Belgium has been quite successful at the Eurovision Song Contest in recent years, earning a top-10 position for three years in a row (a 4th, 10th, and 4th position respectively). Belgian artists look favourably on Eurovision, but who will follow in Blanche’s footsteps?

Young artist Blanche (Ellie Delvaux) was chosen internally by Walloon (French Belgian) broadcaster RTBF to represent her country at the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv, Ukraine. Eventually, Blanche and her entry City lights reached an honourable 4th place in the Grand Final, earning 363 points.

For Eurovision 2018 in Portugal, Flemish (Dutch Belgian) broadcaster VRT will allegedly internally select the artist, deciding to dismiss the usual national selection Eurosong according to recent reports. News is as yet unknown, but several artists have stated their interest in Eurovision in the past weeks, as was covered by Nieuwsblad.

Natalia expresses her wishes

One of the most prominent names is national popstar Natalia, who participated in the Belgian national selection in 2004 with the song Higher than the sun. Natalia stated:

I don’t feel like competing against other Flemish artists, but if the VRT directly asked me to represent our country and I have a good song, than I would like to do that very much. But we will see what the future brings.

Further names speculated; return for Kate Ryan?

Further names featuring in the current rumour-mill is Kate Ryan. Kate Ryan, who represented Belgium at Eurovision 2006 with the song Je t’adore, just missing out on the Grand Final, has spoken positively about an eventual comeback at the Eurovision Song Contest.

Other artists that have expressed an interest in Eurovision include Belle Perez, Isabelle A, Gene Thomas, Ozark Henry, and group De Romeo’s.

Any official news about the 2018 Belgian Eurovision representative will be released by VRT/Eén.

In the meantime, enjoy Blanche performing City lights during the Grand Final of Eurovision 2017: