Fifteen years ago they were the second Baltic nation to win Eurovision, but in recent years they’ve struggled to qualify for the grand final. Now Latvia‘s broadcaster LTV has released details of national final Supernova 2018 — and this time they’ve opened entry to songwriters from outside Latvia.

Supernova has been Latvia’s national selection since 2015. In its first year, it was responsible for breaking a six-year drought of non-qualification, when Aminata took home an impressive sixth-place finish with “Love Injected”.

However, last year Supernova led to electro pop band Triana Park heading to Eurovision. While their song “Line” was a big fan favourite, the live performance failed to win over both televoters and juries, leading to a last-place finish in the first heat.

In order to inject some fresh blood into Supernova, LTV is now allowing foreign citizens to be involved in the production of songs. While the song performers still have to be Latvian, behind the scenes up to 30% of the credits can go to foreign songwriters or producers.

This move aims to attract experienced music creators who will be able to team up with their Latvian counterparts to help produce a higher standard of songs. Organisers hope this will make Supernova more competitive.

Supernova will also take inspiration from neighbouring Estonia and hold a songwriting camp, to put the focus on writing songs especially for Supernova and Eurovision.

The broadcaster has a strong idea what it wants from the winning Supernova entry. LTV says it’s looking for “contemporary pop music song that can compete on the international music market, as well as a focused and charismatic performer”.

Entries for Supernova 2018 will open this Wednesday, 6 September, and will close five and a half weeks later on October 15.

What do you think? Should Latvia open Supernova to foreign songwriters? Who would you like to see enter Supernova this season? Share your thoughts below!

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L'oiseau
L'oiseau
6 years ago

I don’t think this is a good idea. I much prefer that the broadcasters would concentrate on bringing on home-grown talent. We all see where the majority of the songwriters/producers will come from…

NickC
NickC
6 years ago

I think it is a good move. Last year Supernova was pretty dull.

azaad
azaad
6 years ago

A mix of international and Latvian songwriters won’t be too bad. But a huge selling point of Supernova is its ability to merge originality with quality. Melfest is quality for sure, but only a few entries per year transcend the banality of modern pop.

escphbelgium
escphbelgium
6 years ago

Meanwhile I’m just waiting for Triana Park to comback

Joe
Joe
6 years ago

lol they’re so desperate

beccaboo1212
6 years ago

Most importantly, interested artists need to be at least 16 years old, and either Latvian citizens or foreigners of Latvian heritage. 😉

Joe
Joe
6 years ago
Reply to  beccaboo1212

ah, that makes sense

LordOfRiga
LordOfRiga
6 years ago
Reply to  beccaboo1212

There’s no word about obligatory Latvian heritage. If there’s any interested artist, your song can’t have more than 30% of copyrights or related rights. That’s it! Don’t spread the lies!

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago

There are pros and cons on whether foreign songwriters should be involved in the Eurovision process. Pros: Songwriters from abroad will bring their knowledge and experience to Supernova, also bring some fresh ideas and music and make it more competitive and with more quality songs. Cons: I have a feeling that Supernova may lose its originality. For example, there was diversity and originality with the latvian songwriters. Now, the foreign music creators will bring “the norm”, what is considered “contemporary pop music” as the latvian broadcaster suggests. I believe, what Latvia wants is songs similar to MelFest or the international… Read more »

No Name
No Name
6 years ago

A melfest reject will win Supernova next year I say lol

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

We know what that means…

James
James
6 years ago

Here comes the Swedes!

beccaboo1212
6 years ago
Reply to  James

Knock it off! >:(

Music Is the Key
Music Is the Key
6 years ago
Reply to  James

yep, I fear that….goodbye to the quality Latvian finals then! 🙁

Music Is the Key
Music Is the Key
6 years ago

No Swedes please! Latvia has so many daring, innovative quailty songs in ESC….No fastoofd / generic Swedish pop / schlagers in their often good NFs I hope