Alexander Rybak and Nikkie de Jager help decide on Belgian representative for Eurovision Song Contest

On Saturday, 14 January, during a live show on the Flemish public broadcaster, viewers and a professional jury will decide who will represent Belgium at this year's Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool. Alexander Rybak, the 2009 Norwegian winner and Dutch influencer Nikkie de Jager will also cast their vote.

"I really enjoy starting the new year by discovering new music. I know Belgium has a lot of musical talent. I have a lot of Belgian fans who follow me on Tiktok and Instagram. So it's very nice to visit you guys," Alexander Rybak told VRT. He conquered Europe's hearts in 2009 with his violin and the song 'Fariytale'.

Nikkie de Jager will also help determine who represents Belgium in May. The Dutch influencer has her own YouTube channel with some 14 million followers, on which she posts lifestyle and make-up videos. She has already worked with stars such as Kim Kardashian, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry and was one of the presenters of the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam.

"That I got to present Eurovision was already a dream come true. That I now get to help decide who will represent Belgium is just amazing," de Jager said.

Organising country

According to tradition, the winning country organises the next edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. In 2022, Kalush Orchestra won with the song Stefania for Ukraine. But because of the ongoing war, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises the song contest, decided to choose another host country.

The United Kingdom, which finished second in 2022, was quick to apply. Therefore, the 67th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Liverpool.

^{#FlandersNewsService | Alexander Rybak performing during The Great Eurovision Song Contest concert 2022 in the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.}

^{© DUTCHPRESSPHOTO}