As countries begin to prepare for Eurovision 2023, Switzerland’s federal broadcaster SRG SSR has announced that the country will be taking part in next year’s Contest.
Switzerland’s plan for Eurovision 2023 already underway
Whilst confirming their participation for next year’s Contest, SRG SSR published guidelines for their eventual strategy for Eurovision 2023. Switzerland will once again be using an internal selection to find their entry to next year’s competition.
All songs submitted to the broadcaster will be assessed by editors, with any songs failing to meet SRG SSR’s requirements being discarded. Those remaining in contention will then be put through a number of stages within the broadcaster. A panel of 100 regular TV viewers, as well as a jury of 20 music professionals will also be involved in the final decision.
A window for submissions will open on August 25th and will run until September 8th, with a deadline of 10pm CEST. In addition, Switzerland’s broadcaster specified the style of the song they are looking for. In a booklet providing the rules for submissions, the broadcaster said:
SRG SSR is looking for a contemporary song that has international appeal and will stand out. The lyrics should have a strong, clear and easily understood message.
Stipulation in SRG SSR rulebook for Eurovision 2023
As well as this, the broadcaster stipulated that nationality will not be a determining factor for those wishing to apply. However, should two artists receive equal scores during the selection process, preference will be given to Swiss citizens or residents.
Switzerland’s Eurovision journey
Switzerland both hosted and debuted in the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest in 1956. Their first participation was successful, as they won with Lys Assia’s “Refrain”. Since then, they have participated on 62 occasions, making the Grand Final 51 times.
Switzerland’s most recent participation saw Marius Bear representing the nation with his song “Boys Do Cry”, which saw them qualify for the Grand Final for a third consecutive participation. Overall, Switzerland finished 17th, after receiving 78 points from the jury and 0 points from the televoters.
What do you make of the news from Switzerland? Who would you like to see represent Switzerland at Eurovision 2023? Do you think Switzerland will win the competition soon? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow “That Eurovision Site” on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for all things Eurovision 2023!
News Source: SRF
Photo Credit: EBU / Corinne Cumming
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