#ESC2016: IS THIS THE PERFECT SWISS ENTRY?

Swiss paper 20 minuti launched a competition this autumn to find the perfect Swiss representative and damn, the result is awesome. Four singers were chosen to record a song together, each representing one of Switzerland's official languages. So klingt die Schweiz! The artists are; Anna Känzig for the German, Alejandro Reyes for the French, Make Plain for the Italian and rapper Snook (Gino Clavuot) for the Romansh. This song is so Swiss. And in a good way. It's already #1 on iTunes and me thinks it's one to watch... Enjoy!

Switzerland: Start submitting now!

This morning, SRF launched their online platform where anyone can submit their Eurovision bids. At the end of October, a special jury and the public will decide which ten will make the Expert Check round. This is due to take place in December. The deadline to submit your songs is 26th October. This selection method is proving a little controversial as even though anyone can enter, it's always Swiss singers who advance - with a few exceptions... Ylva & Linda have already submitted a song. And there's also a song entitled People Are People (Refugees Welcome). I wonder how that one will do? :-) Listen to the songs here. Oh, and remember the guys who sung about IKEA? They're back!

Vienna 2015: Semi final 2 rehearsed!

This blogger is slightly behind... opps! The 17 acts in semi final two have all rehearsed now. The countries getting the best reactions seems to be Azerbaijan, Poland and I'd say San Marino. Call me crazy but their performance appeared to me really strong. A shock qualifier? Even though the song isn't the best, I'd still like to see the microstate qualify. Montenegro's rehearsal was awesome too. I think Azerbaijan are winning this semi final and who knows, maybe the final too? The dancers are amazing, the backdrop is superb... They've spent a lot of money on this y'all! Elnur apparently had some technical problems though but that can be ironed out. Switzerland looks great on screen too. Meanwhile, I think Iceland looks fab! And no dancers - thank God!

Slovenia has received mixed reactions. There's some work to be done there me thinks. Ireland also seems to be getting a mixed reaction. Molly's great - we know this - so why does she need backing singers behind her? It looks weird. Hmm.. I still hope to see Ireland qualify though!

Elsewhere we have Cyprus and Czech Republic. Both songs I didn't see qualufrying but I think (and hope) I'll be wrong. Especially in the Czech Republic's case. They're really bringing it.

I'm underwhelmed with Norway. The backdrop is boring and it still seems that Deborah is having nerves on stage.. Oh and I love Portugal's hats!! Finally, let's talk about Sweden! The song you either love or love to hate. Måns Zelmerlöw is one of the favourties to win but his rehearsal has so many dislikes online and it seems people's opinions on the song are changing. I'm think Sweden will do well but who knows?

So the first semi finalists have all rehearsed for the 2nd time today so stay tuned for more...

REVIEWING THE CLASS OF 2015: SWITZERLAND!

Mélanie René won the Swiss national final back in January and therefore the right to represent Switzerland
in Vienna next month. Is it Switzerland's time to shine? Or have the lights gone out? Here's what we think!

Ana: This song is quite good and powerful and Melanie’s vocals are really strong. It won’t be easy for her to reach the final, since there are several women singing dark songs this year. It’s a more than decent but not outstanding entry. 7/10

Ilkar: Mélanie must have been hiding her true self and now she's found it: weird make up and weird dress in the woods. Ok. What is she? A wannabe Indian? And what's it with that panda eye make up? The song itself is useless with a very bad arrangement that still sounds like a homemade demo. Did she have a producer at all? Very amateurish in every way. 2/10

Jack: The Swiss national final was an interesting one for sure. Everyone predicted either Tiziana or Timebelle would win, yet Melanie shone on the night and deservedly won. She's gorgeous and with a the right staging, Switzerland could repeat the success they had last year. A great effort indeed! 6.5/10

Jess: Melaine was one of my favourite songs before she was chosen to represent Switzerland in Eurovision 2015, so you can imagine my excitement when she was announced as the winner of Switzerland's national final! The song has such a great message to it and this is defiantly one of my favourites! 9/10

John: Oh dear! It's been a while since Switzerland has managed to come up with a winning formula. Sadly, they haven't managed it this year either. Not that it's a BAD song - it just doesn't make a big enough impact. Come on Switzerland - you can do better. 5/10

OUR VERDICT - 29.5/50

OVERALL SCORE - 5.9/10

Switzerland: Is it Mélanie René's time to shine?

