Czechia has revealed that they will use a different method for selecting their Eurovision entrant next year.
Česká televize, Czechia’s broadcaster, has confirmed that they will no longer use their national final format, ESCZ, to select their Eurovision entrant. Since 2018 (except 2021), the public was able to select the Czech entry via ESCZ, whose format has changed year after year, ranging from fully online to a live show with a live audience.
The press release states that the broadcaster is looking to “allocate resources more effectively towards staging and promotion”.
For 2025, the broadcaster will select their entrant through an internal competition. Interested artists have until September 30 to submit their entries, which will be evaluated by a demoscopic jury (40% of the overall vote), an international jury (40%), and a ČT selection committee (20%). In the case of a tie, the ČT selection committee will break it.
All artists who are currently based in Czechia can apply for the selection. Artists may submit several songs. Composers do not need to be Czech and can send in songs without an artist attached to them.
Head of Delegation, Krystof Samal, states:
“It has been a wonderful journey to showcase Czech music on an international stage through ESCZ. Moving to a closed competition process encourages established artists to participate discreetly, without the added pressure of public competition. This approach also allows us to focus our resources on staging and both internal and external promotion. Our new direction is aimed at achieving the best possible result for Czechia, recognizing the potential for Eurovision to become the phenomenon here as it is in other European countries.”
Ahmad Halloun, PR and Engagement Manager for the Czech Eurovision delegation, added:
“Eurovision is a show with tremendous potential, especially among younger audiences, who are often difficult to engage (TV wise). This year, we will focus on a variety of activities both nationally and internationally, not only to promote our act but also to elevate the profile of the contest itself. We are collaborating with the EBU, various broadcasters, platforms and organizations to increase its visibility on screens and make Eurovision a more prominent part of Czech pop culture.”
ČT hopes that this change in strategy can help Czechia place higher than sixth, the country’s current highest placement, and eventually lead to a Czech Eurovision victory.
Last year, Brighton-based Czech singer Aiko represented Czechia at Eurovision 2024 with her song “Pedestal,” finishing 11th in the second semi-final in Malmö.
Image Source: Sarah Louise Bennett/EBU | Source: ESCZ
Czechia first competed in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2007. They achieved their best result at the contest with Mikolas Josef coming 6th in Lisbon 2018 with the song “Lie to Me”. Gabriela Gunčíková took Czechia to their first final in 2016. This was their first appearance in the grand final despite competing 4 times previously. Until 2023, the nation took part under the name Czech Republic.
