RTBF Puts the Brakes on Loïc Nottet’s Alleged Eurovision Comeback
If you’ve spent the past week dusting off your Rhythm Inside choreography, you might want to put the feather boa back in the drawer. RTBF — Belgium’s French-speaking broadcaster — has politely, but firmly, told everyone to calm down about the idea of Loïc Nottet returning to the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.
The buzz began thanks to French journalist Clément Garin, who claimed Nottet had been picked internally after a review of several hopefuls. It made sense on paper: a proven performer, a decade of career momentum, and a fanbase that could fill Innsbruck twice over. But RTBF has since told Nieuwsblad there’s no decision on a 2026 act — and, awkwardly for gossip-mongers, not even a firm “yes” on whether Belgium will compete next year.
Déjà vu with a plot twist
Nottet first took to the Eurovision stage in 2015 in Vienna, where he glided to 4th place with 217 points — Belgium’s best finish since 2003. For fans, the idea of him returning to Austria (be it Vienna or Innsbruck) felt like perfect narrative symmetry. RTBF, however, appears more interested in meeting deadlines and ironing out rules than in delivering poetic comebacks.
Why the hesitation?
Both RTBF and its Flemish counterpart VRT are still in talks with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) over issues from the 2025 contest: the furore around Israel’s participation, how delegations promote their acts, and whether the public vote should keep allowing up to 20 clicks per person (because nothing says “democracy” like multiple voting packages).
Selection limbo
RTBF has confirmed it’s still running its selection process in case they do take part, but it’s Eurovision’s equivalent of keeping your suitcase packed “just in case”. For now, the official mood is pure Schrödinger’s Entry — Belgium is both in and out until someone opens the results envelope.
If the green light does come and Nottet’s name is on it, Austria 2026 might just witness a decade-in-the-making encore. Until then, consider this a reminder: in Eurovision, the biggest drama often happens before anyone sings a note.
Source: Nieuwsblad
