While the first countries with televised selection processes have been busy holding their semi-finals (and, in some cases, finals), the – perhaps surprisingly large – group of nations opting to select internally this year has expanded yet further.

Here’s a round-up of everything that’s been happening in the world of internal selections since the last time esc-chat.com caught up with the news before Christmas!

After missing out on the ESC final in 2011 for the first time since the semi-final system was introduced, Turkey is moving away from its “rock band” policy of recent years, instead selecting the quirky Can Bonomo. Blending rock, pop and even jazz influences with some local flavour, Bonomo released his debut album, “Meczup” (Lunatic), last year. Apparently there has been some tabloid controversy in Turkey because the singer is of Jewish heritage – although there seems to be greater surprise that TRT would select someone comparatively unknown to send to Baku. We’ll see what comes out of it!

Croatia will be represented by 39-year-old Nina Badrić. Having participated in Dora, the Croatian preselection, on no fewer than four occasions – in 1993, 1994, 1995 and most recently in 2003, where she finished as runner-up with the song “Čarobno jutro” – she has now been selected to go directly to Baku with a song that is expected to be in English. It is scheduled to be presented on HRT on the last weekend in February.

Spain will attempt to halt their poor run of results in recent years with Pastora Soler, a singer with over a decade’s experience and many albums behind her. Her typical musical style can be described as adult-oriented pop with copla and flamenco influences, although it remains to be seen how much of the latter will show through in her ESC entry, as she has stated her preference for singing a ballad in Baku.

Finally, two of the artists reported on in previous articles have now announced their song titles. Kaliopi will sing “Black & White” for Macedonia – a song co-written by one of her ex-husbands, with another ex-husband acting as artistic director for the entry. Could be a fun delegation to be around! Meanwhile, Anggun’s song for France will be entitled “Echo (You And I)”. We have compiled a full list of this year’s songs and singers here, and it’ll be continually updated until the line-up is complete!