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Belgium: Eurosong 2025 line-up revealed!

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VRT has officially unveiled the lineup for Eurosong 2025, the Belgian national selection process for the Eurovision Song Contest. After contacting record labels, VRT has come to a shortlist of eight artists who will compete for the Belgian representation in Eurovision 2025.

The line-up

Eight artists will compete in Eurosong 2025:

  • Jelle van Dael
  • Lenn, Grace
  • Mentissa
  • LEEZ
  • Le Manou
  • Red Sebastian
  • Stefanie Callebaut

Each artist will showcase their unique musical style and vision, ensuring that the competition offers a diverse range of performances.

Eurosong 2025 – The Format

The selection process will consist of two preliminary rounds, in which the artists will perform their chosen songs in their most authentic form, without any extra stage effects or production enhancements.

Following the two preliminary rounds, the final of Eurosong 2025 will take place in a live show on Saturday, February 1st, 2025. The final decision of which artist will represent Belgium at Eurovision 2025 will be determined by a combination of public votes and a professional jury.

The show will once again be hosted by Peter Van de Veire, a familiar face in the Belgian Eurovision scene. As always, he will also provide expert commentary during the Eurovision Song Contest in May, offering insights and updates as the competition unfolds.

Mustii represented Belgium in Eurovision 2024 with his entry “Before The Party’s Over”. Despite being a fan-favorite, Mustii did not qualify to the grand final, finishing thirteenth in the second semi-final.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!

Source: VRT

Belgium: VRT invites Joost Klein for Eurovision 2025!

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The recent public call of Joost Klein to the Belgian public broadcaster seems to have found a response, since the Dutch-speaking public television of Belgium with a post on social media expresses its interest in the artist and the possible representation of the country by him in Eurovision 2025 .

A few days earlier at a concert in Belgium, Joost Klein, responding to a banner of his fans calling for him to return with the Netherlands to Eurovision 2025, replied:

Who told you that I want to represent this country! Belgium call me!

Studio Brussel (VRT) did not miss the opportunity and responded to Joost Klein. The Belgian broadcaster published a post on Instagram in which it wrote: “@joostklein check private messages please, thank you”, along with a video of Klein doing his reading. While she hinted that she is trying to get in touch with the Dutch singer.

 

Δείτε αυτή τη δημοσίευση στο Instagram.

 

Η δημοσίευση κοινοποιήθηκε από το χρήστη VRT Studio Brussel (@stubru)

It is obvious that Belgian public broadcaster is interested in seeing Joost Klein compete in Eurosong 2025 and why not represent the country in Switzerland. VRT will hold Eurosong 2025 to select the artist and song that will represent the country in the competition. There will be no open call for song submissions, but by invitation only to established artists.

Artists who receive an invitation will be asked to submit up to two original songs to VRT. The songs will be auditioned and a committee will decide which artists and which songs will compete in Eurosong 2025, to represent Belgium at Eurovision 2025.

Recall that the Dutch singer Joost Klein was disqualified a few hours before the final of Eurovision 2024 after a complaint filed against him by a Swedish photographer in the production of the contest. The complaint, which has gone to justice, was that Joost Klein used violence against her.

The Deputy Director General of the European Broadcasting Union, Jean Philip De Tender, referred to Joost Klein’s desire to compete in Eurovision 2025, saying that this is possible, as long as his participation would not violate the contest’s regulations:

If there is no violation of the rules, I see no reason why he cannot participate. at Eurovision 2025.

Unlike Belgium, which is already moving forward with the procedures to find its representative in the next contest, Joost Klein’s native Netherlands, has not yet made it clear whether it will take part in Eurovision 2025, pending actions from the EBU, to avoid situations that happened in Malmö.

Would you like to see Joost Klein represent Belgium at Eurovision 2025? Tell us in the comments below!

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source: Euromix

Belgium: There will be no open song submission for Eurosong 2025!

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VRT, Belgium ‘s public broadcaster, confirmed a while ago that there will be no open submission process for Eurosong 2025, the country’s national final for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025!

After a public protest by Joeri Fransen, VRT stated the reasons why there will not be an open submission process, through the channel’s General Music Coordinator:

“We have abandoned the elimination race that is ‘Eurosong’. ‘ used to be, and will no longer be, organizing preliminary rounds, semi-finals and a final,” says Kerremans. “We have noticed that such a formula is especially interesting for novice artists who could use any exposure, but it deters many established artists because of the possible loss of face. We have also abandoned the formula whereby absolutely everyone can submit a song. In the past we received thousands of submissions and that put too many songwriters to work unnecessarily.”

