Liverpool 2023🇲🇰 North Macedonia

North Macedonia withdraws from Eurovision 2023

Due to financial reasons MRT will miss out on Liverpool 2023, but could return as soon as 2024.

Today the national broadcaster of North Macedonia, MRT confirms their withdrawal from the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 to be held in Liverpool next May. The broadcaster cites financial difficulties for this year, but does not rule out returning in the future.

MRT statement of withdrawal

Earlier today, MRT the national broadcaster of North Macedonia confirmed the unfortunate news that we will not see the Balkan nation as part of the travelling delegations arriving in Liverpool next May. This marks the first time North Macedonia has withdrawn from the Eurovision Song Contest and follows yesterday’s withdrawal by Montenegro. The broadcaster cites the ongoing cost of living crisis as the main reason for sitting out this year, yet gives hope that they could return as soon as 2024.

Below is the translated statement posted on the broadcasters social media channels.

[North] Macedonia will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023. Due to the economic and energy crisis and high costs, [North] Macedonia will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, which will be held in May in Liverpool, UK. The decision to withdraw from Eurovision is valid for this year, and we will see for the next contest

MRT, (Instagram)

Despite this news, North Macedonia will still compete in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2022 later this year, with the duo Lara Trpčeska and Irina Davidovska.

North Macedonia in the Eurovision Song Contest

Before declaring independence, North Macedonia competed as part of Yugoslavia and within the Yuglosav pre-selection for Eurovision. Although many North Macedonian songwriters composed entries for Yugoslav representatives from other states, North Macedonia never represented Yugoslavia on the Eurovision stage with a competing vocalist.

After gaining independence in 1991, North Macedonia tried to enter the 1996 edition with Kaliopi and er entry, ‘Samo ti‘. However it failed to advance through the pre-qualifying round. The first official representative for the Balkan nation came later in 1998, with Vlado Janevski and ‘Ne zori, zoro‘. In Birmingham he placed 19th with 16 points.

Over the years North Macedonia has had one of the most turbulent Eurovision journey’s, with 9 finalists from 21 participations and only one top 10 placing. Their best result came in 2019 with the returning, Tamara Todevska and her emotional ballad, ‘Proud‘. During the Tel Aviv contest, she finished 7th with 305 points.

Earlier this year the North Macedonian jury and public chose Andrea and ‘Circles’ through Za Evrosong 2022. During the Turin contest she tested the limits of qualification and just missed out on the Grand Final, placing 11th with 76 points in Semi-FInal 2.

How do you feel about North Macedonia withdrawing from Eurovision 2023? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram, @escxtra on TikTok and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify for the latest music from your favourite Eurovision acts. As well as YouTube to see our reactions to the news in the run up to the new Eurovision season.

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