Czech Republic begins preparations for next year’s Eurovision Song Contest

Česká televize (Czech Television) has begun its preparations for the next Eurovision Song Contest, the largest singing competition in Europe, which will be held in Ukraine. The choice of song that will represent the Czech Republic is open to songwriters from around the world and once again will be selected by a jury composed of respected music experts.

This year’s Eurovision Song Contest took place in the Swedish capital Stockholm, with the Czech Republic represented by Gabriela Gunčíková and the song “I Stand”. For the first time in history, the Czech entry successfully fought its way into the final. The Czech Republic therefore had the opportunity to present itself to 204 million viewers in 42 countries.

“I’m very pleased that we will once again have the opportunity to represent the Czech Republic in the world’s biggest entertainment show. Our priority is to constantly raise the quality of both the choice of song and artist, and in the presentation at the contest itself”, says Head of Delegation Jan Bors.
The song will be selected by an expert jury made up of representatives of Česká televise and respected music experts.

The jury will then choose the performer who will go on to represent the Czech Republic at next year’s European Song Contest. The choice of composition is open to songwriters from all corners of the globe, who can send their proposals by 30 November to the address esc2017@ceskatelevize.cz. The basic conditions for submission are that the registered song has a maximum length of 3 minutes, and must not be published or played at any location before 1 September 2016, and that the recording is submitted together with the lyrics and reference vocals.

“Finding a song which fits current global trends and quality, while at the same time standing up to the intense competition at the European Song Contest is very complex. It is perfectly normal that even Czech artists collaborate with foreign writers and producers. I’m convinced that being as open as possible to the choice of song is, above all, the way to higher quality”, adds Jan Potměšil, the creative producer in charge of the project.

The Eurovision Song Contest is a music competition organised by active members of the European Broadcasting Union. It is the most watched non-sporting event in the world, broadcast not only in the participating countries, but also in Australia, Brazil, Japan and the USA. First held in 1956, it is one of the longest running shows in television history.

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