Prior to the 2011 contest, San Marino had participated in the Eurovision Song Contest once, when it debuted at the 2008 contest. Radiotelevisione della Repubblica di San Marino (SMRTV) had first announced the nation's debut in late November 2007. For their first appearance, SMRTV hosted an internal selection process, choosing the band Miodio with the song "Complice". At the contest, San Marino finished last with five points in the first semi-final, failing to qualify for the grand final. San Marino did not return to the 2009 or 2010 contests, citing financial difficulties. On 10 December 2010, it was announced that the nation was on the provisional list of countries seeking to take part in the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 in Düsseldorf, Germany. On 22 December, San Marino's Head of Delegation Alessandro Capicchioni confirmed the country's intent to take part, marking their return to the contest after a two-year absence.