Bulgaria's first bidding contest to elect a song of the country for this year's Eurovision has attracted a record number of applicants to be shortlisted by the domestic organiser Bulgarian National Television (BNT).

A total of 104 songs to be performed by 94 singers were submitted before the deadline elapsed last Saturday, but only 24 shortlisted songs will further compete for the international music event, it was announced at a press conference on Tuesday.

The prospective song of Bulgaria to be seen May 19 in Kiev may be in either English or Bulgarian, performed by a solo, duo or group of singers, but it must not have been performed live or recorded before, according to Eurovision rules.

Bulgarians will be able to vote for their favorite during the live show on BNT January 22. The jury will then shortlist 12 songs, one of which will be elected February 12 to represent Bulgaria for the first time ever at the semi-final round of Eurovision.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!