Lied van Liedjes 44

This was the forty-fourth Lied van Liedjes to be held. It was held in Belgrade, Serbia after winning the previous contest with the song "TBD" by TBD. The Semi-Finals were held on 20 July and 22 July 2004. The Grand Final took place on 24 July 2004. 41 countries participated in the contest.

Organisation
Higher management at Lied van Liedjes was concerned about the Garibaldi's action on the contest. After some negotiations, he remained as executive producer - although the LvL team introduced James Harbour to be a director that was to keep Garibaldi in line. They were worried about his changes to the contest - mainly financial. Many thought the second chance shows massively underperformed while stretching team resources. Furthermore, the three semi-finals further divided viewing figures. Furthermore, Serbia only had availability in it's venues for a short time and so it was decided that only three shows would take place in Belgrade - the two semi finals and the grand final. Miloje Savicevic, who coordinated the 17th contest hosted in Belgrade, Serbia, returned to coordinate the 44th contest.

41 countries participated in the contest. While Serbia and Montenegro had briefly reunited for the previous edition, it was suggested that when hosting, the Montenegrin broadcaster could send their own song for both peoples to feel happy about their representative on home turf. Furthermore, Japan and South Korea announced their withdrawal citing travel issues and lack of interest from their population. Belarus, who had withdrew in the previous edition due to a scandal in their national selection, returned for the contest. Austria was rumoured to be considering a return with studios in a foreign country (as their studio building had burned down in a tragic fire) but nothing came of this rumour. There was scandal as Bosnia and Herzegovina very nearly withdrew due to their broadcaster's financial issues, but ultimately they decided to stay given the participation had been pre-paid.

The top five of the previous contest would automatically qualify. As Serbia and Montenegro was an auto-qualifier, both Serbia and Montenegro were given spots in the final making it a 26 final.

Pot Draw
Italics indicate a returning country.

Semi Final 1
, and  would vote in this Semi Final. It took place on Tuesday 20 July 2004.

Semi Final 2
,, and would vote in this Semi-Final. It took place on Thursday 22 July 2004.

Grand Final
It took place on Saturday 8 April 2004.