According to the Croatian daily newspaper Jutarnji list, Croatia’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 will be selected via their traditional national selection Dora on February 27. Whilst no official announcement has yet to be made by Croatian broadcaster HRT, this could suggest Damir Kedžo’s hopes of being internally selected for 2021 may be in jeopardy.
Fulfilling the two-year contract?
In yesterday’s edition of the Croatian tabloid, sources have reportedly informed the newspaper that HRT will continue with their two-year contract signed with the Opatija venue since in November 2019 for editions of Dora in 2020 and 2021. Furthermore, the tabloid states that the final of Dora 2021 will take place on February 27th.
Should HRT confirm this to be true, it would be a potential opposite move to that of their former Yugoslav neighbours. Slovenia has already internally selected Ana Soklič rather than holding an open edition of EMA. In addition, rumours have indicated RTS may be willing to internally select Hurricane to represent Serbia in 2021, although such reports have been denied for the time being. No indications have yet to be given by North Macedonia.
Dancing with Damir
Damir Kedžo won this year’s edition of Dora with his power ballad “Divlji Vjetre”. He narrowly took victory ahead of Mia Negovetić’s “When It Comes To You”. Drawn to perform in the first semi-final of Eurovision 2020, the dance remix of “Divlji Vjetre” quickly became a fan favourite following its premiere on the Eurovision Song Celebration. Kedžo has already expressed his desire to return to the Eurovision stage in 2021.
26 countries have announced provisional participation
So far, 26 countries have indicated their intention to participate in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam, due to be held on May 18, 20 and 22. In addition, 18 artists have already been internally selected for the contest.