They’ve brought in a much-changed selection process in a bid to turn their fortunes around. We’re getting even closer to finding out who will represent Switzerland in Kyiv following yesterday’s Live Check. Swiss broadcaster SRF has now revealed the six acts who will compete at ESC 2017 – Entscheidungsshow.

Yesterday the 21 shortlisted candidates performed their entries in front of an expert jury panel, where they were judged on their vocal ability and performance skills. As the broadcaster kept their names a secret, the auditioning was all done behind closed doors.

The jury deliberated and has now released the list of six finalists. It hopefully includes that one special act who can get Switzerland back in the grand final.

The line-up is notable for being all female singers. Some acts involve men on stage, but at the final of ESC 2017 – Entscheidungsshow on 5 February, we’ll see six ladies behind the microphones.

Switzerland national finalists 2017

Freschta

Freschta Akbarzada competed on The Voice of Switzerland in 2014 where she made it to the semi-final.

Ginta Biku

Ginta Biku is the stage name of Gintare Kubiliute, a Europop performer. She was born in Lithuania and raised in Switzerland, but has kept close ties with her country of birth.

Michèle

In 2013 at the age of 12, Michèle won the first German series of the The Voice Kids. Now aged 16, the teen is the youngest competitor in the Swiss national final this year.

Nadya

Under her birth name Nadia Maria Endrizzi, Nadya was finalist on this year’s series of Switzerland’s Got Talent.

Shana Pearson

Swiss-American pop singer Shana provided vocals on American rapper Big Ali’s 2011 Eurodance hit “Sending out an SOS”.

https://youtu.be/BECV7nwGtMs

Timebelle

Swiss-Romanian band Timebelle has returned to the contest after previously making it to the final in 2015. Their upbeat song “Singing About Love” placed second in the grand final.

Interestingly, their song “Apollo” has been making the rounds of closed-door Eurovision selections since at least the spring of 2015. Azerbaijan previously considered the song during its internal selection process in 2015, when it was paired with an aspiring female contestant. The broadcaster ultimately decided to send Elnur Huseynov with “Hour of the Wolf”.

Sadly, the journey in Switzerland ended for Moldova’s 2016 Eurovision representative Lidia Isac. Last week she revealed that her entry “The Life Beyond”, a duet with Italian singer Daniele Guastella, was one of the 21 acts through to the Live Check stage.

Changes to the national final

Switzerland’s national final revamp comes after two years of disappointing results at Eurovision. Both Mélanie René and Rykka placed last in their semi-finals.

This inspired an overhaul of the national final. Broadcaster SRF scrapped its infamous open web platform and has instead — like most broadcasters — selected the finalists using a closed system.

The final, ESC 2017 – Entscheidungsshow, will take place in Zurich on 5 February. The jury vote has also been scrapped so Swiss televoters alone will make that all-important decision on who represents the country in Kyiv.

What do you think of the 2017 line-up? Can any of these artists get Switzerland back in the grand final? Tell us what you think below!

Image credit: SRF

Read more Switzerland Eurovision news

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Hugh
Hugh
7 years ago

I don’t really connect with any of them, but a better bunch than last year for sure. I think Gold might be my favourite of the bunch, though.

Ste
Ste
7 years ago

I deeply believe that Freschta should represent Switzerland next year. With the right staging, some gold lights, confettis falling from the ceiling, well-managed camera takes and a lot of emotion this could actually become one of the best 2017 acts. I deeply hope that somebody at the SRF will understand how important the visual representation is, and that they won’t repeat the horrors of the past.
This staging does not disclose all the potential of this song. And for the key change, I am not 100% against it. I could actually sound amazing with the right setting.

Alex
Alex
7 years ago

@CookyMonzta: “Apollo” was never previously publicly released, so it shouldn’t matter…

cheesecake
cheesecake
7 years ago

The songs (in their studio versions) were presented on the radio yesterday.
Here is the link to the podcast: http://www.srf.ch/sendungen/srf-3-punkt-ch/esc-es-geht-unter-anderem-auch-um-musik

“Exodus” at the 06:45 minute mark
“The Fire In The Sky” at 16:10
“Cet Air-Là” at 23:40
“Two Faces” at 31:00
“Gold” at 38:45
“Apollo” at 43:50

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
7 years ago

@Marco: All the more reason they may have to resume poaching talent from other countries, especially nearby countries. Consider Vanilla Ninja from Estonia, 8th at Eurovision 2005 for SUI.

Marco
Marco
7 years ago

@CookyMonzta: the problem is that ESC has a very bad image in switzerland and no decent (or at least succesful) artist will consider participating. It is viewed as a chance for amateur singers rather than for already successful ones. And just look of what has become of the singers chosen in the “Entscheidunhsshow”: only Anna Rossinelli has had a successful career afterwards (and is hardly ever linked to ESC). Mélanie René, Rykka, Sebalter, Takasa… nobody has ever heard of them again.

