The small principality of Monaco might just be returning to the Contest. It comes as a new state-owned broadcaster – TVMonaco – was launched on September 1st, 2023.
Famous faces showing interest for Monaco
The launch of TVMonaco was initiated by Monaco’s Prince Albert II and wife Princess Charlene. Immediately upon the launch, TVMonaco was absorbed into the national media group MMD. As MMD is already a member of the EBU, this makes TVMonaco eligible to take part in the Eurovision Song Contest.
The Monégasque government eyed up the opportunity to come back to Eurovision in recent years. In late 2022, plans were discovered for the establishment of a new broadcaster. This came after previous national broadcast TMC was incorporated into France’s TV network. In addition to this, the government earmarked thousands of euros towards the participation in the Contest in 2023. However, due to delays in the setting up of TVMonaco, this made Monégasque participation in Liverpool impossible.
Already, the broadcaster’s eligibility has been recognised by fans and artists alike. However, no specific confirmation has been made by TVMonaco on if they will participate in Malmö. Despite this, a famous Monégasque citizen has expressed his interest in going to the Contest.
Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc appeared to show support for Monaco’s return to the show. Responding a tweet from our friends at Eurovoix, Charles was “ready” to go to Sweden for the principality.
Leclerc is venturing into music, alongside his sports career – writing and producing music, as he plays piano.
In a statement, the EBU neither confirmed nor denied Monaco’s participation in the Contest next year, saying:
We have to yet to await and see if TVMONACO/MMD applies to compete at Eurovision 2024 as it has until 15 September 2023 to submit its application if it wishes to compete at the forthcoming Eurovision edition in Sweden.
We should note that the deadline for broadcasters to withdraw their respective applications without a penalty has been set on 11 October 2023.
The official list of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest competing countries is expected to be published by the EBU by late October 2023.
EBU statement
Monaco’s Eurovision journey
Monaco was one of the first participants in the Eurovision Song Contest, making their debut in 1959. The first Monégasque song to take part was Jacques Pills’ “Mon ami Pierrot”. Despite finishing in last place, with one point, Monaco took part in every edition until 1979. Monaco was able to win the Contest once in 1971, with Severine’s “Un banc, un arbre, une rue”. However, due to the country’s small size, Monaco did not have the capacity to host the show, instead being held in Edinburgh.
Following their withdrawal in 1980, Monaco returned to the Contest in 2004, where they failed to qualify for the final in three consecutive occasions. Their most recent entry was in 2006, with Sevérine Ferrer’s “La Coco-Dance”. At the close of voting, Monaco finished in 21st place in a field of 23 with 14 points.
What do you make of TVMonaco’s big debut? Do you think the broadcaster should aim to participate at Eurovision 2024? Who should represent the principality? 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 gear up for Eurovision 2024!
News Source: TVMonaco
Photo Credit: Trabantos / The Telegraph
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