The Dutch public broadcaster NOS (in co-operation with broadcaster TROS) received 475 songs for its pre-selection for 2004, the Nationaal Songfestival 2004. Although everyone involved is pleased with the amount of submitted songs, the NOS received 503 entries last year.

According to one of our sources in the Dutch music scene, many of the composers and writers who used to submit a song, decided not to submit this year due to the fact that The Netherlands has to perform in the qualifier round of the Eurovision Song Contest first.

A selection committee will select around 100 songs in the first phase. Among these songs are most likely the songs that passed the selection nights in Zeist and Assen last month. Together, both nights brought around 20 appropriate songs. The selection committee will make a final decision. Finally, 24 songs will be performed during four pre-selections (six per night). In a fifth round the songs which got a wildcard get a second chance. Finally, 10 songs will appear in the final, which will be held on 22nd February.

Among those who submitted are the group Mazzel, Mary Amora, Mai-Tai, Jalene, R-Themus, Judith, Renee, Scandallicious, Hot Black Stuff, Sasja Brouwers and others.