Following suggestions in the previous week that Flemish broadcaster VRT may opt to return to a national final to pick its Eurovision representative, it has been confirmed that Eurosong will return with some details of its format having been revealed.
Eurosong format
It is being reported in Flemish media that the contest will likely take place over five to seven weeks, and will be hosted by VRT’s commentator Peter Van de Viere. As of yet there has been no indication of when Eurosong is expected to take place. Local media has suggested that the aim for this Eurosong edition is to bring in big names of the Belgian music industry; with Eurovision alums Laura Tesoro, and The Starlings (Tom Dice makes up half of this duo) touted as being on the broadcaster’s wish list. Additionally Camille, Natalia, and Niels Destadtsbader are also artists touted for potential participation.
National Finals in Belgium
2023 will mark the first time in seven years that the Belgian public will have a say in who will represent them at Eurovision. The last time Eurosong was used was 2016, when Laura Tesoro ultimately won with ‘What’s The Pressure’. VRT produced editions of the contest prior to the large stint of internal selections usually featured a multi-stage contest with a final with approximately half a dozen songs (excluding 2012, when Iris was internally selected). A hybrid voting system of a televote and professional jury tended to be used.
Belgium’s Eurovision Journey
Belgium was one of the debutant countries at the beginning of the Eurovision Song Contest back in 1956. Back in 1956, countries could submit two songs, and for Belgium that year, ‘Messieurs les noyes de la Seine’ by Fud Leclerc and ‘Le plus beau jour de ma vie’ by Mony Marc represented the nation. To this day we do not know the final results of Eurovision 1956. Belgium have taken part in every Eurovision Song Contest since 1956; however they have only ever won once; in 1986 with Sandra Kim singing the song ‘J’amie la vie’, scoring 176 points. In 2022, Belgium was represented by Jérémie Makiese with the song “Miss You”. Makiese came 19th scoring 64 points in the Grand Final.
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Source: Songfestival.be
Photo Credit: EBU/Corinne Cumming
Glad to hear Eurosong is back in Belgium. There is more talent then what they say in the media. Me as a unknown musicproducer who participated also in 2011 will proove this year that we have more then Top artists only. Watch out for Rudge S. Feat Neela Quinn