Kris
Kris
7 years ago

I’ve seen some people trash Azerbaijan for choosing melfest rejects for Eurovision and here we have an Azerbaijan reject that had come to be the best song the Swiss selection could find……things are very grim indeed for Switzerland.Cue Jamala’s song…………

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
7 years ago

And if, as William Lee Adams says, that “Apollo” has been out on the circuit for more than a year and a half, in the exact form as we hear it now, chances are that it could be disqualified.

This is not going to go well if they throw that red card at Timebelle for this. They bounced one song last year before the Swiss final.

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
7 years ago

Oy! ;-( I really believe they left something spectacular (maybe more than one) off this roster, once again!

Not one of these will qualify; not even Timebelle’s. Their last one was way better.

Alas, my bets were on Stefanie Heinzmann to give Die Entscheidungsshow a shot.

Maybe they should have left the open forum stand, with 10 selected by the public and 10 selected by the jury, with the final 6 from that roster.

mocosuburbian
mocosuburbian
7 years ago

okay i finally listened to them —-decent—- 1. Exodus // maybe it’s my american bias but I believe that the studio version of this will murder the competition like a real life version of eesti laul’s cartoon if they cut out the singing during the ‘bass drops’ 2. Timebelle // bad allegories in the lyrics (wolves + apollo + adam ???) but wow what a much better song than singing about love. it’s a little basic but like definitely better than whatever switzerland has been doing since sebalter 3. Freschta – Gold // this is a great & current ballad… Read more »

Alex
Alex
7 years ago

Why do all these songs sound unfinished? Audio mixing is off too… all vocals are too loud. Makes it hard to figure out what’s good and what isn’t.

I think only Apollo and Two Faces have potential here. The other songs just don’t cut it, though the vocalists are all talented. That being said, seems like no final again, unless the songs’ production are seriously revamped.

Meow Eurovision
Meow Eurovision
7 years ago

Apollo is so catchy and modern!

Mizna
Mizna
7 years ago

A lot of potential for Timebelle.. But first, lose the backing singers!

Maxime
7 years ago

It’s actually quite good!

I think Timebelle and Michèle can qualify to the final in Kyiv!

Marco
Marco
7 years ago

Same procedure as every year: nice artists but weak, forgettable and not stageable songs. I hope for Timebelle amd Freschta, but again no CH in the final this year, I guess.

D
D
7 years ago

Apollo is the most outstabding song vocally and lyrics wise.

Kermit
Kermit
7 years ago

I am sorry Switzerland…But I fear nonoe of these songs are outstading enough, not enough to raise above anomyous music….whcih can take them to the final. it might again sound non-desctript like in 2015 and 2016. Not bad…but still. I think the EDM songs will be the best choices

Daniel
Daniel
7 years ago

Gold – disgusting.
Cet air la – horrorful.
Two Faces – dreadful.
The Fire In The Sky – finally a good one!
Exodus – disaster.
Apollo – 50/50.

cheesecake
cheesecake
7 years ago

First of all I’m glad that there’s no song in it this year that’s just plain bad. I think these six are all at least okay. My favorite, however, has to be Timebelle (again). I loved them two years ago and ‘Apollo’ might be even better than ‘Singing About Love’. In my opinion it has huge potential. My second favorite would be Freschta. I loved her on ‘The Voice’ and I’m so happy and surprised to see her here. Her song is beautiful, but I’d be happy if she revamped it a bit. I’m not THAT keen on the others,… Read more »

MTD
MTD
7 years ago

One or two of them sound modern… None is what would I like normally to hear. I’ll skip Switzerland.

Bartosz
Bartosz
7 years ago

Comparing to Finnish and Belarussian selection the one in Switzerland is quite nice 🙂 My favourites are:
1. Timebelle “Apollo”
2. Freschta “Gold”
3. Nadya “The Fire in the Sky”

Ginta’s song is rather meh, but still it’s not very bad.

“Two Faces” and “Exodus” are the worst of this 6. I really don’t like it and I hope we won’t hear them in May.

Alex
Alex
7 years ago

Are you going to do a react video?
Btw. Apollo for me is the only one that stands out and possibly gold

esconly
esconly
7 years ago

apollo the best!!

Awes
Awes
7 years ago

nooooooo Lidia! 🙁

Marc
Marc
7 years ago

Switzerland is not qualifying again.
All weak and forgettables songs.

Stephanie
7 years ago

Here’s my take… Gold: I found it a little too dull and couldn’t connect with Freschta at all Cet air-là: After 2 consecutive years of power ballads from the Swiss, this was a nice change of pace. I liked that Ginta sang in both English and French, could be a contender Two Faces: A little outdated for my liking, felt too late 90s-early 00s. I had to take points off for Michèle’s squeaking in some parts Fire in the Sky: Nadya has good vocals. However, the song I couldn’t connect with, it felt more to me like “Rise Like a… Read more »

mocosuburbian
mocosuburbian
7 years ago

i’m a little pissed that the “live” check wasn’t made live to the public but hey i’m really excited to listen to these 🙂

(J)ESC Fanatic
(J)ESC Fanatic
7 years ago

Good line-up! 🙂

Freschta: Great voice, nice song. The problem is that it’s too forgettable.

