A return to Eurovision is officially up for discussion in Luxembourg, as the government’s Petitions Committee has officially approved the suggestion of Luxembourg participating in Eurovision to be debated. This follows a public petition calling for Luxembourg’s return.

While Luxembourg’s national broadcaster has already confirmed that it will not return to Eurovision in 2017, Luxembourg’s Eurovision future will still be debated by the Petitions Committee. And it might even lead to Luxembourg returning in 2018.

Luxembourg is one of the seven countries who participated at the premiere Eurovision Song Contest in 1956. In the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s, Luxembourg became one of the power countries of Eurovision, winning the context five times – a record equalled by France and the UK, and only beaten by Ireland and Sweden.

Notably, in 1965 they won with “Poupée de cire, poupée de son”, performed by French teen France Gall. The song, written by pop provocateur Serge Gainsbourg, brought a fresh pop style to Eurovision and moved the competition into the swinging ’60s.

Another winner was Anne-Marie David who holds the record for receiving the greatest percentage of available points with the song “Tu te reconnaîtras”, still a firm fan favourite.

The small state withdrew from Eurovision from 1994 onwards due to changes with the national broadcaster RTL.The broadcaster is not publicly funded and does not see entering Eurovision as being its core business.

Nonetheless, Luxembourg still has a loyal Eurovision fanbase, and even sustains its own OGAE fan group of around 80 members. The Eurovision love is kept alive with the annual Eurovision Gala Night, a fancy black-tie event that last year attracted Ruslana as its star performer.

Luxembourg’s got talent

Luxembourg might be small, but it has a larger population than Malta, Iceland and San Marino, all of which manage to enter good entries every year, some of which have been serious contenders for the win. And it’s a very wealthy country, with the second highest GDP per capital.

But most importantly, those Luxembourg hills have so much talent – and that’s not even counting the duchy’s very active jazz scene. As we have discovered with previous Wednesday Wishlists, Luxembourg has no shortage of contemporary indie groups going in their own direction. The official website of Luxembourg even brags about its substantial music scene.

Luxembourg might not produce popstars like Måns Zelmerlöw or Sergey Lazarev, but there are plenty of edgy indie acts who could do their country proud should Luxembourg make a welcome return to Eurovision. We’ve put together a selection.

Seed to Tree – “Until It Gets Better”

When ‘Airy Met Fairy – “Intoxicated”

Say Yes Dog – “A Friend”

Ice In My Eyes – “Strung Out”

https://youtu.be/oByWPCIh2L0

Wiwibloggs meets Anne-Marie David

What do you think? Should Luxembourg return to Eurovision? What should the Petitions Committee decide? Share your thoughts below!