They’re radically overhauling their selection process for Eurovision 2017 and now Switzerland has made another change. Broadcaster SRF has announced that 21 acts have been selected for the Live Check stage — but the broadcaster is keeping quiet about who has been selected.
It’s been all change in Switzerland as the country seeks to improve on their recent results, having finished bottom of the semi-final in the last two years. Out goes the regional quota system and SRF’s online submission platform, in comes 160 songs from singers with a Swiss connection.
A 20-member professional jury panel helped cull the submissions, before they eventually decided on the 21 candidates that will advance to the Live Check. However, the broadcaster is keeping the names a closely guarded secret.
Swiss jury has invited 21 performers to the Live-Check. Thanks to all 160 candidates! #srfesc #eurovision # esc2017 https://t.co/b2wGJJBCTS pic.twitter.com/SO8mLqIogZ
— SRF ESC (@srfesc) November 16, 2016
Previously known as the Expert Check, the Live Check stage remains the same and will take place on 4 December. An expert panel will assess the live performance skills, vocal ability as well as stage presence of all 21 acts. The 21 selected acts is an increase on previous years, when 18 or 19 acts would be selected for the Expert Check.
Once the panel have made their decision, SRF will then announce six to ten finalists who will perform at the live final in Zurich on 5 February. Jury voting has been scrapped so the televoters will decide who represents Switzerland in Kyiv.
Does anyone know where I can find the audios and videos of all 160 entries? I don’t even know the names or the songs of all who entered…
…But I hope Stefanie Heinzmann was one of them.
So soon! 🙂 #GENEVA2018