Road To Malmö

🇵🇹 Road to Malmö: Portugal

We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Portugal. Iolanda Iolanda Costa, or just Iolanda, is a singer and songwriter from Portugal. She was born on November 4, 1994, in São Pedro, Figueira da Foz, but later moved to Pombal. That’s where she fell in love with music, thanks to her parents who helped her start learning music. She first studied at a local school and then at a conservatory. When she was 14, she tried out for a singing contest on TV but didn’t get far. She tried again on a different show when she was 17 but also didn’t make it to the big stages. After high school, Iolanda went to Lisbon for college, where she studied Communication Sciences. While there, she sang in bars and entered talent contests to get noticed. Later, she moved to London to learn more about songwriting. In 2014, she was on The Voice Portugal but didn’t get picked by the judges. Iolanda’s big break came in 2022 when she helped write a song for a festival. In 2023, she released her own music about her time during the COVID-19 pandemic. By 2024, she won the national contest with her song “Grito,” meaning she’ll represent Portugal in the Eurovision Song Contest. Festival RTP Da Canção Already since Portugal’s first participation in 1964, the song is selected via Festival RTP Da Canção. This year, there have been two semifinals with 10 songs each. Six songs per semifinal headed to the final. Jury and televoter did not agree. While the jury voted for Iolanda, the televoter prefered João Borsch. In the end, Iolanda gained the most votes. Portugal in the Eurovision Song Contest As said, Portugal debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1964. Unfortunately, António Calvário ended up with zero points. Very often, Portugal submitted unique, typical Portuguese, entries. And very often, Portugal ended up at the bottom of the scoreboard. For many years, Portugal did not enter the top-5 of the contest. Everything changed in 2017, when Salvador Sobral represented Portugal. With the song “Amar pelos dos”, penned by his sister, Sobral brought the trophy back home to Portugal. Last year, it was Mimicat who represented Portugal and reached the final with her song “Ai coração”. Salvador Sobral, photo: EBU/Andres Putting The Bookmakers The betting odds currently predict a 34th place for Portugal in the Eurovision Song Contest. However, as soon as we know more about the staging and the live performance, that might completely change. The song And this is the song:

🇦🇺 Road to Malmö: Australia

photo: EBU/SBS We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Australia. Electric Fields Electric Fields is an Australian electronic music duo, composed of the talented vocalist Zaachariaha Fielding and keyboardist/producer Michael Ross. They incorporate Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara, and English into their music. Their musical journey includes the release of an EP, numerous singles, and their upcoming representation of Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 with their song “One Milkali (One Blood).” The duo’s origins trace back to their solo appearances on The X Factor Australia, with Fielding competing in 2011 and Ross in 2013. They united as Electric Fields in 2015, debuting with the celebrated EP “Inma” in 2016, which was lauded for its emotional resonance and cultural richness. They’ve been recognized with several awards, including Best New Talent at the 2017 National Indigenous Music Awards, and have gained prominence for their performances and collaborations, including a notable partnership with Norwegian group Keiino. Electric Fields stands out not only for their music but also for their personal stories and advocacy. Fielding, from Mimili in the APY lands, brings a rich Indigenous Australian heritage to their music and visual arts, earning significant accolades such as the Wynne Prize and Ramsay Art Prize People’s Choice prize in 2023. Ross contributes a diverse musical influence, enhancing their sound. Together, they embody a philosophy of authenticity and unity, breaking conventional boundaries and celebrating their queer identities. Their story, told in the documentary “Voice From The Desert,” highlights their journey and the transformative power of their music. Yankunytjatjara The Yankunytjatjara language is a proud testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Indigenous Australia, belonging to the Western Desert language group. Spoken by the Yankunytjatjara people, it thrives in the central desert region of Australia, particularly around Uluru and the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands. Despite facing challenges from historical and modern pressures, efforts to revitalize and preserve Yankunytjatjara are robust, involving educational programs and community initiatives. Its linguistic structure, embodying the intricate relationship between the land and its people, offers invaluable insights into Indigenous knowledge, ecology, and spirituality. Yankunytjatjara not only facilitates communication but also serves as a living repository of ancestral wisdom and cultural identity. Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest The first Australian performance in the Eurovision Song Contest was Jessica Mauboy’s guest performance in 2014. As a reward for years of broadcasting the contest, Australia was able to take part in the contest itself for the first time in 2015. Guy Sebastian debuted with “Tonight again” and reached a 5th place. A year later, Dami Im was 2nd in the contest with her song “Sound of silence”. With three more top-10 positions, up until last year with Voyager, Australia is quite a succesful country in the Eurovision Song Contest. The Bookmakers Australia is currently 27th in the betting odds to win the contest. However, fans expect a special performance during the contest itself, which might completely change the odds for Electric Fields. The song This is the song:

