In the first stage, artists and songwriters had the opportunity to apply for the competition. Seventy-five acts were selected and announced on 12 October 2004. The second stage consisted of the televised semi-finals which took place between 14 November 2004 and 20 February 2005 with five acts competing in each show.
The first phase of the competition allowed artists and songwriters to apply for participation, with seventy-five acts selected and announced on October 12, 2004. The second stage involved televised semi-finals that took place between November 14, 2004, and February 20, 2005, featuring five acts per show.