Ginta Biku: It’s not bad until that cheap and weak post-chorus hits…

Michèle: This is fun and catchy and she is amazing!

Nadya: I like how dramatic this is and her voice is awesome!

Shana Pearson: This is annoying as hell.

Timebelle: The best! Very strong song and voice and it’s pretty catchy and memorable, even though it’s not upbeat.

Sad for Lidia. She should have qualified instead of Ginta or Shana. 🙁

Liptick
Liptick
7 years ago

Ginta Biku is the best <3

Error97
Error97
7 years ago

The only strong song is Fire in the Sky. Too much trendy-pop songs on national finals this year and they sound cheap. STILL WAIT FOR MELFEST.

NickC
NickC
7 years ago

Finland, Belarus, and now this. They are out to get me with those terrible songs.

Steven
Steven
7 years ago

I think a few of the songs have potential and I’m sure they’ll all get a revamp. Freschta, Timebelle, Ginta would probably have the most potential in the future…Nadya maybe but the lyrics are a little cringe. The remaining two are dead ducks already. Nevertheless an improvement on last year!

Kris
Kris
7 years ago

The winner is not here…..do they add songs after this?

Mark
Mark
7 years ago

I am underwhelmed

Paul D
Paul D
7 years ago

For me is Apollo by Timebelle. With good staging this could work well

Donna
Donna
7 years ago

I want Ginta Biku to go to Kyiv for Switzerland! <3

MarioMario
7 years ago

Can’t wait until I get to listen to the full roster of songs

Calum Macleod
Calum Macleod
7 years ago

1. Timebelle – Apollo (Very dramatic song! And she sings much better live now!) 2. Freschta – Gold (Very interesting voice! But nothing special about the song.) 3. Nadya – The Fire in the Sky (The song is very Conchita-esque and the instrumental reminds me very much of Rise Like a Phoenix’s.) 4.Ginta Biku – Cet Air La (The beginning reminded me of Lana Del Rey’s ‘Video Games’ and then, as it went on, of Nathalie’s ‘Share Love’ from last year’s expert check (the live and revamped version). Overall it’s a rather weird song.) 5. Michéle – Two Faces (Some… Read more »

Héctor
Héctor
7 years ago

None of these songs appeal to me, but if I had to make a top, it would be like this: 1. Timebelle (probably the best from this bunch, but I don’t see it qualifying for the gran final) 2. Nadya (Very good voice, but the song is average though it has a lot of drama) 3. Freschta (Her voice reminds me a little to Adele’s one, but the song isn’t nothing special) 4. Shana Pearson (At first I thought: well, this could be cool, but then the chorus came and totally ruin it) ————————— The remaining two. Looks like Switzerland… Read more »

E.Scott
E.Scott
7 years ago

Nadya sure got good use out of that rhyming dictionary.

Defiantly gold or Apollo with a preference for Apollo. They are both really nice songs. Not typical eurovision songs but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

DenizNL
DenizNL
7 years ago

Good line up. Timebelle is my favourite though.

Marshpan
Marshpan
7 years ago

An overall weak selection again this year, which makes me think Switzerland would have a difficult time qualifying. Obviously, they all sound rough and need some practice in order to sound polished, but as they are, they’re very forgettable.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
7 years ago

I’m pleasantly surprised, actually. There are a lot of good singers here, and some songs with potential… Freschta obviously has a stand-out voice, but does Switzerland really want a sad ballad? I dunno. Ginta’s song is pure Europop; even though it’s a bit last decade, it does feel authentic. Michele (sorry no accents available here to type) – Congratulations for being the only act to make the backing singers sing IN TUNE with you! The song has potential but, dare I say it, it needs a bit of rapping in it, or something else to make it more “two faces.”… Read more »

karminowe.usta
karminowe.usta
7 years ago

Only “Two faces”. Another songs are boring and old-fashioned.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
7 years ago

“Gold” – a soulful song that in my opinion wouldn’t stand out at all at the contest.
“Cet air là” – a bad imitation of Zoë’s style. Tragic background music.
“Two Faces” – catchy and energetic, but not the best choice for her voice.
“Fire in the Sky” – completely forgettable, in no ways outstanding.
“Exodus” – typical EDM songs that only works in the studio but doesn’t sound as good live.
“Apollo” – in my opinion, the obvious choice for Switzerland. Well produced, catchy, and potentially accompanied by a great performance.

Alvaricomg
Alvaricomg
7 years ago

As you guys have said, the final is between Timbelle and Freschta, they are both really cool songs with good quality and the singers are awesome! yass Switzerland yas!

Marco
Marco
7 years ago

Nadya or Timebelle!

Telmo
Telmo
7 years ago

Freschta different song and different voice, for me the best among the 6.

Kylie
Kylie
7 years ago

Sad for Lidia 🙁

Gigu
Gigu
7 years ago

Apollo is the best!