While the Dutch broadcaster NOS wants to keep everything silent concerning the Nationaal Songfestival 2003 until a press conference at January 16th, artists started talking.

Paul de Leeuw, former host of the Nationaal Songfestival, recently announced to submit the song Blue skies are for free. Now it appeared that he was selected for one of the four preselections, he withdrew because he wants to make more free time for his adopted son. According to other sources, the song was about to be performed by background singers of the Dutch famous singer René Froger, but the NOS decided to disqualify the song because that's against the rules.

Gordon announced to be selected with I'll be your voice, the Soulistics are selected with the song We don't stop the music, the band Boulevard is selected with the song Souvenirs And Silhouets and Kathy will sing I'm On Fire.

The song Music in the air has not passed the selection, just as the songs performed by 2forU, Marloes, Brigit, Eloy and Jalene.

The Dutch preselection finals will be held at February 1, 8, 15 and 22 and the final will take place at March 1 in the Ahoy venue.