Switzerland's official video-clip has been presented. The revamp is very good, it makes the song sound fuller - and Switzerland are defiantly in the mix to qualify now. Enjoy the video-clip below:

Switzerland: Mélanie René reveals new version of 'Time to Shine'

Switzerland's representative, Mélanie René, performed Time to Shine during the Lithuanian final last night and it appears the song has undergone a minor revamp. Listen here.

MÉLANIE RENÉ TO REPRESENT SWITZERLAND!

Switzerland has decided and it is Mélanie René's time to shine. I am thrilled!!! She was fantastic tonight and my 2nd favourite, behind Timebelle, so I am pretty happy with that. Isn't this photo adorable? And the results....

1. Mélanie René
2. Timebelle
3. Licia Chery
4. Andy McSean
5. Tiziana 
6. Deborah Bough

I'd also like to thank everyone who followed my live blogging tonight. It was so much fun! Enjoy Switzerland's entry! 

LIVE REPORT OF THE SWISS NATIONAL FINAL!

Melanie Rene won and will represent Switzerland! Yihuuuuuu!

RESULTS TIME!

Conchita Wurst made a special appearance and performed Rise Like A Phoenix!

SWITZERLAND... STOP VOTING NOW!

My good friend Jessica from the United Kingdom has also kindly made some predictions...

1st - Melanie Rene
2nd - Tiziana 
3rd - Timebelle
4th - Andy McSean
5th - Deborah Bough
6th - Licia Chery

I'm back and this is my prediction.... the results will be revealed within 30 minutes!

1st - Tiziana 
2nd - Timebelle
3rd - Melanie Rene
4th - Licia Chery
5th - Andy McSean
6th - Deborah Bough

This blogger is going to take a short break while the acts perform cover songs. I'll be back very soon. If you don't have a live stream - watch the show here! Please do comment underneath this post telling me who your favourite is.. I would love to hear what YOU think! :-)

TIZIANA - ONLY HUMAN 
And the big favourites closes the show with a very emotional and touching performance. Some people label Only Human as being a bit dull and depressing but it has an important message. I can't lie, this song isn't my favourite tonight but I think she will win and I don't mind that. She needs to find a stylist before Vienna though. Perfect draw, stunning performance, amazing message, great voice = the whole package? 8/12

MELANIE RENE - TIME TO SHINE
Before watching tonight's show, I didn't think Melanie had much chance of winning but now I think she could do it. Her performance was stunning both visually and vocally. She is also going down very well with the international fan community on Twitter. Plus she's gorgeous. Please send her, Switzerland!! :-) 10/12

ANDY MCSEAN - HEY NOW
Andy is without a doubt the underdog tonight but who knows what could happen. Personally, I don't think the song is the best but it's not bad. A decent performance and he sung it well. He is the only guy in tonights show so is this an advantage for him? Maybe.. I do like the rock vibe. However it's only a 4/12 from me I'm afraid. Do you think Andy should win after his performance?

LICIA CHERY - FLY
This entry has grown on my considerably these past couple of weeks. Another great one. Licia performed it amazingly and I wouldn't mind if she did win, but I don't think she will. Some people are comparing this to Denmark 2014 but I can't see any resemblance.. 7/12

TIMEBELLE - SINGING ABOUT LOVE
The big favourites, Timebelle, are up next and they gave a fabulous performance. I am so impressed!! They're drawn at #2 in the running order though.. could this hinder their chances? I hope not. Switzerland should send this. It's catchy, memorable and will have international appeal. Plus the staging tonight was awesome!! 10/12




DEBORAH BOUGH - TAKE ME BACK TO 23
Deborah opens the show tonight. Fantastic performance. Her vocals were on point and I really do love this one. The staging is simple yet effective in shades of purple and pink. Will we see her in Vienna? Probably not... 6/12

The participating acts are currently introducing themselves on stage.



