SWITZERLAND 2014 : Learning from their Eurovision mistakes?

By eurovisionireland on September 25, 2013 • ( 2 Comments )

Swiss Eurovision 2014 Selection Details. Photograph courtesy of johncaswell.com

Switzerland seem to have taken lessons from their result at Eurovision 2013 as they set out their Eurovision strategy for 2014.

Again the Swiss selection will be a cross broadcaster effort from SFR, RTR, RTS and RSI.

SRF have published the full details on the selection process here

September 30th to October 28th is the submission time for artists wishing to participate in the Swiss National Selection. The above link will have the application process uploaded in due course by SRF.

After the closing date, internet voters and a jury will have a 50/50 vote on their favorite acts. This will produce 9 songs that will be from SFR and RTR.

After this RTS and RSI will pick 3 acts each to join the 9 already selected. These 15 acts/songs will be evaluated by an expert panel of music professionals and 6 songs will make it through to the Grand Final. Of the 6 songs to be successful – 3 will come from SFR and RTR, 2 from RTS and one from RSI.

It seems that Switzerland have seen the light realising that you will need a strong song and stage presence in order to be successful at Eurovision. Takasa seemed somewhat lost on the large Eurovision stage this year.

Sven Sarbach, Swiss Head of Delegation said “in order to succeed on the big Eurovision stage, two factors are crucial: it takes a great song and it takes artists that present and sing the song perfectly. The additional phase is to identify artists that meet both criteria”

The Swiss Grand Final will take place on the 1st of February at the Bodensee-Arena in Kreuzlingen. Not only will the 6 acts perform their song for Eurovision, but they will also have to perform a cover version of a well-known song too. The winner will be decided by a 50/50 Public and Jury vote.

http://youtu.be/RZXA9_nhqKY

Will 2014 be the year that Switzerland win the contest and follow in the footsteps of 1988 Swiss winner Celine Dion?

Author/Website co-founder and Editor in Chief Garrett Mulhall

Source : SRF and Eurovision Ireland