It’s the Eurovision down season, and don’t you for a second think we’re going to stop speculating, arguing, and pushing our heated opinions. Our latest series will look at the national finals of Eurovision, and discussing how we would reform the national finals of Eurovision. Today we’re having a look at Eurosong.
In part eleven of this series Daniel, Euan, and Angus discuss what changes they’d make to Portugal’s NF.
What is Eurosong?
Eurosong is a selection method that has been used on and off in Belgium throughout their participation in the contest. In recent years its usage has been more sporadic. The selection nowadays is usually used solely by the Flemish speaking broadcaster VRT but has in the past been used by both. Eurosong in its name however. was first used in 1959.
The layout of the national selection has changed many times over the years and does not have a consistent format. French speaking broadcaster
RTBF has solely used an internal selection to select their entry since 2015. VRT used a selection right up until 2016, however in 2018, 2020 and 2021 they too opted for an internal selection. Traditionally since 2001, VRT take the reins for the contest every other year, this was traditionally in years that ended with an even number, until the Covid 19 pandemic hit and it changed to odd numbers.
Do we like what the NF does so far, and do we think there’s a chance of it producing a winner?
Euan
While Belgium has had many wobbles recently, and struggled to get back to great results I definitely feel like VRT (not so much RTBF) has produced so much quality in their internal selections and with the most recent Eurosong that the possibility of a winner appearing is really high. I thought Eurosong was one of the best NFs of 2023, and VRT really know what they’re doing. Frankly a VRT representative needs to liaise with every broadcaster with an NF, because they had without a doubt the best voting system of any NF of the last few years.
Daniel
(Angus please don’t kill me) I really liked Eurosong in 2023, there were a lot of songs I really enjoyed, and both of Chérine’s songs reached my Top 10 of National Final season that year. I think the show is underrated in the fandom and I genuinely think could produce a winner.
Angus
The format of Eurosong 2023 was pretty bizarre. On paper it shouldn’t work. I am still not sure it worked in practice. But between the proportional points system and the end result, I don’t think I can really complain too much. I mean, I will of course. But if Eurosong 2025 again leads to a fun night and a good result, I’ll have to commend VRT for making a baffling-yet-good NF.
What changes would we make to the National Final?
Euan
As much as a love the show there are some changes I would make. I think the size of the show needs to be kept. There’s the perfect level of quality (let’s just pretend that Chérine’s ‘song’ wasn’t there) is outstanding, and going for this hyper focus on a few more established acts works really well. I think how the acts have been picked works well, however, there needs to be some Walloon influence on the show. (Did not think I’d ever be defending Wallonia in Eurovision). The bienniel participation model in Belgium just doesn’t work. The selection should happen every year, and I think replicating what Switzerland used to do with their NF in having a set number of acts reserved for each broadcaster would work well at bringing in a diverse range of performers.
In terms of voting, as said before, the voting system is perfect and must remain. I’d keep the jurors and their ability to voice their opinions on the broadcast, but perhaps have a little rethink on which has-been former winners are allowed to be on the jury. The final and biggest change I’d make would be to formally incorporate the multiple song choices into the selection. Keep the presentation, but give the public the ability to vote on what song gets to the final broadcast final. If an act has multiple options they should be able to, with up to three songs, if not, then they can just present their one song and be in the final. It would build more excitement and engagement as well as giving the artists more feedback in their song and give them the opportunity to adapt before the final.
Daniel
Get rid of the X factor style judges please. No truly self respecting national final needs to have Alexander Rybak beefing with a child (or Alexander Rybak at all for that matter). Especially given that these people are the jurors – having their comments potentially influence televoters is really stupid. I think that instead of having two, that the artists should focus on one song, especially because it meant that people (me) got attached to songs (Mon Étoile, Oceanside, Armageddon) despite the fact they were never going to be in contention for the show.
Angus
I have gone on the record before as disliking juror members getting to share their opinions before or while the people at home vote, and this is no exception. While I am happy that it might have led to The Starlings not going to Eurovision, that this impact is possible is kind of scary. The two song system needs to go as well, or be subject to a qualifying format where they get to properly shine instead of being relegated to what was a glorified (albeit cute) spin-off show. While I don’t want a hard language rule, seeing some language variety would be nice: how come the Dutch-language broadcaster had no songs in Dutch? Oh, and finally (and I say this only half-jokingly): ban having more than 4 songwriters on a track unless it’s a band. Why was there one song with 7 songwriters?
Do we think any reforms are likely to happen to this NF?
Euan
I fear feel like there’s a strong likelyhood of reforms coming to this NF given how new this selection is. If they keot everything the exact same from 2023 I wouldn’t be unhappy with it.
Daniel
This might be the only time I say this in this series, but I can honestly see my wishes being implemented! I do think the biannual shows with the rotating broadcajsters helps this as they get much more time to reflect on the format.
Angus
Who knows! I still don’t understand why VRT went with the original format and frankly, I don’t know if they do either. So I expect to be just as baffled at first and, hopefully, delighted in the end by any changes they make.
Belgium’s Eurovision Journey
Belgium was one of the debutant countries at the beginning of the Eurovision Song Contest back in 1956. For the first edition, countries could submit two songs, and for Belgium that year, ‘Messieurs les noyès 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 64 Eurovision Song Contests; however, they have only ever won once: in 1986 with Sandra Kim and the song ‘J’amie la vie’, scoring 176 points.
Following an impressive seventh place in 2023, Belgium chose Mustii to represent them with “Before The Party’s Over” in 2024. Mustii scored eighteen points in the second semifinal, placing thirteenth.
What do you think about our reforms? As always, let us know what you think by commenting down below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Threads and Bluesky for all the latest Eurovision news!
News Source: That Eurovision Site
Photo Credit: EBU
Tim J