Hallo! Bonjour! Ciao! The Swiss national final has just started and I am going to do a live report throughout the show. Just refresh the page to see my updates. Hope you all enjoy it :-)


Who will represent Switzerland? 

Vienna 2015: Super Weekend #2!

A number of shows will be held over the weekend; including two national finals from Switzerland and Cyprus. We also have shows from Lithuania, Iceland, Latvia and Hungary.

SWITZERLAND 
Six acts are aiming to represent Switzerland in Vienna. The main favourite appears to be Timebelle - and they are closely followed by The Voice winner Tiziana. This blogger would be shocked if one of them didn't win. I would love to see Deborah Bough win though. Check out my full review of the finalists here. More information here.

• Andy McSean – Hey now
• Timebelle – Singing about love
• Tiziana – Only human 
• Licia Chery – Fly 
• Mélanie René – Time to shine 
• Deborah Bough – Take me back to 23 

When? 21:10 CET. Where? here.

HUNGARY
Hungary's national selection continues with the 2nd heat of A Dal. Another ten acts will all be hoping for a place in the semi finals.

• Ádám Szabó - Give Me Your Love
• Chances - The Night
• Gergő Oláh - A tükör előtt
• Gyula Éliás Jr. feat. Fourtissimo - Run to You
• Heni Dér - Ébresztő
• Ív - Fire
• Leander Rising - Lőjetek fel
• New Level Empire - Homelights
• Pankastic! - Kicsi a világ, de nagy világ
• Saci Szécsi & Böbe Szécsi - Our Time

Six will make the next stage of A Dal. When? 21:25 CET. Where? here.

ICELAND
Söngvakeppnin returns this weekend with a rather fine bunch of songs. Stefanía Svavarsdóttir's my personal favourite from the first Icelandic semi. The three most popular songs will make the final on 14th February..

• Stefanía Svavarsdóttir - Augnablik
• Elín Sif Halldórsdóttir - Í kvöld
• Friðrik Dór - Í síðasta skipti
• Erna Hrönn Ólafsdóttir - Myrkrið hljótt
• Björn og félagar - Piltur og stúlka
• HINEMOA - Þú leitar líka að mér

When? 21:45 CET. Where? Here.

LITHUANIA
Seven acts remain in the Lithuanian selection, and with no immediate favourite, it's still all to play for. Two acts will be eliminated..

• Edgaras Lubys
• Jurgis Brūzga
• Liepa Mondeikaitė
• Mia
• Monika Linkytė
• Neringa Šiaudikytė
• Vaidas Baumila

When? 21:00 CET. Where? Here.

CYPRUS 
On Sunday, the Cypriot entry for Eurovision 2015 will be chosen. The winner will be chosen by a 50/50 combination of televote and jury vote - the jury consists of Despina Olympiou, Alex Panayi, Elena Patroklou, Tasos Tryfonos, Nicola Caligiore, and Dimitris Kontopoulos. Who will represent Cyprus?

1. Hovig - Stone in a River
2. Doody - Magic
3. Panagiotis Koufogiannis - Without Your Love
4. Minus One - Shine
5. Giannis Karagiannis - One Thing I Should Have Done
6. Nearchos Evangelou & Charis Savva - Deila den agapo

I'd like to see either Panagiotis Koufogiannis or Nearchos Evangelou & Charis Savva victorious although I'm still gutted Ioanna didn't make it.... Doody's song is popular for some reason but this blogger isn't a fan. When? 21:00 CET. Where? Here.

LATVIA
And finally, Latvia's selection will also kick off on Monday. The first heat will feature ten songs and four will qualify for the semi final.When? 21:20 CET. Where? Here.

Switzerland: National final to be held tonight!

