Czech Republic is searching for a song for Lisbon

Czech Republic have officially confirmed participation for next year’s contest in Lisbon, and the broadcaster have now presented further details regarding how they will select an entry for the Czech Republic in Eurovision.

At least one of the vocalists must be Czech

Any songs not published on any platform before 1 September 2017, and no more than 3 minutes long, are eligible for registration. Both Czech and foreign composers and performers may apply – the only condition is that at least one of the main vocalists must be Czech.
However, very little is known regarding the actual selection method; whether a form of a national final will be used to select the entry, or if once again the selection will be made internally for Czech Republic in Eurovision.
Who knows, maybe the Czechs will opt for something different this time?
Despite disappointing results in the country’s short Eurovision history, the Czechs are making significant changes by trying with a different approach this time. As it was earlier reported here, the broadcaster wants to improve their Eurovision record by inviting Czech composers to create a decent entry.

Participation has been promised by, among others, performers including Dasha, Thom Artway, Mikolas Josef, Markéta Konvičková, Pavel Callta, Elis Mráz, Yanna, Mariana Prachařová, Annabelle, and the bands Doctor Victor and Eddie Stoilow. Creative producer, Jan Potměšil, said:

“The winning artist will get the absolute attention, including performances in at least 6 European countries on local stages. This season we are going to put special focus on stage performance and look – we would like to prepare everything in Czech republic and bring it to Portugal. We really appreciate growing interest amongst the Czech musicians and producers. It shows positive attitude towards the biggest and most spectalucar musical show in the world.”

Positive attitude from former Czech Eurovision stars

Former Czech representatives are showing a positive attitude towards ČT’s Eurovision project. They are encouraging other singers to give it a try to feel, as they described it, as “international stars”.
Half of the Czech Republic’s representative in Eurovision 2015, Marta Jandová, made comment on Eurovision:

“I have to say that both Vaclav and I have gained a lot of new fans from countries all over the world who follow our social networks. That alone makes our participation in Eurovision worthwhile. When the performer is somebody who is not well-known to people, such as Martina Bárta last year, it is a stunner for them as beginners and for us too, even though we are not beginners anymore”

Her duet partner, Václav Noid Bárta, adds:

“If only I had the chance to return to Eurovision again. At the very least, I would like to recommend everybody to participate because it gave me, as a Czech, the opportunity to feel like an international star. People from all over Europe recognised us!”

While this year’s representative Martina expressed her happiness of getting to know other singers through her Eurovision experience:

“Those were the most amazing three months of my life, a great life experience. Thanks to Eurovision, I have made new friends and I’m still in contact with some of the performers. It is important to find your inner composure before the performance and to avoid unnecessary stress beforehand. The people in front of you haven’t come to hurt you…they’re there to encourage you”.

Czech Republic in Eurovision

The Czech Republic has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest six times since making its début in 2007. After receiving nul points in 2009 and a lack of interest from the Czech public, the Czech broadcaster ČT decided to withdraw. ČT announced their return to the contest in 2015.

Czech Republic’s best result to date

Determined to qualify for the grand final, in 2016 Gabriela Gunčíková represented the country with “I Stand”. She managed to place 25th in the final, making it the only time the country made it past the semi-finals. Below you can watch Gabriela’s performance from the grand final in Stockholm.

Is the idea of holding a national final online a good one? What pros and cons could this type of selection method lead to? What do you think about the Czech Republic in Eurovision? Please, let us know your opinions and thoughts by commenting below or at social media @ESCXTRA