Ahead of the selection of Czech Republic’s Eurovision 2023 selection on the 30th of January, ČT has announced the names of those vying to represent the nation in Liverpool.
Five artists competing to be Czech Republic’s Eurovision 2023 representative
The number of participants increased from the announced three, to five, and they are:
- Maella
- Markéta Irglová
- Pam Rabbit
- RODAN
- Vesna
Speaking about shortlisting the submissions, Czech Republic’s Head of Delegation Kryštof Šámal mentioned that it was impossible to select only 3 finalists.
“The level of the songs and artists; and also, the essence of ESCZ to share the talent and diversity in our music scene made it not very hard but impossible to select 3 finalists therefore we are happy to reveal the 5 finalists that will compete to represent us in Liverpool”
Kryštof Šámal, Head of Delegation on the ESCZ 2023 submissions
ESCZ to be aired live online
It’s now been revealed that the show will air on the Czech Republic on the streaming platform ‘iVysílání’ and the official Eurovision YouTube channel on the 30th of January at 21:00 for the international viewers.
Ahmad Halloun, the International Head of Press for Czech Republic had the following to say:
“We are also pleased to announce that ČT has come to an agreement with the EBU to broadcast ESCZ live through their YouTube channel for our international viewers. While the Czech audience will be able to watch live and replay it at their leisure on our broadcaster’s streaming platform iVysílání.
Ahmad Halloun. Int Head of Press, on the live show selection for Czech Republic
The international reception of our decision to bring the format to a live show has been overwhelmingly positive, we are shaking things up to expand the Eurovision/ESCZ brand in Czech Republic and bringing a live show to the mix is a wise step. The show will be substantially in English so the Czech and International audience can enjoy”.
The voting is also shifting, partially copying the new Eurovision Song Contest rules, the winner will be selected only by public vote. 70% international audience and 30% Czech. The voting will once again go through Eurovision channels with the support of the official Eurovision partner DIGAME. The voting window will be a week ending on Monday the 6th of February.
Czech Republic’s Eurovision Journey
Czechia made their debut in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2007, with Kabát’s “Malá dama”. However, their debut entry finished last in a 28-song semi-final, scoring only 1 point. Afterwards, this kicked off three consecutive non-qualifications, with their best result coming in 2008, finishing in second-last place. Having withdrawn in 2009 due to poor results, Czechia returned to the Contest in 2015. In 2016, Czechia qualified for the first time with Gabriela Gunciková’s “I Stand”.
In 2022, We Are Domi represented Czechia with their song “Lights Off”. Performing in the second semi-final in Turin, the band qualified for the final – and finished in 22nd place in a field of 25 with 38 points.
Are you excited to see the return of ESCZ? Which of the shortlisted artists would you like to see represent Czech Republic in Liverpool? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow “That Eurovision Site” on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Tiktok as we look ahead to Eurovision 2023!
News Source: ČT
Photo Credit: Various
