Romania: TVR open submissions for Selecția Națională 2019

Romania’s national broadcaster (TVR) announces call for songs until 10th December. Ahead of big changes for Selecția Națională 2019.

Submission window opens

As of today, artists and composers can submit their entries for the 2019 edition of Romania’s national final, Selecția Națională. Thus the winner will take part in the 64th Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv. This submission period will remain open until 10th December. Thereafter a panel of jurors will select up to 24 songs to compete in the televised shows of the national final. A full list of participants will be revealed 20th December. The semi-finals of Selecția Națională will take place across January and February. With the final to be held in February. Those applying can submit their entries through the online form here.

Selecția Națională 2019

Following the recent announcement that the multi-city format is returning, TVR has revealed changes for the 2019 edition. Indeed, in decreasing the number of competing songs to 24, from the 60 in 2018, this is already one major change. Opting for quality over quantity as the broadcaster seeks to return to qualification. This suggests that there will be a total of two semi-finals.

Further details about the voting method have also been announced. Five songs in each semi-final will advance to the final. These will be selected via the combined scores of a national jury. An additional qualifier in each semi-final will also be selected by the public votes. As well as this, TVR holds the right at any time to select a wild card to progress to the final.

However this will all change during the conclusion of the national final. The winner of Selecția Națională 2019 will be decided by the combined scores of the public voting and international jury. In the result of a tie, the final decision will be made by TVR in consultation with the international jury.

Romania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2018

After a narrow victory during Selecția Națională 2018, it was The Humans who took to the stage in the Lisbon contest. Despite giving a passionate performance of their female-fronted rock ballad, The Humans failed to qualify for the Grand Final. Finishing in 11th place in the second semi-final with 107 points. Thus becoming Romania’s first non-qualification in the semi-final era. Next year will mark Romania’s 20th official appearance in the contest, since their debut in 1994.

Will these changes get Romania back in the final? Who do you want to see take part in Selecția Națională? Let us know in the comments and on social media @ESCXTRA