Hungary participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 with the song "Candlelight" written by Viktor Rakonczai, Jánosi and Imre Mózsik. The song was performed by Csézy. Songwriter Viktor Rakonczai represented Hungary in the Eurovision Song Contest 1997 as part of the band V.I.P. where they placed twelfth in the competition with the song "Miért kell, hogy elmenj?". The Hungarian entry for the 2008 contest in Belgrade, Serbia was selected through the national final Eurovíziós Dalverseny 2008: Magyarországi döntő, organised by the Hungarian public broadcaster Magyar Televízió (MTV). 15 entries competed in the national final where "Szívverés" performed by Csézy was selected as the winner based on the votes of a four-member jury panel as well as the votes from the public. The song was later translated from Hungarian to English for the Eurovision Song Contest and was titled "Candlelight".

The Eurovision Song Contest 2008 was the 53rd edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. It took place in Belgrade, Serbia, following the country's victory at the 2007 contest with the song "Molitva" by Marija Šerifović. Organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and host broadcaster Radio Television of Serbia (RTS), the contest was held at the Belgrade Arena, and consisted of two semi-finals on 20 and 22 May, and a final on 24 May 2008. The three live shows were presented by Serbian television presenter Jovana Janković and musician Željko Joksimović.