Latvian broadcaster LTV have today announced the names of the two men who will face the task of hosting Dziesma 2014’s two semi-finals; DJ and event hostย ฤriks Loks and actorย Nauris Brikmanis.ย They are however to be joined by a third man who is not to be revealed until the final in Ventspils.
Nothing is known at this point regarding the identity of the third host except for his gender, with LTV stating that Dziesma 2014 will be hosted by “Three attractive and charming men”.
LTV have also announced that once again all three shows of Dziesma will be streamed live over the LTV website. Many things remain unchanged from last year’s format with Dziesma once again having standing room only Semi-Finals taking place at Riga’s Palladium Concert Hall. The selection will once again contain 50/50 jury and televote at all stages of the selection. Six out of the twelve participants in each semi-final will then advance to the final.
As previously reported, the major change from 2013’s show is the reinstating of the nationality rule with only Latvian composers being allowed to enter this year. LTV has emphasised this using “Made In Latvia” as the theme of the selection. On this topic, the director of Dziesma,ย Zane Gargaลพina had this to say:
“Latvian production has an incredible power which has to be noticed and noted. Getting inspired by that power is the prerequisite to win Eurovision Song Contest in Denmark. The shows this year are going to inspire the participants and everyone in Latvia to find the spark for daring and grand challenges.”
Dziesma 2014 will begin on Saturday, January 1 with the first semi-final and followed the next day with the second semi-final. The final of Dziesma will take place on February 22nd and will once more be presented ย in cooperation with the city of Ventspils who have supported the Latvian Eurovision participation since 2001. The 24 songs vying for the right to represent Latvia in Copenhagen can be heard here.
