Slovakia who returned to the Eurovision Song Contest again this year after an eleven year break, state now that preparations for the 2010 contest will start right after the Grand final in Moscow on 16th May.
Štefan NižÅ�anský, General director of Slovakian TV, states that their call for songs for the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest will be launched as soon as the current edition to be held in Russia is over. "We intend to give more time to composers and creative teams to prepare and choose the best Slovakian performers, choreographers, etc." says Mr Niznansky.
This year, the Slovakian broadcaster has announced that all songs submitted in their open call for songs would get a chance to compete for the ticket to Moscow. But this could not be realised as a total of 177 songs were received and only 50 of them got to actually take part in the five semi finals organised by STV. "We hope that next year STV receives even more applications," continues Mr Niznansky, "including reknowned writers, composers and performers.The level of the whole competition is predominantly based on the registered songs. All participating artists get a chance to succeed not only on home ground but also in the Eurovision final with an audience of 200 million viewers."
As for the submitted songs which did not make it to the Slovakian semis this year, Mr Niznansky promises that there will be special shows on STV where they will be presented. The director of STV also thanked personally all local radio stations who offer airplay to the songs recorded for the Eurovision Song Contest, helping thus the promotion of the contest in Slovakia.
Very special thanks to Miloš Hozda for the report.
