In astronomical terms, a supernova is the last stage of a dying star. And lately, Latvian media have speculated that national final Supernova — and even Latvia’s participation in Eurovision — could be headed in the same direction. But Supernova producer Ilze Jansone has spoken out, saying that talk of the national final’s demise has been greatly exaggerated.

Earlier this week, Latvian media reported that the fate of Latvia at Eurovision 2020 was uncertain. Latvia Television (LTV) board member Ivars Priede told a Latvian government subcommittee on media policy that the broadcaster had not yet decided if they would participate in Eurovision 2020.

He noted that the cost for Latvia to participate in Eurovision was €300,000. Priede suggested that the regular national final Supernova could still be held, or the broadcaster could opt for a reduce format.

But is this a sign of doom for Supernova? Or just a political power play from LTV, hoping for more government funding?

Supernova producer Ilze Jansone has spoken out about the situation, saying that “talk of Supernova’s death has been greatly exaggerated.”

Runas par projekta “Supernova” n?vi man? pasaul? ir stipri p?rsp?l?tas. Mums t? nav tikai ail?te budžet?, mums tie ir… Posted by Ilze Jansone on Thursday, September 5, 2019

In a Facebook post, Jansone explained that the contest is more than just its budget — “We’re people in the industry: singers, songwriters, producers, sound engineers, dancers, choreographers, recording studios, photographers.” Jansone noted that Supernova also creates money for the music industry through royalties and digital distribution.

And while Latvia has not qualified for the Eurovision grand final since 2016, Jansone says “No, we are not ashamed that we do not qualify for the Eurovision finals. We are proud to have a participant who is respectfully representing the country.”

Jansone ends on an optimistic note, saying, “I believe that Supernova 2020 will be and together with our partners we will find a chance to do it!”

LTV has told media that their initial response for participating in Eurovision 2020 has to be made by mid-September, and an early October deadline for signing on for confirmed participation.

Latvia at Eurovision

While Latvia won Eurovision 2002, it hasn’t had the same luck in recent years. In the past 11 years, Latvia has only qualified for the grand final two times, in 2015 and 2016. Both times, with songs written by Latvian pop powerhouse Aminata.

In the last three years, Latvia has languished in the semi-finals, with fans sometimes complaining that better songs were left unselected in the Supernova grand final. Most recently folk group Carousel placed 15th in its semi-final with the low-key “That Night”.

Whatever LTV decides to do for its Eurovision 2020 participation, there will be at least some pressure to get the Baltic state back in the grand final.

What do you think? Is Supernova doomed? Does it need to be revamped? Or is it just fine as it is? Tell us your thoughts below!