A total of 79 entries have been submitted to the Latvian broadcaster LTV in order to participate at the 2010 Eurovision selection, Eirodziesma. The names of the lucky 10 that will make it to the televised show to be aired on February 27th will be made public in a press conference to be held on January 22nd.

Among the applicants there are some "well-known names" as well as newcomers, the Latvian broadcaster said in a statement made public today.

As already reported, this year's Eirodziesma has been shortened because of financial difficulties involving LTV. As a result of that, the procedure will feature only one show, to be held on February 27th in Ventspils. The show will consist of two parts: in the first one, all 10 hopefuls will compete to qualify to the second part, where the 3 top ranked acts will fight for the honour of representing their country in Oslo. The outcome of the show will be provided by a combination of jury vote and televote at a 50/50 stake.