There may be four different shows taking place tonight across Europe however this bloggers main focus will be the Swiss national final. Six participants are aiming to represent Switzerland and they are:

• Andy McSean – Hey now
• Timebelle – Singing about love
• Tiziana – Only human 
• Licia Chery – Fly 
• Mélanie René – Time to shine 
• Deborah Bough – Take me back to 23 

My prediction is that Timebelle will win but realistically, it's anyone's game. I'm loving Licia Chery's song though now - maybe the Swiss will opt for her? Fly has a great upbeat vibe.. Or maybe The Voice of Switzerland winner Tiziana will make a big impression on the night? Or will the fan favourites Timebelle be victorious? Or one of the underdogs? This is the reaon why I'm loving this Swiss selection this year. It really is still anyone's game :-)

Review 2015: Switzerland's National Final!

Six acts qualified for the Swiss national final last week and I've decided to review them. I did the same last with the Swiss finalists and you can read that here. Enjoy.. and feel free to leave a comment as I'd love to hear what you guys think!

Deborah Bough - Take Me Back to 23

Deborah Bough is aiming to represent with Take Me Back to 23. An uptempo number - and her live vocals were fantastic! In 2013, Deborah was on The Voice of Switzerland and managed to make the final 12. Her song is catchy and I like it very much. Could she win? I'd like to think so but realistically, probably not! 8/12

Licia Chery - Fly
I must admit, I didn't really like Fly when I first heard it although it's grown on me. Licia's performance during the Expect Check was fantastic but I don't think it is strong enough to win.. 5/12

Tiziana - Only Human
Only Human is Tiziana's song and she's one of the favourites to win. It's a gentel ballad and a very pleasant one however there is a problem. She has her eyes closed most of the time when performing and therefore can't connect with the audience - could that cost her victory? She is popular though because she won The Voice of Switzerland 2014. Winner? If she performs it well, then yes! 7/12

Timebelle - Singing About Love
Timebelle consists of six members from four different counties; Switzerland, Serbia, Romania and Hungary. They're a multicultural band, y'all! I love their entry. Singing About Love is one of my favourites and I think they could win. That saxophone is fabulous and it's very catchy. 8/12

Andy McSean - Hey Now
Andy McSean is the only guy in Switzerland's national final - is this an advantage for him? His song, Hey Now, isn't necessarily my personal favourite but I think it will appeal to people and therefore could be a dark horse. I'm very much looking forward to seeing this live! Probably not a winner, though. 4/12

Mélanie René - Time To Shine
Time To Shine is another song I love! Mélanie René could be a winner if the stage presentation is good enough - I hope it will appeal to the Swiss public and juries. The Genevan born singer has actually appeared on Romanian television before and I hope she will win! Best of luck!! 8/12

Switzerland's selection is once again pretty decent! I'd be delighted if either Timebelle, Deborah Bough or Mélanie René won. I also wouldn't be too disappointed with Tiziana either however the other two aren't strong enough to win, but you never know with Switzerland... The Swiss entry will be chosen on 31st January and I cannot wait!!

Switzerland: Final line-up complete!

This blogger is a bit behind regarding the Swiss selection. Opps. Anyway, the Expect Check round took place on Sunday and six finalists were chosen to compete in the Swiss national final on 31st January. I will review the songs at some point - Deborah Bough and Mélanie René are my immediate favourites though. It's actually not a bad bunch of songs.

• Andy McSean – Hey now (SRF/RTR)
• Timebelle – Singing about love (SRF/RTR)
• Tiziana – Only human (SRF/RTR)
• Licia Chery – Fly (RTS)
• Mélanie René – Time to shine (RTS)
• Deborah Bough – Take me back to 23 (RSI)

Switzerland: "Expect Check" line-up complete!

On 7th December, eighteen acts will perform in front of a special jury all hoping to make the Swiss national final on 31st January. Only six will make the final. Unfortunately, Kitty Brucknell's song wasn't selected for the Expect Check round despite being a major favourite. This blogger was absolutely gutted - I was even lucky enough to interview her a few weeks ago.

