Namely, today, the first castings for the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest started in Ukraine, the broadcaster confirmed to Eurovision.tv. The castings will last three days, till the 21st of August.
On the same date a 7-member jury will announce the 30 artists who will pass to the next round of their national selection, scheduled to start in October, when the lucky ones will present their songs.
So far many popular local artists have expressed their wish to participate in the casting events. Among others, Verka Serduchka (represented Ukraine in 2007 at the Eurovision Song Contest in Helsinki) and Anastasia Prikhodko (represented Russia in 2009). The latter is expected to perform today.
By the end of December, 15 candidates will still be in the running to become their country's next Eurovision Song Contest participant. The final decision will be made on the 26-27th of February.
Clips of the three days, held in at huge tent on the beach at the Dnieper River, will also be broadcast on NTU in September.
