After mixed fortunes with its selection method in recent years, Latvian broadcaster LTV has announced that their entrant will be chosen through Supernova once again.
Supernova premiered in 2015 as an improved version of Latvia’s former selection Dziesma. Initially the new method proved to be successful as its inaugural winner Aminata became the first Latvian to qualify for the final in seven editions and finished second with the juries in the Grand Final. One year later, Latvia qualified again with another Aminata-penned song.
But since then results have deteriorated: Triana Park finished last in their semi-final in 2017 and funny girl Laura Rizzotto didn’t make the Saturday show either.
As for Supernova 2019, the show producers are looking for a radio hit. The submitted songs will first be evaluated by a special jury consisting of representatives from the leading Latvian radio stations. Supernova 2018 jury chairman DJ Rudd explained that decision.
“We are looking for a radio hit, so it’s only logical that radio people are the ones who first evaluate the songs. They are the ones who determine what’s on the radio station every day.”
LTV wants quality. The rules dictate that all submitted entries must be professionally recorded and must represent the author’s idea as best as possible, with “careless” submissions running the risk of being rejected by the broadcaster before the first review session. According to DJ Rudd “the quality of the work presented reflects the artist’s attitude and willingness to represent his country in the largest TV show in Europe”.
Another change in the selection is the lowering of the minimum age to sixteen. Originally, the minimum age was sixteen, but last year producers decided to change it to eighteen. Producer Ilze Jansone said: “We discussed this a lot, and there were different arguments in favour and against, but we believe that overall the competition could benefit from it.”
The main goals of Supernova 2019 will be the development of and the contribution to the Latvian music industry. They hope the show will promote the abilities of Latvian authors and producers. However, it is still possible for foreign authors to write an entry, as LTV wants to promote collaboration with foreign producers and authors. Therefore, LTV has announced that they will collaborate with the Universal Music Group.
The Latvian submission period starts 3 September and will last until 21 October midnight. It is currently unclear whether we will be available to rate the entries again, like we could last year and how the show will be structured.
Who do you want to participate in Supernova 2019? Let us know in the comments below!
They didn’t qualify in both 2017/2018 but their songs are still quite good in terms of quality, for me.
the format last year was so fun being able to listen to the anonymous songs online
Nobody understand what Madara sang.
“We want a radio hit” – First mistake.
Don’t aim for somethinf specific, aim for quality, whether it will be a radio hit as for probably pop or it will be a ballad.
I mean, Heroes won Eurovision, then the power ballad of 1944, then the quiet emotional ballad Amar Pelos Dois and then the pop banger Toy, there is no pattern for winners… Just bring quality!
Honestly, I need Madara with another beautiful song as Esam?ba
She would’ve won the second semi-fnal with EASE.
Radio Hit is just because they know juries love this stuff.
Then those “radio hits” simply die after Esc.
Madara please return in supernova 2019
I know someone who is very happy with that.
Lmaooo I bet you mean beccaboo
I was just thinking that!
Belarus is choosing for JESC 2018 today, so maybe he/she is a bit busy, lol.
Lol, we all know hahah.
Belarus is fine, but I think it’s Albania they’re really looking forward to to scope out a potential Eugent Bushpepa Jr.