Belgium in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008

Eurosong '08 was the national final that selected Belgium's entry in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008. The competition consisted of four heats that took place on 27 January, 3 February, 10 February and 17 February 2008, two semi-finals that took place on 24 February and 2 March 2008, followed by a final on 9 March 2008 where the winning song and artist were selected. All seven shows took place at the VRT studios in Brussels, hosted by Bart Peeters and broadcast on Eén.

Four heats took place on 27 January, 3 February, 10 February and 17 February 2008. From each heat, five entries competed and two proceeded to the semi-finals. Out of the remaining non-qualifying acts from the heats, two wildcard acts were selected to proceed to the semi-finals. The semi-finals took place on 24 February and 2 March 2008. From each semi-final, five entries competed and two proceeded to the final. Out of the remaining non-qualifying acts from both semi-finals, a wildcard act was selected to proceed to the final. The final took place on 9 March 2008 where the winner was chosen. The results of all seven shows were determined by public televoting.

During each of the seven shows, a panel of three experts provided commentary and feedback to the artists and selected the wildcard acts to advance in the competition. These experts were:

• Katrina Leskanich – American singer, winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 1997 as part of Katrina and the Waves
• Kris Wauters – Belgian musician, represented Belgium in the Eurovision Song Contest 1991 as part of Clouseau
• Marcel Vanthilt – Belgian singer and television presenter

On 24 April 2007, VRT opened a submission period for artists and composers to submit their songs, with the deadline concluding on 23 November 2007.[2] 450 entries were submitted, and on 17 December 2007, the broadcaster announced the twenty entries selected for the competition.[3][4]

The first heat took place on 27 January 2008. A public televote determined the top two to proceed to the semi-finals: "Magical Sensation" performed by Katy Satyn and "What I Like About You" performed by Brahim.

The second heat took place on 3 February 2008. A public televote determined the top two to proceed to the semi-finals: "Addicted to You" performed by Tanya Dexters and "O Julissi Na Jalini" performed by Ishtar.

The third heat took place on 10 February 2008. A public televote determined the top two to proceed to the semi-finals: "If I Can't Find My Love" performed by Nelson and "Wheel of Time" performed by Geena Lisa. The expert panel selected "Rumour Has It" performed by Tabitha Cycon as one of the two wildcard acts to proceed to the semi-finals.

The fourth heat took place on 17 February 2008. A public televote determined the top two to proceed to the semi-finals: "Shout It Out" performed by Paranoiacs and "I Feel the Same Way" performed by Sandrine. The expert panel selected "Lonely Hearts on Wheels" performed by A Butterfly Mind as one of the two wildcard acts to proceed to the semi-finals.

The first semi-final took place on 24 February 2008. A public televote determined the top two to proceed to the final: "If I Can't Find My Love" performed by Nelson and "Shout It Out" performed by Paranoiacs.

The second semi-final took place on 2 March 2008. A public televote determined the top two to proceed to the final: "I Feel the Same Way" performed by Sandrine and "O Julissi Na Jalini" performed by Ishtar. The expert panel selected "What I Like About You" performed by Brahim as the wildcard act to proceed to the final.

The final took place on 7 March 2008. The winner, "O Julissi Na Jalini" performed by Ishtar, was determined by a public televote.

• Commentators – Bart Peeters and André Vermeulen (VRT),[5] Jean-Louis Lahaye and Jean-Pierre Hautier (RTBF)[6]
• Spokespersons – Sandrine Van Handenhoven[7]