Kross-European Song Contest of 1976

This was the 50th edition and was held in May 1976. Preparations began in June 1975. Kross Company collaborated with again with RecZa Studios (formerly RECORDZA) and EmbeX Studios and a Belgian chocolate company for sponsorship. Francis Boulevard, a controversial producer became executive producer with Georg Bekaert taking a backseat and Krystal Gales staying on as assistants. Kiana Ratz, after over twenty editions, decided to leave. However she did not say she would not return.

Francis Boulevard was very controversial for his nationalist political beliefs. He decided that many non-European countries and Soviet communist countries should be banned from entering. As such, he forced Belarus, Hungary, Albania, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania and the Soviet Union to withdraw. Because of this harsh removal, the bottom five countries (which would've included Belarus, Romania and Bulgaria) were not excluded. Ireland and Denmark returned after being barred the previous year. Australia was planned to be withdrawn Francis kept them in at the last minute after a flight to Sydney where he saw the contest's popularity.

Belgium decided on Liege to host the contest. Antwerp and Brussels had both previously hosted and Belgium wanted to show off more of it's country. There were 18 participants and therefore only a small arena was needed. No semi finals were used.

Awards
Bekaert Awards