© Steve Müller / Archives
The journey to determine Luxembourg's representative for the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) is progressing as the preselection phase transitions to auditions. From an initial pool of nearly 500 songs and 300 artists, a meticulous process has narrowed the field down to 70 songs and 50 artists.
After an RTL team oversaw the preliminary selection, the baton will now pass to an international jury. This strategic move aims to uphold the utmost neutrality, particularly given the small size of the Grand Duchy.
The names of those moving forward in the competition are set to be unveiled at the beginning of December.
To be eligible for preselection, participants had to meet specific criteria. They must be over 16 years old, possess Luxembourg nationality, or have maintained three consecutive years of residency in the Grand Duchy. Alternatively, candidates had to exhibit a tangible connection to Luxembourg's music or cultural landscape, showcasing active engagement in musical pursuits and collaborations with recognised cultural entities within the local scene.
Selected candidates will now vie for the favour of the international jury, paving the way for the live show on RTL Télé Lëtzebuerg scheduled for 27 January next year. During this broadcast, the audience will have the opportunity to cast their votes and choose the act that will represent Luxembourg in Malmö at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. The semi-finals are slated for 7 and 9 May, followed by the grand final on 11 May.
Meet the members of the international jury
Tali Eshkoli: A prominent figure in the ESC realm, Eshkoli has frequently served as a jury member in various Eurovision pre-selections. Beyond her role as the producer of the 2019 ESC edition in Tel Aviv, she also helmed the production of the 2021 Miss Universe contest.
Christer Björkmann: A Swedish television producer, presenter, and former ESC participant, Björkmann brings a wealth of experience to the jury. Having secured two Eurovision victories as the Head of Delegation for Sweden in 2012 with Loreen and in 2015 with Måns Zelmerlöw, he continues to make significant contributions to the world of Eurovision. Björkmann is also the producer of the American Song Contest and has previously produced the ESC in 2013 and 2016, a role he will reprise in 2024.
Jan Bors: An expert in producing live shows and developing entertainment formats, Bors previously served as the Head of Delegation for Czechia. With experience as a Creative Content Producer and Former Senior Content Producer for Česká Televize, his insights contribute to the diverse expertise of the international jury.
Cesár Sampson: An Austrian singer and musician, Sampson participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 in Lisbon, securing a third-place finish. He has extensive experience with being on stage thanks to his participation in Dancing Stars (2nd place) and Masked Singer Austria in 2021.
Alex Panayi: A Greek-Cypriot singer and composer, Panayi is well-acquainted with the Eurovision Song Contest, having participated twice in addition to various appearances as a backing singer. Hailing from a family of musicians, he leads his own band, The Vocal Summit, and is fluent in Greek, English, and French. In recent years, Panayi has primarily been active as a vocal coach for ESC participants.