As dozens of hopeful Luxembourgish artists gather for three days at the Rockhal to perform some 70 preselected songs, an international jury of Eurovision experts is set to decide on the happy few that will advance to the final national selection round in January.

It’s been three decades since five-time winner Luxembourg last took part in the world’s largest and longest-running annual TV musical event. Naturally, its comeback at next year’s contest (7, 9 and 11 May, in Malmö, Sweden) has generated incredible enthusiasm and much scrutiny from fans abroad - all while producing a frenzy in the country’s buzzing musical scene.

However, much has changed since the Grand Duchy was last a part of the Eurovision Song Contest, and everyone involved knows how high expectations are and how challenging it will be to get it right. The interest has been truly exceptional compared to other countries, with RTL receiving a whopping 459 entries before the deadline. A long and strenuous preselection process then narrowed it down to around 70 songs and 50 artists - all of which are Luxembourg nationals, residents, or strongly linked to the cultural scene here.

“It has without doubt shaken up the industry in Luxembourg,” says Edsun, one of the artists present at the Rockhal, where auditions started yesterday and will run until Friday. “It has given everyone a lot of hope as to what our country can accomplish and where we can take our music. No matter what happens, Eurovision will open doors for our artists and serve as a springboard.”

“The whole experience has been incredibly exciting,” explains Shirley from the Luxembourgish band The Spaceminers, who auditioned Wednesday. “For artists, Eurovision acts as an incomparable creative prompt and the way the process in Luxembourg has been, artists have not only been motivated to write and propose new songs but have also had the opportunity to work with renowned composers.”

Relying on an international jury at this point is crucial in order to ensure impartiality in the selection process.

“The musical industry in Luxembourg is blossoming, but it is small, as is our country,” points out Eric Lehmann, the head of the Luxembourgish delegation to Eurovision.

“By bringing in international juries, none of which are familiar with our music scene or know any of the artists, we ensure that everyone gets the same attention and treatment. Furthermore, these experts bring invaluable knowhow to the table. They know what Eurovision requires. And let’s not forget that the Luxembourgish entry won’t be judged by anyone in Luxembourg in the Eurovision Song Contest, but by the other countries, which is also why this outside view is important to us.”

The five jury members seem acutely aware of what’s at stake and are fully invested in finding the right song for Luxembourg.

“Luxembourg has such an incredible Eurovision heritage, and we’ve waited a very long time for a return – it’s important to work really hard on making it successful,” underlines Tali Eshkoli. “It’s not easy to find the best song, the best singer, and the best performance, but I need all three. We need an entry that can create that magical moment and a unique staging.”

Jan Bors is no less demanding: “I’m looking for perfection, for talent and for a great song of course. I’m looking for a Eurovision winner, not just a song that will qualify for the final. The song and the artist need to be an impeccable match.”

Meanwhile, for Alex Panayi, the most important thing is: “Originality and honesty! And you know it when you hear it. As a vocal coach I’m obviously also very attentive to the voice and what can be done to make it even better. When I listen to each song here, I also imagine what it would sound and look like on the Eurovision scene. There’s a lot to consider.”

How the act will look and sound in context is equally vital for César Sampson: “I’m looking for a song that translates well to Eurovision. It needs to be a hybrid, something that would work as well on television as it would in a stadium. So, a stageable song and a solid performer. I want to find a winner, someone who can fill a stage. You don’t need a specific music genre to succeed in Eurovision, and that’s the beauty of it. But you need a song with a vibrant range, with a ‘beat’ like in theatre.”

“As a group, our jury has very different starting points, but it makes a great dynamic,” concludes Christer Björkman. “For me, it’s important to find a song that can connect contemporary music with Luxembourg’s Eurovision legacy. What I’m looking for is a contemporary hit with a touch of Luxembourg, and I have no doubt that we will find a great selection of songs to fit the criteria for the national selection in January!”