The process that will now be followed will be similar to the one that VRT followed in 2023.

After the channel contacted record labels, it already has a shortlist of potential artists, who will be asked to submit two songs by September, when VRT will select the finalists for the national final.

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Belgium: Gustaph promises a more dynamic show for Eurovision 2023!

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In an interview with Belgium’s public broadcaster, VRT, the country’s representative in this year’s contest, Gustaph, spoke about his performance on the Eurovision stage and his hopes for a qualification to the Final.

With only a week away from the start of rehearsals and consequently the beginning of the 67th Eurovision Song Contest, Gustaph spoke to VRT about his preparation for the contest. As Gustaph has said before, his performance at Eurovision will be different from that of the national final:

“There will be a lot more interaction with the backing singers and with the screens. And it will be much more dynamic. I’m going to have to jump around on that stage a lot more.

I would find it an insult to dancers if I called myself a dancer. I’m just going to move a lot. Although that is not easy if you have to sing at the same time.”

The Belgian representative confirmed that his clothing will be designed by Walter Van Beirendinck. He will however keep his Eurosong hat, but his new look will be full of colour:

Looking forward to the competition in Liverpool, Gustaph is aiming to qualify for the Grand Final and finish well. He has strong hopes about his chances:

“The song is an instant party, people will probably get a good feeling immediately. And we are the only one of our kind in the second semi-final where there are a lot of ballads and intense performances. With us it’s a party and that could be turn out well for a public vote.”

You can watch the EurovisionFun team’s reaction to Belgium’s participation in Eurovision 2023 below:

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the news about Belgium in Eurovision 2023!

Source: vrt.be

Belgium: With Gustaph and “Because of You” at Eurovision 2023!

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Belgium’s national final Eurosong 2023 has just ended, having chosen Gustaph with his song “Because of You” as the big winner that will take the ticket to Liverpool in May for Eurovision 2023.

The show took place at Palais 12 in Brussels with Peter Van de Veire as the host and Duncan Laurence as the guest act.

The participants

In the national final, seven artists presented their proposals for Eurovision 2023 in the following order:

  1. Hunter Falls –  Ooh La La 
  2. Cherine – Ça m’ennuie pas 
  3. The Starlings – Rollercoaster
  4. Ameerah – The Carnival 
  5. Gustaph – Because Of You
  6. Gala Aliaj Dragot – T’lnquiete
  7. Loredana De Amicis – You Lift Me Up 

The jury is made up of 15 members, including Alexander Rybak (Norway 2009 and 2018), Laura Tessoro (Belgium 2015), Jeremie Makiese (Belgium 2022) and Nikkie Turtorials (Eurovision 2021 Presenter).

The competitive part

1. Hunter Falls –  Ooh La La 

First on stage is Hunter Falls dressed in black with two dancers synchronized with the rear LEDs which are in orange, yellow and red tones. Pretty good vocally in a decent performance.

https://youtu.be/w_j6bH8BO7Y

2. Cherine –Ça m’ennuie pas 

Definitely one of the favourites of the night as her song is number one on Spotify Belgium. Cherine is on stage in a pink dress and two dancers, one dressed as an octopus and one as a flower. The stage look is quite childish and reminiscent of Junior Eurovision but she is quite good vocally. Will her childish approach cost her a ticket to Liverpool?

https://youtu.be/Zy5zx79QUPc

3. The Starlings – Rollercoaster

Next up was the duo of the night in a dark black and white performance. A minimal show with some effects, a little subdued of course. The Starlings are decent vocalists. The juries pointed out their similarity to Ed Sheeran’s song.

https://youtu.be/E3rng9rC6Ks

4. Ameerah – The Carnival 

It’s Ameerah’s turn with her carnival! Dressed in red with five dancers and costumes that refer to the title of the song without being “costumes”. She is quite good vocally and comfortable on stage with the show ending with confetti and her extending to the catwalk part of the stage. A pretty well worked out performance.

https://youtu.be/uQWMGgoJkYg

5. Gustaph – Because Of You

Gustaph comes on stage in a hat and a kimono type of clothing in shades of purple and pink. With him are two women on vocals who, with their support, make the song live sound almost identical to the studio version. Simple and unpretentious appearance.

https://youtu.be/J90sSoNKTHA

6. Gala Aliaj Dragot – T’lnquiete 

Next up is the winner of the Junior version of the country. Gala in white with 5 dancers behind her in a modern choreography that doesn’t distract from her and the piece. Excellent vocals from the 17 year old singer in a highly atmospheric performance that is sure to get the judges and audience excited.

