With Luxembourg’s preparations for Eurovision 2024 firmly underway, Prime Minister Xavier Bettel has outlined the country’s goals with its participation in Sweden.
Prime Minister Bettel – “We are ready to host”
Speaking to Luxembourgish public broadcaster RTL, Prime Minister Bettel outlined the reasonings for the country’s return to the Contest. Bettel, who also serves as the country’s Communications and Media Minister, said that participating raises the Duchy’s profile on an international stage.
He also went on to say that taking part can improve and grow Luxembourg’s thriving arts and music scene. This aims to highlight the country’s achievements and show their readiness to take part. Prime Minister Bettel also added that Luxembourg is ready to host Eurovision in 2025, should the country win in Sweden. According to Bettel, the opportunity can help promote tourism in the country, as well as positively impact the local hospitality industry.
Plans are already underway for Luxembourg’s national selection for 2024. Yesterday (3rd July), RTL opened the submissions window for singers and songwriters to submit their interest. Artists must have “a Luxembourgish cultural background”, meaning international singers or songwriters may be eligible. The deadline falls in October, with the selection taking place in Esch-sur-Alzette on the 27th of January 2024.
Luxembourg’s Eurovision journey
Luxembourg first made its debut in the first edition of the Contest in 1956, with their first entries being “Ne crois pas” and “Les amants de minuit”, both performed by Michèle Arnaud. Since the first Contest, Luxembourg has competed a total of 37 times. Their best result was finishing in 1st place five times – in 1961, 1965, 1972, 1973 and 1983 respectively.
Luxembourg last took part in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1993, when Modern Times represented the nation with the song “Donne-moi une chance”. At the close of voting, Luxembourg finished 20th in a field of 25 with 11 points. Following this participation, Luxembourg withdrew from the Contest, but is returning to the Contest in time for 2024.
What do you think of Prime Minister Bettel’s thoughts on the Contest? Do you think Luxembourg might have a chance at winning Eurovision 2024 in Sweden? 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 start to look ahead to next year’s Contest!
News Source: RTL
Photo Credit: Andrès Leona
