Brussels, 22 September 2022
A few bits of news have come up about the upcoming Belgian NF. Next year, it will be the turn of Flemish broadcaster VRT to organize the Belgium participation at Eurovision, and after choosing internally for two consequetive contests, VRT hasopted to revert back to their public selection, Eurosong. Details about how Eurosong would be organized have remained vague and speculative, until now.
VRT have now disclosed that Eurosong 2023 won’t feature an open song submission. Effectively, this means that rather than having a number unknown hopefuls apply, VRT’s executives will instead hand-pick upcoming and established artists to perform in the national final. The Flemish broadcaster has already reached out to several labels to discuss terms for potential candidates.
The decision to make the application process closed is rumored to have been caused by VRT’s late decision to opt for a national final over an internal selection. Peter Van de Veire, an influential radio DJ and Flemish commentator since 2012 (and host of Eurosong 2016), had reportedly voiced disapproval at this potential change when this was first discussed by executives. The last national final VRT organized was also an invite-only affair. In 2016, VRT drafted five upcoming (but unestablished) young artists who competed with self-penned songs. Laura Tesoro won this selection and went on to place 10th in Stockholm with her song “What’s the pressure”.
At the moment we don’t quite know who is set to compete. We can probably expect a mix of established artists and new hopefuls backed by a record label. Camille D’hont, the most popular female Flemish singer as of this moment, has confirmed that she won’t compete this year, but won’t rule out future participation. Any other rumours that persist as of now, are just that.
Once more news has surfaced, we’ll come right back at you with more juicy dues.
Are #YOU excited for Belgium’s national final? Which artist would #YOU like to see? Sound off in the comments below, in our forum, or on social media @ESCUnited.