https://youtu.be/Zm_yfMR2Jbo

7. Loredana De Amicis – You Lift Me Up 

Loredana closes the curtain in a very “Eurovision” performance. She wears a black jumpsuit with rhinestones and has two male dancers. At the finale a large robot appears in the centre with various lights. The look and the singing are reminiscent of the contest of earlier times unfortunately, despite the fact that she is quite good vocally.

https://youtu.be/Rp-4eAlMVxs

The results

The winner was decided by the vote of the 15 jurors and the television audience, which has one free vote via the channel’s website and one payphone vote. The jury distributed 780 points among the seven candidates and the 780 votes from the public were divided by percentages accordingly. That is, if one of the candidates receives 10% of the public votes, he or she will receive 78 points.

The jury voted:

  1. Gala 146
  2. Cherine 145
  3. Gustaph 121
  4. Ameerah 107
  5. The Starlings 94
  6. Hunter Falls 84
  7. Loredana  83

The audience voted:

  1. The Starlings 183
  2. Gustaph 157
  3. Cherine 123
  4. Gala 146
  5. Loredana  84
  6. Ameerah 64
  7. Hunter Falls 44

Therefore, the final result is as follows:

  1. Gustaph 278
  2. The Starlings 277
  3. Gala 146
  4. Cherine 145
  5. Ameerah 153
  6. Loredana  167
  7. Hunter Falls 128

Gustaph and “Beacause of You” will wave the Belgian flag in Liverpool and will attempt to claim victory in the upcoming competition. Listen to the entry below:

https://youtu.be/J90sSoNKTHA

Will Belgium manage to get back into the top ten after 6 years? Make your prediction in the comments!

Belgium: Listen to the songs of Eurosong 2023!

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We now know all the songs that are going to compete in the Belgian national final, while the seven competing songs are now available on Spotify in their full versions!

 

The songs of Eurosong 2023

You can listen to the competing songs of Eurosong 2023 by clicking each song’s title:

How is the winner going to be revealed?

  • There are 1560 points in total, that are going to be divided in half; 780 for the public and 780 for the jury
  • The jury will be consisted of 15 members where each member will award 12, 10, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 (52 points in total)
  • The public vote will also give 780 points to the contestants. If, for example, a song gets 10% of the televote, it will receive 78 points.
  • In case of a tie, the jury vote will be the one to be counted. In case there is also a tie, the winner will be the one with the most 12 points, 10 points etc.
  • Each voter can make a free vote through the website of VRT and only one vote per phone number with the cost of 0,75€

The Grand Final of Eurosong 2023 will take pace in Paleis 12 / Palais 12 in Brussels on January 14.

You can also watch our interviews with two of Eurosong 2023 contestants, Ameerah and Gala Dragot:

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Belgian participation at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, in Liverpool!

Belgium: These are the contestants of Eurosong 2023!

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Despite qualifying for the final twice in a row, the mid-table results made the public broadcaster of Belgium, organise a national final in order to select their representative for Eurovision 2023. In January 14, Eurosong 2023 will take place, in which seven artists will compete for the ticket to Liverpool.

Earlier today, Belgium’s public broadcaster revealed the names of the contestants that will take part in Eurosong 2023:

  • Ameerah is a Belgian singer, who writes and compoese her own songs, initally known by the name “Astrid”. Her greatest success was the song “The Sound of Missing You” sung alongside the Wildboyz which managed to reach the top 3 of USA Billboard Hot Dance Airplay.
  • Cherine became widely known to the Belgian public through her participation to “The Voice 2022”, in which she managed to reach the Live Shows with her unique voice. Her styles reminds of the country’s song for Eurovision 201 and 2018.
  • Gala Aliaj Dragot is the winner of “The Voice Kids 2020” and claims the country’s representation yet again with an indie pop style of songs. Gala managed to stand out through her mature voice desoite her young age and in the final she won by performing the song “Make you feel my love”! Right after the contest, she released a single named “Contagious“.
  • Gustaph is a singer from Flanders has taken part in numerous festivals and he has worked alongside many internationally known artists. He has produced  many songs for a number of record labels in his country having experience in the field.
  • Hunter Falls is a Belgian composer who specialises in aerial productions and all of his songs belong in the indie pop field and are very well produced.
  • The Starlings are a duet with a very special sound and romantic lyrics. Their last song is called “Get to You” and is a great example of their music. One of the members of th eduet is Tom Dice, who represented Belgium in Eurovision 2010 with the song “Me and My Guitar” and ended up in 6th place.
  • Loredana De Amicis was one of the contestants of the Belgian version of “The Masked Singer” dressed up as the Ridder and made an impression with her impressive vocals.