• Arbresha - "Same Stars" SRF/RTR
• Bubble Beatz ft. Sandra Wild - "Run" SRF/RTR
• Thierry Condor - "Open Heart Surgery" SRF/RTR
• Dahï - "Destiny" SRF/RTR
• Simon Hafner - "There Was a Yesterday" SRF/RTR
• Andy McSean-"Hey Now" SRF/RTR
• San Dii - "iMagination" SRF/RTR
• Timebelle - "Singing About Love" SRF/RTR
• Tiziana - "Only Human" SRF/RTR
• Alenko - "Vu d'en haut" RTS
• Anach Cuan - "Hurdy Gurdy Girls" RTS
• Célia - "Letter to Myself" RTS
• Licia Chery - "Fly" RTS
• Mélanie René - "Time to Shine" RTS
• Shana Pearson - "Kevlar Heart" RTS
• The Vad Vuc - "Cocktail e fantasmi" RSI
• Deborah Bough - "Take Me Back to 23" RSI
• Elias ft. Zero In On - "Your Perfume" RSI

Switzerland: RTS announces their six hopefuls!

The French language speaking Swiss broadcaster, RTS, today revealed the six songs that will advance to the Expect Check in December. Listen to the songs here! Will one of these represent Switzerland? I think it's highly unlikely but Mélanie René's song is cute.. These acts made it through to the next stage:

• Alenko – Vu d’en haut
• Anach Cuan – Hurdy gurdy girls
• Celia – Letter to myself
• Licia Chery – Fly
• Mélanie René – Time to shine
• Shana P. – Kevlar heart

NuVidz: Conchita Wurst, Pixie Lott, Ally, Swanky Tunes feat. Raign!

Conchita's follow up single to Rise Like A Phoenix is Heroes. I really love it. She's also performed the song liv on Austrian TV - you can watch that here. Conchita will another performance at the Maltese national final next weekend. The beautiful Pixie Lott has covered Caravan Of Love, which was originally made famous by Isley-Jasper-Isley. Pixie is currently taking part on the British version of Strictly Come Dancing, and she's a hot favourite to take the trophy next month. This blogger would simply love to see her represent the United Kingdom in Vienna.... Another Day is the song Ally's aiming to represent Switzerland with. Nice song!! She did compete in the Swiss national final in 2013 with Catch Me. Maybe she will be a bit more successful this year? And finally, I've got to share this awesome tune! Swanky Tunes, an electronic trio from Russia, teamed up with Raign and they released Fix Me a couple of months ago. This blogger is now a massive fan of Raign after her appearance on the British version of The X Factor. 

Interview 2015: Ása Ástardóttir!

Ása Ástardóttir is Iceland's one and only Youtube Queen, and she's now aiming for Eurovision. Ása competes with the song Don't Stop The Madness - an epic feel-good song with a fantastic video-clip to match! I had the opportunity to speak to her about pink limos, wind machines and being covered in Swiss chocolate!!

Jack - You're originally from Iceland - so why did you decide to enter the Swiss selection for Eurovision?

Ása - Yes, I am Icelandic but I live in Germany and have been traveling around the world. Switzerland offers a great opportunity for independent artist. Their concept of the Eurovision Contest is the most modern and free competition in all of Europe this year. I am very proud to be allowed to send my song to the Preselection in Swiss and to compete with other very VERY creative artist. It´s just so much passion and love in the competition.

Jack - It looks like you had lots of fun filming the video-clip! How was it for you?

Ása - It´s all about fun! When we plan our videos we think of all the fun stuff we would like to see or do or experience. And we just GO FOR IT! I dream of a pink limo – voilá! There is a pink limo and I just jump in! I love old timers! Hello old timer driver, please take me for a ride!!! It´s not complicated making videos. It´s just complicated to get started and go for the things you dream of!

Jack - If you do advance to the Swiss national final and then Eurovision, how will stage your performance? 

