Latvia’s broadcaster, LTV have confirmed that the country will be participating in Eurovision 2026, which will take place in Austria.
Changes on the way for Latvia
Following their impressive 13th place in Basel, LTV confirmed on August 1st that Latvia would be taking part in next year’s Eurovision. However, the process for selecting the song has marginally changed compared to recent years.
As usual, LTV will use Supernova as its national selection for next year’s Contest. A submissions window was opened with the confirmation of participation. However, in a small change to the format, the window will remain open until October 1st. After this, LTV will examine the submitted songs and reveal which entries will compete in the national selection.
Supernova final planned for February 14th
As part of the rules, LTV stated that submitted songs could never have been released or performed publicly before September 1st, in line with Eurovision’s rules. Foreign songwriters and composers are welcome to compete, but can only own up to 49% of the copyright. This is to allow for Latvian musicians to be primarily represented.
The national selection is planned to be similar to previous editions, with two semi-finals and a grand final planned. According to the rules of the competition released by LTV, the semi-finals are expected to broadcast on January 31st and February 7th. The final of Supernova will then take place one week later on February 14th.
Those who wish to submit an entry to LTV can do so here.
Latvia’s Eurovision journey
Latvia made their Eurovision debut in 2000, finishing 3rd with “My Star” by Brainstorm. They have performed at every contest since and managed to win in 2002. Marie N sang “I Wanna,” scoring 176 points and bringing Eurovision to Riga in the process. Latvia also managed to finish in the top 10 two more times, in 2005 and 2015.
Latvia’s most recent entry on the Eurovision stage was Tautumeitas, who performed “Bur man laimi”. Latvia successfully qualified from the second semi-final for the second year in a row. In the Grand Final, Tautumeitas finished in 13th place with 158 points. Of these points, 42 were from the public vote, and 116 were from the national juries.
Who do you want to see represent Latvia next year? Do you think they can make it to the grand final for the third year in a row? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads and Bluesky for all your Eurovision news!
News Source: LTV
Photo Credit: Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU