Switzerland is going to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest 2005 in Kiev, as the heads of entertainment of the three Swiss broadcasters SF DRS, TSR and TSI decided now. As the contest has grown bigger and more professional, they are on the lookout for a professional singer to represent the country next year.

After the desastrous result in Istanbul, where Piero Esteriore came last with zero points in the semifinal, there were thoughts of boycotting the contest for a while. Now, Toni Wachter, Emile Felber and Daniela Tami (the heads of entertainment of the three Swiss TV stations) decided to compete again – and increase the level of professionalism.

In a first phase, a singer or group is going to be found which will represent the confederacy in Kiev. Key qualifications are, according to Swiss TV, “professionalism, experience and stage presence”. Applications are accepted before 15 October 2004; candidates are expected to have at least one CD and one videoclip released, being placed in the Top 50 of an official singles sales charts and be experienced in live-appearances both on stage and in TV. There are no restrictions concerning the nationality or residence of the singer(s).

After the representative is found, Switzerland's songwriters are invited to contribute a fitting song. Only composers who are members of the Swiss songwriters association SUISA will be allowed to submit songs. The exact rules for the composer's contest are going to be published end of October.