Switzerland introduces international juries for 2018

Switzerland seem to be stuck in a rut of disappointing results in the Eurovision Song Contest. They have failed to qualify for the final since 2014! Today, the Swiss broadcaster, SRF, have launched their revamped selection process for Eurovision, which includes the use of international juries!
It is not yet known which countries the international juries will come from. However, it is known that they will decide 50% of the overall result, with the Swiss public deciding the other 50%. They appear to be moving towards a more Melodifestivalen style of national selection. Earlier today, we published an article detailing how we think that Switzerland could succeed again in Eurovision!

The Swiss selection process

SRF have removed the “regional quotas” which they have used before to make sure that songs from every region of Switzerland reach the national final. Instead, they will focus on selecting the right voice for each competing song.
Another Swiss broadcaster, SRG SSR, has invited songwriters to submit a song to compete in the Swiss selection. After the deadline, 22 September, a 20-member jury of music and media representatives, Eurovision fans, and television viewers will select their six favourite submissions to go to the Swiss final.
SRG SSR will then search for the best voice for the six selected songs (demo singers will sing the original submissions). The national final will take place on 4 February, and we will know who will represent Switzerland in Eurovision 2018!

Last year…

In the Eurovision Song Contest 2017, Timebelle represented Switzerland with Apollo. They finished 12th in the second semifinal, missing out on qualifying by just 4 points. This was Switzerland’s best result since 2014, when Sebalter came 13th in the final with Hunter of Stars. Perhaps next year, they will be able to beat that!

What do you think? Is this a better selection process for Switzerland? Do you approve of the use of international juries? Tell us in the comments below!