RTBF has responded to speculation that Loïc Nottet has been internally chosen to represent Belgium at Eurovision 2026, stating that no selection has yet been made – and that participation itself is still undecided.
RTBF addresses speculation
Ten years after his fourth-place finish with Rhythm Inside in Vienna, Loïc Nottet is once again at the centre of Eurovision rumours. Reports from French journalist Clément Garin claimed that Nottet had been selected by RTBF, narrowly beating emerging artist Elyssa in the broadcaster’s internal process. Mentissa and Henri PFR were also said to have been in the running.
However, according to Nieuwsblad, RTBF has denied that a decision has been made. The broadcaster also stated that Belgium’s participation in the 2026 Contest – set to be held in Austria – is not yet officially confirmed. This follows recent discussions within the EBU about the voting procedure and the participation of Israel, with several broadcasters, including RTBF and VRT, calling for greater transparency.
“There have been various debates after this year’s Eurovision,” the broadcaster explained. “Our production teams are in contact with artists to select someone for 2026. We must do this during the summer so that we are ready if we confirm our participation. That communication will happen in due course.”
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.
Belgium chose Red Sebastian to represent the nation with “Strobe Lights” in 2025. Competing in the first semi-final, Belgium scored 23 points, placing fourteenth and ultimately missing out on the Grand Final for the second year in a row.
Do you think Loïc Nottet should be Belgium’s choice for Eurovision 2026? Would you be excited to see Loïc return to Eurovision in 2026? As always, please let us know what you think by getting involved in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, tumblr, and Bluesky for more information about Eurovision 2026!
News source: Nieuwsblad
Photo credit: EBU