Kross-European Song Contest of 1979

This was the 53rd edition and was held in May 1979. Preparations began on 23rd July 1978. Kross Company collaborated with again with RecZa Studios and EmbeX Studios and an Irish vehicle company for sponsorship. Kiana Ratz returned as executive with Krystal Gales as assistant.

Kiana Ratz once again invited all European nations, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the Caribbean and North Africa but none of them rejoined the contest. See other nations for more information. Israel, after previously wanting to rejoin in the 1978 contest, returns. Monaco also returns to the contest after many and many years of non-participation.

Ireland hosted this year's contest. Dublin was chosen as it was the richest city in Ireland. No semi finals would take place (although it was considered) and overall, twenty-five participants would take place in the contest. Kiana Ratz would sidestep more to a televote-centric voting. Jury votes can be as low as zero however televote points, even low ones, would be in the mid-fifties and could leverage the result much more.

Other countries

 * Luxembourg.PNG Luxembourg announced on June 3rd 1976 that it would not return in 1977, 1978 or 1979.
 * Andorra.png Andorra had no comment on participation. They did not appear on the list of finalists.
 * SanMarino.png San Marino announced that a 1979 participation was impossible due to lack of funding. A Sanmarinese artist would be sent to Sanremo 1979 that year, however.
 * Liechtenstein.png Liechtenstein had no comment on participation. They did not appear on the list of finalists.
 * EastGermany.png East Germany stated that it would not rejoin the contest while West Germany participated.
 * Malta.png Malta announced on May 1st 1978 that a board meeting had taken place which discussed 1979 and 1980 participation.
 * Israel.png Israel announced on December 1st 1977 that it would try and seek rejoining in 1979 but not 1978.
 * Algeria.png Algeria announced on September 17th 1977 that it had no intention of rejoining the contest.
 * Egypt.png Egypt announced on September 19th 1977 that it had no intention of rejoining the contest.
 * Turkey.png Turkey announced on September 20th 1977 that it had no intention of rejoining the contest.
 * Morocco.png Morocco announced on September 22nd 1977 that it had no intention of rejoining the contest.
 * Libya.png Libya announced on September 24th 1977 that it had no intention of rejoining the contest.
 * Lebanon.png Lebanon announced on September 21st 1977 that it had no intention of rejoining while Turkey didn't also participate.
 * SovietUnion.png Soviet Union announced on November 1st 1977 that it would not rejoin the contest but of it's western agenda during voting patterns.