Despite the uncertain global outlook, a number of broadcasters are planning their participation for Junior Eurovision 2020. Unfortunately for fans of Croatia, HRT is not among them. This is the sixth consecutive non-participation since their last place finish back in 2014.
Hrvatska radiotelevizija (HRT) has confirmed to Eurofestivales that they will not be returning to the Junior Eurovision for 2020. They did not give a reason behind their non-participation this time around.
But fear not, we do know that Croatia will be competing in Eurovision 2021. Last month, HRT confirmed their intention to run their national selection DORA once again next year. This sadly means that they will not be internally-selecting DORA 2019 winner Damir Kedžo.
Junior Eurovision 2020 – what we know so far
Junior Eurovision 2020 is to be held on November 29 in the Polish capital of Warsaw. The slogan for the show is ‘Move The World’. Following Viki Gabor’s victory on home soil in 2019, this will mark TVP’s second consecutive time hosting.
Note, unlike previous years, the show is due to be held in a TV studio, rather than an arena. The venue itself is yet to be confirmed, and will either be ATM Studio or Transcolor Studio.
To date, the following countries have confirmed participation in the contest:
Croatia at the Eurovision Song Contest
Junior Eurovision participation is spotty for most competing countries, but Croatia is on another level. They debuted at the inaugural contest in 2003 in Copenhagen with Dino Jelusić’s “Ti si moja prva ljubav”. They won the contest with 134 points. The following year, they returned to the podium, achieving a third place finish with Nika Turković’s “Hej mali”.
Despite a strong start, they placed 12th and 10th in 2005 and 2006 respectively, before withdrawing in 2007. Following a seven-year absence, they returned for the 2014 contest, only to come last with Josie’s “Game Over”. HRT withdrew the following year and have not returned since.
Are you disappointed that Croatia are not returning? Do you think they will ever return to Junior Eurovision? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to see our reactions to the over the coming months.
