LATVIA: Revamps national selection rules for 2012

After 3 consecutive failures to qualify to the final stage in Eurovision Song Contest, with Intars Busulis ("Probka" (Пробка) - 2009), Aisha ("What For?" - 2010) and Musiqq ("Angel in Disguise" - 2011), Latvia will revamps national selection rules for 2012.

Latvia are trying something different to succeed and to qualify to the final in Eurovision 2012.

Key dates in the calendar

1. Submission of entries opens on 1st September, and runs through until 14th October
2. Between October 20th and November 1st there will be an internet voting window, where the songs will be published on LTV's website. The public vote will not be binding, however it is expected that the seven member panel will take this in to consideration when choosing the final 20 songs
3. On November 8th, the 20 selected entries and their authors will be revealed in a press conference
4. On December 1st, the performers themselves will be announced

Three televised shows
Moreover on January 7th and 14th, two semi final shows will be held, each presenting 10 songs. Five songs will progress from each semi final.

The final itself will therefore comprise 10 songs, and will be held in Ventspils on February 18th 2012.