Belgium was represented in Eurovision 2023 by Jérémie Makiese with the song “Miss You” ending up in 19th place in the Grand Final for the second year in a row:

https://youtu.be/sB09advfF6E

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Belgian participation at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, in Liverpool!
Source: vrt.be

Belgium: “Eurosong 2023” in February with 7 participants and 14 songs!

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According to the Dutch-speaking Belgian news website Het Laatste Nieuws, the public broadcaster, VRT, is aiming for a new format for Eurosong 2023. Specifically, seven artists are to participate with each competing with two songs.

Mid-February final?

It is not yet known how many shows will make up the Belgian national selection process. Although Het Laatse Nieuws stated that the final is expected to take place mid-February, Belgian website Songfestival.be replied that the process will start in spring 2023 with the final taking place at Palais 12 in Brussels.

This year Belgium competed in Turin, Italy with Jérémie Makiese and the song Miss You which came 8th from the second semi-final and in the grand final they finished in the 19th place with 64 points

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB09advfF6E&feature=emb_title

Source: Songfestival.be

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news about Belgium and Eurosong 2023!

Belgium: VRT is going to select the national final participants, no open registration!

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Through the summer, Belgian national broadcaster VRT has shown its intention for selecting the country’s representative for Eurovision 2023 through a TV national final. However, today it was confirmed that there will be no open registration for the interested artists but VRT is going to choose the participants of its national final!

Gerrit Kerremans, music coordinator at VRT, has revealed at songfestival.be that due to the late decision for a national final – Eurosong 2023, there won’t be an open registration for those interested. Instead, the competing participants for Belgium’s representation at the 67th Eurovision Song Contest will be directly selected by the Flemish-speaking Belgian national broadcaster VRT, which has already came into contact with record labels and artists that it wants to attend Eurosong 2023.

The dates are still unknown, along with the remaining information for the national final, because all those are going to be clarified through official announcements. The widely known newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws has mentioned that Eurosong 2023 is going to take about five to seven weeks, but this hasn’t been confirmed yet.

This is the first time since 2016 that Belgium will hold a national final for selecting its representative at the contest. “The Voice Belgique” winner Jérémie Makiese represented Belgium in Eurovision 2022 with the song “Miss You” that finished 19th at the Grand Final with 64 points in total.

https://youtu.be/GZ3mLO4uFjY

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the news!

Source: songfestival.be

Belgium: The national final will last five to seven weeks | The first potential candidates!

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VRT wants to attract big names to participate in Eurosong 2023, the planned Belgian pre-qualifier for the Song Contest 2023. Also the duration of the national final is expected to last five to seven weeks.

Surely but steadily the first details are coming out for Belgium’s national final, the first since 2016. After Peter Van de Veire broke the news last Saturday during Zomerhit , it was then confirmed that Eurosong 2023 will not be presented by Niels Destadsbader but Van de Veire himself.

Five or seven weeks

In the meantime, the exact format for the national final has yet to be determined, although today Het Laatste Nieuws is already providing more details. The newspaper clearly talks about “a brilliant musical show that lasts for weeks”. The article states that the new version of Eurosong will last five or seven weeks (and thus possibly as many broadcasts). In 2016 the Eurosong lasted three weeks, while two years earlier it lasted seven.

Former participants

VRT seems to want a strong cast of participants, because according to the same article in Het Laatste Nieuws, the public broadcaster is targeting “a range of top artists”. Just wishlist (for now) are: The Starlings, Camille, Natalia, Regi, Laura Tesoro and Niels Destadsbader. Starlings’ Tom Dice took part in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2010 with Me and My Guitar, while Laura Tesoro was the winner of Belgium’s last national final in 2016, both finishing in the top 10 of the final standings. Natalia finished second in the 2004 qualifier behind Xandee.

It is not yet known when VRT will announce more details about Eurosong 2023, nor the dates and locations of the live shows.

The winner of ‘The Voice Belgique’ Jérémie Makiese represented Belgium at Eurovision 2022 with the song ‘Miss you’, placing 19th in the grand final with a total of 64 points.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB09advfF6E&feature=emb_title

What do you think about Belgium returning on the national final selection? Tell us in the comments!

Source: Songfestival