LRT has revealed a few details of their 2018 national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. The upcoming edition of Eurovizija will be hosted by comedian Mantas Stonkus and presenter Ugnė Skonsmanait. The first show will air on January 6.
“It’s strange to be the host of Eurovizija as I always dreamt of being a participant, maybe next year? When the Lithuanian artists try to compete at Eurovision bring songs that are similar to previous entries or follow a trend. I think that we should send something original.”, said Mantas Stonkus.
“We will be a young fresh duo. We met in 2008 and we will celebrate the 10th anniversary of our friendship working together on television. “, both added.
As in previous editions, the Lithuanian broadcaster has accepted artists, groups, and authors for the national selection. Artists and groups from the country with or without original songs were invited to apply for ‘Eurovizija’, while national and international authors could also submit their original compositions, which will be given to a singer or group without an original song.
LRT has received applications from fifty candidates and more than a hundred of songs. Now, the broadcaster will shortlist the hopefuls that will compete in the shows of the Lithuanian national selection, which will start on January 6. Eurovizija 2018 will be made up of several rounds and pre-recorded shows. The winner will be selected by a mix of a professional jury panel and televoting.