They were one of the new remaining countries to confirm for Eurovision 2018. Now Hungary’s broadcaster Duna has launched A Dal 2018, and has confirmed that Hungary will compete in Eurovision 2018.

Entries for A Dal 2018 are now open, and they are generally following the same rules as the 2017 contest.

The contest is only open to artists who have previously released an album, made national radio or television appearances or has a record deal. The focus is on quality — something that has paid off for Hungary in previous years.

Singers must also be Hungarian citizens or speak Hungarian as a native language, though songwriters from other countries can enter if their song is performed by a Hungarian singer.

As in previous years, the emphasis is on songs written in Hungarian. Songs can still be submitted in English or in any of Hungary’s minority languages, but a translation of the lyrics in Hungarian must be included with the entry.

Entries for A Dal 2018 close on Wednesday 15 November, giving interested acts just over one month to put together an entry.

There’s no mention of what form the live shows of A Dal 2018 will take. It has been speculated that the broadcaster may drop the heats and start with just the semi-finals. However, this has not been confirmed in the terms of entry. They read identically to the 2017 terms, in this respect.

The success of A Dal

Since the launch of A Dal in 2012, the show’s winners have consistently qualified for the Eurovision grand final. The most successful entries have been ByeAlex, whose sweet hipster ballad “Kedvesem (Zoohacker Remix)” placed 10th in 2013, András Kállay-Saunders, whose edgy dubstep exploration of domestic violence “Running” place fifth in 2014, and Joci Pápai, who earlier this year placed eighth with the mysterious “Origo”.

In other years, Hungary hasn’t earned such strong results. Boggie’s subdued peace song “Wars for Nothing” managed only 20th place in 2015. A year later, Freddie’s “Pioneer” — which was criticised for cheesy staging — did marginally better in 19th place.

But as “Kedvesem” and “Origo” have shown, Hungary is one of the few countries who consistently does well with lyrics performed in their native language. The rhythmic and melodious qualities of Hungarian lend themselves well to song lyrics.

While some fans were concerned that Hungary might not make it to Lisbon, today’s announcement has confirmed that they are very much back on track. With Hungary putting effort into ensuring that A Dal produces high quality entries, they no doubt are still very much focused on Hungary taking home its first ever Eurovision win.

What do you think? Who should enter A Dal 2018? Who would you like to see represent Hungary in Lisbon? Have your say below!

READ MORE HUNGARY EUROVISION NEWS

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Kermit
Kermit
6 years ago

I agree with many people. Hungary has had great songs ever since 2012. Original, real quality songs. And a great NF, with a real musical diversity. Not too much glamour, and little musical cliches. Great country in ESC!

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago

It’s not a surprise.
So glad about Hungary! Looking forward to the songs!

Richardinho
Richardinho
6 years ago

Freddy was great. He should have done better.

Colin
Colin
6 years ago

Now only Moldova, Macedonia and San Marino are left!

Does anyone know the date they have to apply by?

Zebb
Zebb
6 years ago

Not like I expect to being blown away like it’s been with Origo, but please!

Constantine ce-a putut face din tine
Constantine ce-a putut face din tine
6 years ago

Good luck Hungary. Greetings from Romania. Bring Eurovision close to us, win it all!

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

It’s like “OMG, so many ballads this year!!”

juka
juka
6 years ago

have a feeling that it’s gonna be hungarys year. they’ve been doing well, but not that good. they’re gonna drop a bomb.

blondboybc
blondboybc
6 years ago

A Dal was one of my favourite national finals last year…so many good songs, especially in Hungarian! They’re now one of my fav countries in the ESC! Go, Hungary! 🙂

blondboybc
blondboybc
6 years ago
Reply to  blondboybc

Oops, I meant this year!

Adriana LIma
Adriana LIma
6 years ago

remain San marino, Fyrm, Moldova and Morocco

NickC
NickC
6 years ago

I agree with the positive sentiments below. Since they came back in 2011, they consistently sent good songs, good singers, and good stage shows. I am pretty sure we will go to Budapest, sooner or later.

D
D
6 years ago

A Dal might be my favorite national final. They always have such good songs, and I love how they aren’t afraid to send things in their own language (like some other countries). I didn’t think they were withdrawing, but they definitely did scare a lot of us, happy they’ll be back.

blondboybc
blondboybc
6 years ago
Reply to  D

Totally agree!! 😀

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago

Ready for them to snatch wigs again. OriGOD was that song, I need them to keep serving.

blondboybc
blondboybc
6 years ago

Wigs or wins? LOL! 😉

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago
Reply to  blondboybc

Wigs. Because songs like What About My Prayers?, Kedjesus and Origod leave you bald from how good they are.

KESC
KESC
6 years ago

Finally!! Thought there were going to withdraw. Now, we only need Moldova, Macedonia, Russia and possibly Armenia to confirm, since their broadcaster still has to confirm their participation.

KESC
KESC
6 years ago
Reply to  KESC

*they 😉

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago
Reply to  KESC

Armenia and Russia are already officially confirmed. Macedonia is basically confirmed too since their broadcaster has the Eurovision in their 2018 agenda. Moldova and San Marino are the only ones left.

Karen Trezayetia
Karen Trezayetia
6 years ago

Early this year Yulia S. From Russia said that they have not officially confirmed participation yet. And are still yet to do so…..

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

Jon Ola Snow confirmed they will be back.

blondboybc
blondboybc
6 years ago
Reply to  KESC

As of this point, only Moldova and FYR Macedonia have not confirmed, along with San Marino, who may withdraw unless Ralph Seigel rescues them. LOL!

azaad
azaad
6 years ago

With Orban in power, I wouldn’t want them to win, but in the last few years, Hungary have always sent at least good songs. Glad to have them competing again, although I think we all knew they would confirm for Lisbon.

Elmar
Elmar
6 years ago

Phew!! I thought we might lose them. DON’T DO THAT AGAIN, MTVA! >:O

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

One of my favourite countries at Eurovision. !!