also representing Switzerland.

Despite singing for more than a decade,Rykkasaid the moment of her big win stillcame as a shock to her.

"I didn't really understand. It was just like exploding and imploding at the same time," said the singer clutching her heart during an interview with CBCfrom Zurich. "It was so crazy."

Between the energeticaudience and multiple cameras,Rykkasaid shewasfortunate she was able to remaincalm during her performance.

"Performing for cameras instead of just the people,it's really different for me," she said

"It's really nice to have such a cool adventure and explore all these different things."

Her winningsong,The Last of Our Kind, was written forEurovisionwiththree other songwriters who alsohave West Coast rootswhile she was in Vancouver.

Since the age of 15, she's travelled regularly between Surrey and Switzerland.

In 2013, Rykkaperformed at CBC Vancouver's summer concert series, MusicalNooners.Later that year, she took home a cheque for over $100,000as the winner of the Peak Performance Project.

Rykkasays she is now focused on touring around Europe trying to garner votes before theEurovisionfinals which will bein May in Stockholm.