Turkey in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008


Turkey competed in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 in Belgrade.

Before Eurovision

Internal selection

chose the band Mor ve Ötesi to represent them with internal selection process. The band submitted three songs for the appointed jury to choose from, in which they selected "Deli".
"Deli" was revealed on Friday, 15 February at 18.30, when Mor ve Ötesi performed their entry during the evening news on TRT 1. Deli is a powerful rock song entirely in the Turkish language. A press conference followed the song presentation at TRT Tepebasi Studio, at 19.30 local time. Mor ve Ötesi sang the song both playback and live. The band also performed a mini concert for the viewers in the studio.

At Eurovision

Although Turkey had been granted a spot in the 2008 final because of its fourth-place finish at the Eurovision Song Contest 2007, it had to compete in a semi-final because of new rules put into effect by the European Broadcasting Union. In previous years, countries that received a top 10 placing were automatically granted a spot in the next year's final without having to compete in a semi-final, but for 2008, the EBU changed the automatic qualification regulations so that all countries except the "Big 4" and host country, would have to pass through one of two semi-finals. The EBU split up countries with a friendly voting history into separate semi-finals, to give a better chance for other countries to win. On 28 January 2008, the EBU held a special draw which determined that Turkey would be in the second semi-final, held on 22 May 2008. performed 3rd, following Sweden and preceding the Ukraine. Turkey qualified to the final, placing 7th in the semi-final and scoring 85 points.
In the final they performed 12th following Iceland and preceding Portugal. They finished 7th with 138 points.

Commentators and spokespersons

Semi-final 2

Final

'''Back-up jury vote'''

Semi-final 2

Final

12 points10 points8 points7 points6 points

  • 5 points4 points3 points2 points1 point
  • 12 points10 points8 points7 points6 points

  • 5 points4 points3 points2 points1 point