Latvijas Sabiedriskais medijs (LSM) has officially opened the song submission window for “Supernova,” running from August 1 to October 1, to determine who will represent Latvia at the Eurovision Song Contest. According to LSM, the national selection process brings a major change for the upcoming season: the grand final will take place on February 6 at the Xiaomi Arēna, marking the most extensive final in the competition’s history.
Submission Rules and Deadlines for “Supernova”
Artists aiming for the Eurovision stage must adhere to strict eligibility guidelines established by the organizers. According to LSM, soloists, duets, and groups with a maximum of six members are invited to apply. Performers must reach at least 18 years of age by April 15 of the following year. Furthermore, submitted tracks must not be published, broadcast, or performed publicly prior to September 1, 2026. Foreign nationals may participate as lyricists, music composers, or phonogram producers, provided that the percentage split of copyright and neighboring rights for non-residents does not exceed 49% of the total rights distribution. Additionally, LSM confirmed that entries created wholly or partially using artificial intelligence are strictly prohibited from the competition.
Selection Process and Atvara’s Perspective
The journey from submission to the live stage involves a rigorous vetting process by a professional music industry panel. According to LSM, a dedicated jury will evaluate songs based on originality, arrangement, message, and alignment with modern market trends. Panelists will also weigh the vocal capabilities of the artists, their potential to compete in the international pop market, and their past achievements alongside future commercial prospects. Looking back at her own breakthrough, Latvia’s representative at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, singer Atvara, shared her experience with LSM: “Supernova became a turning point—it led me to my life’s biggest, most beautiful, and most responsible professional adventure. Therefore, I want to encourage every artist—if you have a song you believe in, don’t be afraid to submit it to Supernova.”
A New Format: The Xiaomi Arēna Final and Superfinal
According to LSM, viewers will discover which contestants advance past the audition phase in November. The climax of the competition arrives on February 6, when a single live broadcast will host both the grand final and a decisive round: the superfinal. In the initial final stage, the top three acts will be determined by a combined score from viewers and an international jury. For the superfinal, however, the previously accumulated votes will be wiped clean, giving all three finalists an equal playing field where the winner is chosen exclusively by the viewing public.
Did You Know?
The February 6 showdown at the Xiaomi Arēna represents the most extensive final organized for the Latvian national selection, elevating the production scale for the country’s road to Eurovision.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the submission deadline for “Supernova”?
According to LSM, submissions are open from August 1 to October 1.
Can international songwriters participate in the Latvian selection?
Yes, foreign nationals can contribute as lyricists, composers, or producers, provided their combined copyright and neighboring rights share does not exceed 49%.
Are artificial intelligence-generated songs allowed?
No, LSM explicitly bans entries that use artificial intelligence either fully or partially in their creation.
How is the winner chosen in the final?
According to LSM, the top three acts from the grand final advance to a superfinal where prior votes are wiped clean, leaving the ultimate winner to be decided solely by public televoting.
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