Due to the Contest's rapid expansion, entry in the 1997 Contest was limited to those countries with the best average scores over the past five years - a group of which Belgium again was not a member, the first time being at the 1994 Contest. As a "passive country" (one which broadcast but did not enter the Contest), Belgium was, however, able to enter the 1998 edition. Thus, "Liefde is een kaartspel" was succeeded as Belgian representative at the 1998 Contest by Mélanie Cohl singing "Dis oui".