The first heat of A Dal kicked off on Saturday, with the lowest viewing figures to date for a launch episode.
A total of 405,000 viewers tuned into the first heat of A Dal 2018, when the contest got underway on Saturday evening. The show is down 83,000 viewers over the 2017 launch episode, with market share falling by .7% to 10% of viewers. The fall represents a continuation in a long standing decline in viewership for the Hungarian selection process.
Viewing figures for the first heat of A Dal:
- 2018 – 405,000 – 10% share
- 2017 – 488,742 – 10.7% share
- 2016 – 757,098 – 16.7% share
- 2015 – 709,092 – 15.5% share
- 2014 – 826,703 – 17.6% share
- 2013 – 1,056,537 – 21.9% share
The first heat of A Dal 2018, is the second least watched show in the history of A Dal. Only the first semi-final of A Dal 2017 has recorded lower viewer interest, with just 261,603 viewers tuning in to the competition.
The five qualifiers from the first heat of A Dal 2018 selected by the jury were as follows:
- Leander Kills – “Nem szól harang” (44 points)
- Zsolt Süle – “Zöld a május” (44 points)
- Viktor Király – “Budapest Girl” (43 points)
- Ceasefire X – “Satellites” (41 points)
- Gabi Knoll – “Nobody to die for” (40 points)
Joining the five artists selected by the jury in the next round is Tamás Vastag with the song “Ne hagyj reményt”. Tamás was selected by the public vote, following the jury selecting their five qualifiers. This means that Noémo, Living Room, Fourtissimo feat. Markanera and Patikadomb will not progress further in the competition.
A Dal consists of three heats, two semi-finals and a Final. Taking place on every Saturday, starting on January 20th with the first heat and ending on February 24th with the Final. All shows will be hosted by Krista Rátonyi and Freddie, the Hungarian representative in 2016. The jury will consist of Károly Frenreisz, Miklós Both, Judit Schell and Misivel Mező.
Source: Origo.hu
Hungary in the Eurovision Song Contest
Hungary debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994, they were represented by Friderika Bayer and the song “Kinek mondjam el vetkeimet”. She went on to finish in 4th place scoring a total of 122 points and four sets of 12 points. This result remains’ Hungary’s best in their history in the contest. Hungary participated from 1994 to 1994 before withdrawing until 2005, the country didn’t return again until 2008. Hungary then once again withdrew in 2010 before returning in 2011. Since their return in 2011 Hungary has qualified for the final every year.