Ása - Whatever happens, I will definitely get my wind machine!!! And I might be covered in Swiss chocolate and the beautiful sexy dancers too. Doesn't it sound delicious?

Jack - What would it mean for you to represent Switzerland in Vienna?

Ása - I will be a great representant for Switzerland. I even went to language school to learn Schwiizerdütsch! And I also bring my own big Swiss mountains to the ESC!

Jack - Have you always been a Eurovision fan? Did you watch Eurovision 2014?

Ása - Always, always and forever! The ESC is a never ending glamorous Disco night with friends from all over Europe! There is no life without the song contest! And Conchita just proved my point. What a sensational personality.

Jack - Here are a few random questions for my readers to get to know you a little bit better. Where is your favourite place to holiday?

Ása - My life is one big holiday! I am always hungry for new things and there will always be a place I haven’t been to.

Jack - Your favourite alcoholic drink?

Ása - There is no drink without alcohol in my life. I especially enjoy everything sparkling!

Jack - Can you speak any foreign languages?

Ása - I speak the languages of love and a few others.

Jack - Apart from songwriting and singing, what other interests do you have?

Ása - I am a big girl, and my size and style requests creativity, so I looove designing my clothes and hair decorations. I collect nailpolish and everything in pink or with bling bling!  

Jack - ÞAKKA ÞÉR! Thank you so much - I wish you the best of luck!

Ása - Big Kisses!!!

Y'all can vote for Ása here - and enjoy her song below...

Interview 2015: Kitty Brucknell!

Kitty Brucknell is aiming to represent Switzerland with Yearning. This blogger has been a massive fan ever since her appearance on The X Factor so I am delighted to finally speak to her about her X Factor experience, learning new languages and why Eurovision is so important to her. Enjoy!!

Jack - Thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview, Kitty. Can you tell us some information about yourself, for the readers who might not be familiar with your work?

Kitty - Hi there, thanks for having me!!! Well, I am a singer from the UK, and I am famous because I Did the X factor in 2011, and was pretty controversial, I was a big performer and pretty quirky. I still get recognised in the street from just being on TV for 6 weeks 3 years ago, so I guess I made quite an impression!

Jack - You're one of my favourite X Factor contestants ever - what was that experience like? What was your favourite moment from the show?

Kitty - I loved doing the show, but it's been a real struggle afterwards. I really wanted to do something with the opportunity that Id been given, so I'm so excited about the prospect of entering Eurovision this year. My favourite moment, probably the Sweet Dreams performance. I loved that. It really felt like "me".

Jack - Why do you want to represent Switzerland in Eurovision?

Kitty - Because they really care about their artists and they really want them to win. I need as many votes as possible, and it's so important to vote!!! But genuinely because it gives me the chance to fly the flag for two countries, and I wouldn't get the opportunity at all, the BBC sadly wouldn't allow an XF contestant to take the place of someone from their own show "The Voice". At least, that's what I've been told. It sucks - but it means I have the chance to represent switzerland, and then the UK gets to vote for me if I get through to Vienna!!

Jack - Yearning is already proving to be a fan favourite, it's awesome - can you tell us some information about the song?

Kitty - Ahhhh I'm so excited!!! It's was going to be in a musical, but they cut it from the final line up. I heard and knew right away it was perfect for Eurovison. It's theatrical and shows off my voice as well which is great.

Jack - Do you plan on releasing an official video-clip?

Kitty - I hope to do that, but I need some funding for that really. Making a music video is really expensive and for an independent artist it's almost impossible unless there's funding behind it all.

Jack - Have you heard any other songs in the Swiss selection - and if so, do you have any favourites?

Kitty - I'm trying not to look because I know I'll get really paranoid and lose confidence. Hahaha!!! No, really - I had a look before we signed up and I loved Jessica Suttas song, but it turned out she didn't submit it! The guy with the funny video though about the surgery. Loved that, it's kind of Weird Al Yankovich in a good way, and original too. He's also from Switzerland which probably means he's strong compeition!!!

