This morning, it was confirmed that the first winners of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, Croatia, will be back in the competition this November after a seven year absence.
After tweeting a cryptic message earlier this week referencing Croatia, Executive Supervisor Vladislav Yakovlev was today in a position to officially confirm the return of the country to the contest, and he had this to say:
To have the first ever winners of Junior Eurovision back in the competition is a happy moment for us all. It’s looking like we’re going to have 16 countries taking part this year, which is a great number and I’m very happy to welcome to many countries both into and back into the Junior Eurovision family.
The Junior contest does indeed seem to be thriving this year, as Croatia’s return follows debuts from Italy, Montenegro and Slovenia, and returns from Cyprus, Bulgaria and Serbia. Unlike the latter three countries however, Croatia’s return to the adult contest looks ever more doubtful, with no hint of a confirmation to date and word being reported this afternoon that they may have decided against participation for another year after all.
Nevertheless, Croatia’s return to JESC signals a desire in HRT to keep the connection with the Eurovision brand going, and the contest will be broadcast on Saturday 15th November on HRT2. More details regarding their selection for the Junior contest will be announced in due course.