🇦🇿 Road to Malmö: Azerbaijan

photo: EBU We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Azerbaijan. Fahree Fahree, an emerging Azerbaijani musician, was born into a culturally rich family in Baku, 1995. With a jazz drummer father and an esteemed actor grandfather, the arts were deeply ingrained in his upbringing. Despite a diligent academic pursuit resulting in law degrees, the 2020 pandemic rekindled his inherent musical inclination. Forsaking law for his true calling, Fahree launched his music career with the 2022 hit “Dance.” Further success came with “Apardı uzağlara,” a collaboration with Mila Miles. His track “Yollar” solidified his rising fame in February 2023. Come March 2024, Fahree’s artistic journey ascended as he was chosen to represent Azerbaijan at the Eurovision Song Contest. Ilkin Dovlatov Ilkin Dovlatov, a distinguished Azerbaijani mugham vocalist, was born into a musical family on June 16, 1990, in Baku. His talent emerged early with a debut performance at age four. Recognized by his school music teacher, Dovlatov pursued his musical aspirations, leading to his acclaim as the runner-up on The Voice of Azerbaijan in 2023, guided by mentor Ilqar Khayal. He further showcased his abilities in the Azəri Star contest. In October 2023, he joined the final contenders for Azerbaijan’s Eurovision entry, eventually teaming up with Fahree to perform “Özünlə apar” on the Eurovision stage, representing their cultural heritage with pride. Mugham Mugham is an intricate form of traditional Azerbaijani music, renowned for its rich improvisational character. It intertwines passionate singing with the complex modal structure of the “mugham” modes, often accompanied by the tar (a long-necked lute), the kamancheh (a bowed string instrument), and the daf (a type of frame drum). Rooted in the cultural intersections of the Silk Road, mugham is more than music; it’s a spiritual journey that narrates stories of love, loss, and the divine through its deeply emotional and philosophical performances. This UNESCO-recognized art form is a cornerstone of Azerbaijani culture, reflecting the nation’s soul and historic ethos. It is the third time (after 2008 and 2012) that a mugham singer can be heard at Eurovision. Seyid Sushinski Ansambl, Mugham, photo: Wikimedia Commons Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest Elnur & Samir represented Azerbaijan in the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Day after day”. It meant the debut of the country in the contest. With an 8th place, it was an immediate succes. So far the first and only victory came already in 2011, when Ell & Nikki won the contest with “Running scared”. But let’s not forget AySel & Arash (3rd in 2009), Safura (5th in 2010), Sabina Babayeva (5th in 2012) and Farid Mammadov (2nd in 2013). Last year, the twins TuralTuranX didn’t make it to the final. Ell & Nikki The Bookmakers Currently, Azerbaijan has a 30th place in the odds to win the contest. If we look at that, it might be a tough job for Azerbaijan to reach the final. However, stage performance and act might lift the country up in the ranking. The song And this is the song:

🇸🇪 Road to Malmö: Sweden

photo: PhotoAnnaR, Wikimedia Commons We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Sweden. Marcus & Martinus Marcus and Martinus Gunnarsen, the Norwegian identical twins behind the dance-pop duo M&M, have been captivating audiences since their 2012 debut. Hailing from Elverum, Norway, they were born on February 21, 2002, and swiftly rose to fame after winning Melodi Grand Prix Junior with “To dråper vann.” Their first album, “Hei,” and its hit singles, including “Elektrisk,” dominated the Norwegian charts. By 2016, the twins had expanded their reach, collaborating with Madcon on “Girls,” securing chart-topping success in Norway and Sweden, and releasing “Together,” their English-language album. They shone at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert and continued to release chartbusters like “Like It Like It” and “First Kiss.” Their creative momentum continued with the album “Moments,” and singles like “Invited.” After a stint of new music, including “Belinda” with Alex Rose and “Feel” with Bruno Martini, they won Sweden’s “Masked Singer” in 2022. In 2023, they nearly captured Melodifestivalen with “Air,” and in 2024, they triumphed, earning the honor to represent Sweden at Eurovision with “Unforgettable,” marking a new pinnacle in their vibrant career. Melodifestivalen Already in the sixties, the name of the Swedish national final was Melodifestivalen. The past over 20 years, it has been a national final with 4 or 5 semifinals. It has become the most popular national final all over Europe. But who remembers Abba, not winning it in 1973 with “Ring Ring”, but winning it a year later with “Waterloo”? The rest is history. This year, many stars from Sweden took part in it, as every year. However, none of them participated in the Eurovision Song Contest before. Jury and televoter agreed with eachother: Marcus and Martinus were the winners for both. Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest The first Swedish entry came in 1958, but it all really started exactly 50 years ago. In 1974, ABBA won the Eurovision Song Contest with “Waterloo”, and changed Eurovision completely… forever! Ten years later, Herrey’s won with “Diggy-loo, diggy-ley”. Carola was the one who did the job in 1991 with “Fångad av en stormvind”. But since 1999, the chain of victories never ended: Charlotte Nilsson with “Take me to your heaven” in 1999, Loreen with “Euphoria” in 2012, Måns Zelmerlöw with “Heroes” in 2015 and Loreen again last year, with “Tattoo”. Sweden is one of two countries holding the record of most victories. photo: EBU/Chloe Hashemi The Bookmakers An 8th victory for Sweden is not likely. Currently, Marcus and Martinus hold the 10th place to win in the betting odds. What will really happen…. we’ll see! The song And this is the song:

🇲🇩 Road to Malmö: Moldova

We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Moldova. Natalia Barbu Natalia Barbu, born on August 22, 1979, in Bălți, then part of the Moldavian SSR, USSR, has firmly established herself as a versatile artist in the Moldovan music scene. Daughter of esteemed musician Ana Barbu, Natalia has blended rock and pop genres with her heritage of folk and stage music. Her early collaborations with Trigon on jazz-folk projects set a creative foundation, which evolved as she penned the lyrics for most of her songs. A pivotal moment came in 2006 with a contract from Cat Music Records (Sony Music) in Romania, marking her entry into a wider European market. Her single “Îngerul meu” soared to No. 1 in the Romanian Top 100, cementing her popularity. In 2007, her Eurovision entry “Fight” achieved a commendable 10th place finish. Embracing change, her 2012 single “I Said It’s Sad” showcased a major style evolution, topping Moldova’s Airplay charts. Esquire’s “sexiest woman alive” title in 2015 further celebrated her appeal. Returning to Eurovision in 2024 with “In the Middle,” Natalia Barbu continues to be a prominent figure in Moldova’s cultural tapestry. Etapa națională The national final in Moldova is called Etapa națională. Usually, the contest starts with an audition round, broadcast live on Moldovan television. 32 songs were submitted this year. However, two (a.o. Aliona Moon) withdrew before the contest and one was disqualified. Eleven songs headed to the final, which was won by Natalia Barbu. It was not an easy match: Natalia received the most votes of the jury, while Valeria Pasha won the televote. The rule in Etapa națională is that, in case of a tie, the jury winner goes to Eurovision. Moldova in the Eurovision Song Contest The first Moldovan entry for the Eurovision Song Contest was “Boonika bate doba” by Zdob şi Zdub in 2005. It was the first of 3 entries by this band in total, and reached a 6th place. The best scoring entry so far for the country was “Hey mamma” by Sunstroke Project in 2017. They were 3rd. Also Sunstroke Project took part before, in 2010. With “Run away” they became famous: the sax player and his solo became the ‘epic sax guy’. The Bookmakers Currently the betting odds for Moldova are not too positive: a 36th place for Natalia Barbu. But we all know that everything still can change until the very moment of the voting. The song And this is the song:

🇫🇮 Road to Malmö: Finland

We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Finland. Windows95man Teemu Keisteri, born in 1985 in Espoo, Finland, has emerged as a prominent figure in the visual arts scene, celebrated for his creation of the Ukkeli character in 2008. This iconic figure, a testament to Keisteri’s whimsical and culturally insightful style, adorns apparel, postcards, and tableware, capturing the essence of Finnish life with humor and personality. Known also as the Windows 95 man during his DJ performances, Keisteri’s diverse talents span across visual and video arts. Educated in photography at the Lahti Institute of Design, he discovered his passion lay with visual arts, leading him to establish Kalleria in Helsinki’s vibrant Kallio area, further solidifying his status as a dynamic artist and DJ. Henri Piispanen Henri Piispanen, born in 1994, is a multifaceted Finnish talent, acclaimed as a voice actor, singer, and presenter. Noteworthy for voicing characters in “PAW Patrol,” “Lego Ninjago,” and more, Piispanen’s diverse skills shine through his roles and as the lead vocalist and bassist for Pasa. His collaboration with Teemu Keisteri as Windows95man won the 2024 UMK, highlighting his dynamic presence in Finnish entertainment. Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK) In the past, the national final for Finland was called Euroviisut. Since 2012, we have Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK). The last few years, it’s a contest with 7 contestants. The winner is chosen by jury and televote. This year, Sara Siipola was the hot favourite to win the contest. She won the jury vote with a landslide. However, televote overruled them; windows95man gained 32,35% of the televote. Finland in the Eurovision Song Contest The first ever Finnish contestant for the Eurovision Song Contest was Laila Kinunen, back in 1961. A long road with bad scores and even 3 zeros followed; in 2006 the monsters of Lordi broke the spell and brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Helsinki with “Hard Rock Hallelujah”. Käärijä almost did it again last year. With his “Cha cha cha” he won the televote and became 2nd overall. The Bookmakers Finland is currently no. 14 in the betting odds to win the contest. Looks like it is likely that Finland will reach the final; it is also likely that a score like last year is a bridge too far for the country of the thousand lakes. And this is the song:

🇸🇮 Road to Malmö: Slovenia

We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Slovenia. Raiven Sara Briški Cirman, famously known as Raiven, is a distinguished Slovenian mezzo-soprano, pop artist, and harpist. Born on April 26, 1996, in Brežice, Slovenia, Raiven has excelled in intertwining the realms of classical and pop music. Her musical journey saw a significant leap when she nearly clinched the ticket to represent Slovenia at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2016 with “Črno bel,” securing second place at the national final Evrovizijska Melodija (EMA). Her continued efforts at EMA, including a third-place finish in 2017 with “Zažarim” and a second-place in 2019 with “Kaos,” culminated in her being selected to represent Slovenia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 with “Veronika.” Raiven’s debut album, “Magenta,” released in 2017, won record of the year from Zlata piščal, highlighting her innovative musical approach. Her collaboration with London’s Metropolis Studios for the EP “REM” further showcased her versatility and garnered widespread acclaim. Raiven has also performed at significant events and with prestigious orchestras, demonstrating her dynamic stage presence and performance skills. In 2021, her song “Vokovi” won the Grand Audience Award at Popevka 21, reinforcing her stature in the music industry. Educated in classical music from a young age, Raiven has amassed several awards in music competitions and holds a master’s degree in opera solo singing. She has explored various roles in opera and theater, showcasing her broad talent spectrum. In 2023, Raiven was announced as Slovenia’s Eurovision representative with “Veronika,” a testament to her enduring appeal and artistic evolution. Veronika Veronika of Desenice, whose tragic tale intertwines with the history of the Counts of Celje, remains a poignant figure in Slovenian cultural memory. Originating from the village of Desinić, her marriage to Frederick II, Count of Celje, sparked controversy due to her lesser social standing, leading to vehement opposition from Frederick’s father, Hermann II. This union set the stage for a harrowing narrative of love, persecution, and eventual murder. Despite being acquitted of witchcraft charges by the court, Veronika’s fate was sealed; she was imprisoned and drowned on the orders of Hermann II in 1425. Her story did not end with her death; Frederick later moved her remains to the Carthusian monastery at Jurklošter, making an endowment in her memory. Veronika, Wikimedia Commons Veronika’s life and untimely demise have inspired numerous literary and artistic works, reflecting on themes of innocence, power, and the enduring nature of love amidst adversity. Her legacy continues to influence Slovenian literature, theater, and music, serving as a muse for creations spanning from the 19th to the 20th century. Additionally, her name graces the Veronika Poetry Award and the Veronika Festival, ensuring her memory lives on in Slovenian culture and beyond. Slovenia in the Eurovision Song Contest On 6 occasions, RTV Ljubljana submitted the Yugoslav entry for the Eurovision Song Contest. In 1962, Lola Novaković even reached a 4th place with “Ne pali svetlo u sumrak”. As an independent country, Slovenia started to participate in 1993. Best scoring songs were “Prisluhni mi” by Darja Švajger in 1995 and “Engergy” by Nuša Derenda in 2001. The last few years, high scores were not meant for Slovenia. However, Joker Out, who reached the final last year, managed to do some very succesful tours throughout Europe. The Bookmakers Slovenia currently has a 21st place at the bookmakers, which makes Raiven a serious contender to reach the final. And as everything changes as soon as the final is there, a good score might be very well possible for the country. The song And this is “Veronika”.

🇩🇪 Road to Malmö: Germany

We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Germany. Isaak Isaak Guderian, a gifted German singer and musical actor born in 1996 in Minden and raised in Costedt, has etched a remarkable path in the music industry, stemming from a musical household that laid the foundation for his early interest in guitar and piano. Embarking on his musical journey with street performances at just twelve, Guderian’s talent became evident when his rendition of Oasis’s “Wonderwall” on the X Factor TV show won the hearts of many at fifteen. Transitioning to a solo career by eighteen, he navigated through performances at various events until the pandemic shifted his course temporarily towards reliance on unemployment benefits. Another moment in 2021 saw Guderian clinching victory in the Show your Talent online contest, catapulting him into streaming success and garnering accolades from international stars like Pink. With hits like “Water to the Seed” and “Impact” amassing over a million streams each, and the chart-topping collaboration “Baby Steps” with DJ David Puentez, his career reached new heights. Guderian’s triumph in the German Eurovision selection for 2024 with “Always On The Run” further solidified his status as a notable talent. Residing in Valdorf with his wife Loreen and their two sons, Isaak Guderian continues to captivate and inspire with his musical prowess. Eurovision Song Contest – Das Deutsche Finale Prior to the German final Eurovision Song Contest – Das Deutsche Finale a talent show was held: Ich Will Zum ESC! Coached by Conchita Wurst and Rea Garvey, 15 talents competed for a ticket to the final. The show was won by Floryan. He was one of the 9 competitors in the final. Another contestant was returning artist Max Mutzke, who previously represented Germany in the 2004 Eurovision final. Marie Reim, the daughter of famous schlager singer Matthias Reim, was also part of the competition. But in the end, it was Isaak who won. Germany in the Eurovision Song Contest The only country participating in ALL the Eurovision Song Contests is Germany. Only in 1996, Leon did not reach the final with his “Planet of Blue”, as the song did not survive an audio final. A lot of times, Germany was close to winning. Only two times it really happened: in 1982 with Nicole‘s “Ein bißchen Frieden” and in 2010 with Lena‘s “Sattelite”. The last couple of years, Germany seems to have lost it, with very low scores. The Bookmakers Currently, the bookmakers predict a 29th place in the odds. Germany is automatically placed in the final, but the score is not too promising. However, we don’t know as staging and performance can also lift a song. Let’s wait and see. The song And this is the song:

🇮🇸 Road to Malmö: Iceland

We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Iceland. Hera Björk Hera Björk Þórhallsdóttir, an Icelandic powerhouse vocalist born on March 29, 1972. With a career kickstarting in childhood, Hera was already a familiar face in commercials and had recorded songs before turning twelve. Her musical journey gained momentum when she clinched a victory in a singing competition at sixteen. Hera’s debut in 1999 showcased her versatile talent, which spans across various albums that include traditional Icelandic tunes and international hits. Noteworthy albums from her early years include “Litla Hryllingsbúðin,” “Ilmur af Jólum / The Scent of Christmas,” and “Disneylögin.” Hera’s knack for collaboration and her solo ventures underscored her growing artistic maturity, evident in her prolific period from 2003 to 2009 with albums like “Í faðmi þínum” and “Við gefum von.” Her 2010 Eurovision entry, “Je ne sais quoi,” catapulted her to European fame, while her victory at the 2013 Viña del Mar International Song Festival in Chile with “Because You Can” solidified her international acclaim. Hera continued to engage her fans with releases such as “Ilmur af jólum 2” and made a notable return to Söngvakeppnin in 2019, securing fourth place with “Moving on.” Beyond her international exploits, Hera Björk remains a stalwart in Iceland’s music scene, admired for her dynamic range and ability to traverse genres effortlessly. In 2024, Hera Björk was chosen to represent Iceland at the Eurovision Song Contest for a second time with the song “Scared of Heights”. Söngvakeppnin Söngvakeppnin is the Icelandic national final ever since Iceland first took part in the Eurovision Song Contest, back in 1986. The past few years, it contains two semifinals with 5 songs each. Two songs from each semifinal, ánd a wildcard, go through to the final. The favourite to win the contest this year was Palestinian Bashar Murad, who lives in East Jerusalem. Murad and Björk were the two contestants reaching the superfinal. Hera Björk won. However, there was some controversy as the voting app RÚV Stjörnur experienced a glitch during the superfinal. Icelandic broadcaster RÚV recognized this but stated that Björk’s victory was beyond doubt. Bashar Murad Iceland in the Eurovision Song Contest In 1986, Iceland debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest, reaching the 16th place with Icy and their “Gledibankinn”. “Scared of Heights” will be the 36th Icelandic entry. Iceland never won the contest yet. However, there was a 2nd place for the island twice: in 1999 with Selma and het “All out of luck”, ten years later with Yohanna’s “Is it true?”. The Bookmakers Currently, the bookmakers give a 20th place for Hera Björk. That means, she would reach the final just like she did when she first participated in 2010. The Song This is the song:

🇭🇷 Road to Malmö: Croatia

We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Croatia. Baby Lasagna Born in 1995, Marko Purišić, better known by his stage name Baby Lasagna, has carved a unique niche in the Croatian music scene as a vocalist, lyricist, and record producer. His musical journey includes a significant stint as a guitarist for the Croatian rock group Manntra between 2011-2016 and then from 2018-2022. During his time with Manntra, they achieved notable success, especially with their fourth-place finish at Dora 2019 with the song “In the Shadows”. After parting ways with Manntra in 2022, Purišić embarked on a solo career, showcasing his diverse talents. He played a pivotal role in co-writing tracks for “Ravenblack,” the twelfth studio album by the German rock band Mono Inc., which soared to the top of the German album sales chart. His contributions included hits like “Princess of the Night” and “Heartbeat of the Dead”. Transitioning to a solo artist, Purišić released singles under the moniker Baby Lasagna, with his breakthrough solo track “IG Boi” debuting in October 2023. His subsequent single, “Don’t Hate Yourself, But Don’t Love Yourself Too Much”, further cemented his place in the music industry. In a landmark achievement, Baby Lasagna won the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, Dora, with “Rim Tim Tagi Dim” on February 25, 2024, setting the stage for him to represent Croatia at Eurovision 2024 with this self-penned song, showcasing his evolution from a band member to a solo phenomenon. Yugoslavia in the Eurovision Song Contest Yugoslavia participated in the Eurovision Song Contest from 1961 until 1992. Several Croatian entries have taken part, some very succesful. The first time RTV Zagreb won the national selection in Yugoslavia was in 1963 with Vice Vukov‘s “Brodovi”. The Trubadurs of Dubrovnik won the contest with “Jedan dan” in 1968, an international hit song. A total of nine times, RTV Zagreb provided the entry, most succesful when Rajko Dujmić and Stevo Cvikić where responsible for the entries. In 1989, Riva won the contest with “Rock me baby”. Croatia in the Eurovision Song Contest As an independent country, Croatia first took part in the contest in 1993. With “Don’t ever cry”, the group Put were the first entrants for Croatia. The national selection in most occasions is called DORA, also this year. Most succesful so far were Maja Blagdan in 1996 with “Sveta ljubav” and Doris Dragović in 1999 with “Marija Magdalena”. The Bookmakers Currently, the betting odds predict Croatia as the winner of the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest. If that happens, it would be the first victory ever for the country. However, the top position for Croatia is not with a landslide, Italy is coming closer and closer. It’s gonna be exciting…. The song And this is the song: