🇧🇾 BTRC receives almost half the number of song submissions as 2020

Belarusian broadcaster BTRC has revealed that around 50 songs have been submitted to them for Eurovision 2021. They are currently reviewing these submissions before proceeding to the next phase. We do not know whether they will be running another national final or opting for an internal selection.

BTRC has announced that they have received “around 50” submissions for their Eurovision 2021 selection. Last year, they received 95 submissions, of which 49 were invited to proceed to the auditions round.

According to the rules, a live performance of the song had to be sent in also, which may have impacted the numbers. This also suggests that there may not be an auditions phase of the selection, or even a national final at all.

According to the statement, they are currently reviewing the submissions against the selection rules. They also noted that the trajectory of the pandemic in Belarus will impact the format they opt for.

Meanwhile, The Belarusian Foundation for Cultural Solidarity recently launched a campaign against the Belarusian state broadcaster. The ongoing campaign is calling the European Broadcasting Union to remove the Belarusian broadcaster from the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest.

Belarus in the Eurovision Song Contest

Debuting in 2004, Belarus has made six finals. Their first final was in 2007 when Dmitry Koldrun finished 6th place with “Work Your Magic”. This remains Belarus’ best result to date. 

Their most recent final was in 2019 with ZENA’s “Like It”. After qualifying in 10th place, Belarus scored 31 points in the final and placed 24th overall. Last year, VAL was selected to represent the national with “Da Vidna”. Following the contest’s cancellation, the duo were not invited back for the 2021 contest following a break down in relations between the group and the broadcaster.

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