Jack - If you do advance to the Swiss national final and then Eurovision, how will you stage your performance? 

Kitty - I'm planning on doing something groundbreaking. I really want it to be classy, but also showing off the beautiful Swiss country as well. That's all I can say!

Jack - What would it mean for you to participate in Eurovision?

Kitty - It would mean everything. Literally everything. I have struggled so much to get my music heard, and it's been a huge fight to even get this far. I need everyone's help, because the only way I can do this is by votes.

Jack - Did you watch Eurovision 2014? And did you have any favourites?

Kitty - Ruth Lorenzo!!!! And also the Netherlands as well. Their song was awesome!

Jack - Here are a few random questions for my readers to get to know you a little bit better. Where is your favourite place to holiday?

Kitty Egypt! It's so beautiful.

Jack - Your favourite alcoholic drink?

Kitty - Disaronno and apple juice. Mmmmm.

Jack - Can you speak any foreign languages?

Kitty - If I get through to the Swiss national final, I'm going to make sure I can speak a little of French, German, Italian and Romansh. My mum knows French quite well, and I know a bit of conversational Italian. It means a lot to me that the Swiss people can see I'm dedicated to this.

Jack - Apart from songwriting and singing, what other interests do you have?

Kitty - I'm really into alternative ancient archeology. It's a long story :-)

Jack - A massive thank you, Kitty! You're fabulous and I'd love to see you represent Switzerland! Best of luck :)

Kitty - Ahhh thank you!!! You can vote for me by going to www.votekitty.co.uk :-)

You can vote for Kitty here! And you can also enjoy her latest single below:

Switzerland: RSI reveals candidates!

The Italian language Swiss broadcaster has selected three participants for the Expect Check in December. A professional jury, which included Paolo Meneguzzi, selected these three:

• Deborah Bough – 1, 2, 3 Take Me Back to 23
• Elias ft. Zero in On – Your Perfume
• Vad Vuc – Cocktail E Fantasmi

Only one of these songs will advance to the Swiss national final - on 31st January.

Photograph - RSI

Switzerland: Online voting has started!

SRF's Eurovision online portal attracted musicians from across the world, hoping to make the Swiss national final, and now it's time for you to have your say! Voting opened this morning and you can vote four times.It's your decision - you can either award four votes to one song or you can split your votes, between different songs. Vote here and good luck to all participants :-)

Switzerland: RTS reveal 26 candidates!

The French language Swiss broadcaster, RTS, has revealed the 26 candidates who have made it to the next stage of their selection process. Six songs, chosen by the broadcaster, will advance to the Expert Check. The Expect Check round will be held on 7th December and 18 acts will battle for a place in the national final. The acts who receive the most votes from SRF's selection (the German language broadcaster) will make it. That's the online portal where anyone in the world can enter. RSI, the Italian language Swiss broadcaster, will also select three participants internally. Do keep up, y'all! :-)

Here are the 26 acts who have made the 2nd stage of RTS's selection - you can enjoy the songs below:

Matthieu Blanchette – Bring back the moon

Celia – Letter to myself

Licia Chery – Fly

Claudia – Can’t you let me go

Electrum&Elisir – My muse

Michael James – Boom!

Jyaleen – Say hello

Gisel de Marco – Teasing you

Emannuel Leman – Silence

Lorenzo Marra – Life is about moments

Ricky Novak – Un drôle de rêve

Angie Ott – Libre comme l’air

Mélanie René – Time to shine

Sajadi – Après la pluie

Sajadi – Dis-moi quand

Shana P. – Kevlar heart

Veronica Singh – Sparks of sun

Sosofluo – Wedding rain

Taken By Storm – Moonlight

Tosca – Water in the desert

Roman Veda et Dan Sign Sing – Signe-moi

Zéphyr Combo – Avide du soleil

Alenko – Même si tout s’en va

Anach Cuan – Hurdy gurdy girls

Ascomusic – Le monde d’après

Bastoun – Le jour se lève

Sosofluo participated in the Swiss national final back in 2012, however came last with this song: