Kross-European Song Contest of 1985

San Marino

This was the 59th edition and was held in May 1985. Preparations began in July 1984. Kross Company collaborated with again with RecZa Studios and EmbeX Studios, and the Russian broadcaster. The newly formed Kross European Broadcasting Union (KEBU) would also partially fund the programme. Katelyn Ratz returned as executive producer with Krystal Gales resigning to pursue bigger passions. Krystal Gales became Head of the Irish National Broadcaster in 1988.

Malta and San Marino returned to the contest with their last appearances being 1974 and 1972 respectively. Furthermore, Lithuania returned as a Soviet Socialist Republic after not competing since 1940. Armenia debuted for the first time however it did compete in the Junior show back in 1956.

Following the Russian victory in 1984, they was much controversy over the hosting of the contest. The Soviet Union, in which Russia was apart of, did not officially participate and where originally not open to hosting the contest. However, the Soviets changed their mind (perhaps wanting to show off Russia to the Western World). The Soviets still wouldn't participate but began a bidding process to host. The five big cities were: Minsk, Kiev, Moscow, Leningrad and Riga. Eventually Riga and Minsk were kicked out for unknown reasons. Kiev was chosen which makes this contest a very rare time where the host country (Ukraine) was not automatically qualified.

Katelyn Ratz removed the own-language rule, allowing countries to sing in any language they liked. The top 3 of the previous year automatically qualified to the final. (These are Russia, France and Denmark)

## Grand Final

### Other countries

* Algeria had no comment on participation. They did not appear on the list of finalists.
* Andorra had no comment on participation. They did not appear on the list of finalists.
* Azerbaijan SSR had no comment on participation. They did not appear on the list of finalists.
* Canada continued to broadcast the programme but confirmed they would not return in 1985.
* East Germany stated that it would not rejoin the contest while West Germany participated. West Germany participates as just "Germany" in the show.
* Egypt had no comment on participation. They did not appear on the list of finalists.
* Estonia SSR had no comment on participation. They did not appear on the list of finalists.
* Georgia SSR had no comment on participation. They did not appear on the list of finalists.
* Latvia SSR had no comment on participation. They did not appear on the list of finalists.
* Lebanon had no comment on participation. They did not appear on the list of finalists.
* Libya had no comment on participation. They did not appear on the list of finalists.
* Liechtenstein had no comment on participation. They did not appear on the list of finalists.
* Morocco had no comment on participation. They did not appear on the list of finalists.
* Soviet Union announced on July 1st 1981 that it would allow soviet territories like Ukraine, Russia or Belarus to take part, but not the Union itself. On September 3rd 1984, they reiterated this.
* Turkey had no comment on participation. They did not appear on the list of finalists.