Some unfortunate, albeit rather expected, news from Slovakia. The national broadcaster RTVS confirmed that the country will not be represented at the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam.
This is the ninth year running that Slovakia have not participated in the contest. Their last ‘break’ from the contest lasted 11 years, from 1999-2008 finally returning in 2009.
Hope on the horizon?
In a response given to the Eurovision website ESCToday, Slovakian broadcaster RTVS gave ‘financial constraints’ and ‘low viewing figures’ as the driving forces behind their continued absence. However, some good news was buried among the disappointment. The broadcaster also made it clear that they “do not rule out future cooperation”. This could hint at future involvement at the Eurovision Song Contest, but also a debut at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. The possibility of such was heightened by rumours spread last summer suggesting interest in Junior Eurovision participation.
Slovakia’s history at the Eurovision Song Contest
After the Iron Curtain fell, Slovakia along with several other countries rushed to enter the Eurovision. Due to a limit on the amount of participants, they needed to pass a pre-qualification round titled ‘Kvalifikacija za Millstreet’. Three countries progressed further while Slovakia and their representative the rock group Elán, just missed out at fourth place.
Finally debuting the next year, Tublatanka only managed 19th place. This set a trend that unfortunately continued for the country at Eurovision. Slovakia’s best result, 18th place in 1996, was followed by just eight points in 1998. Upon their long-awaited return in 2009, the country failed to get past the semi final. History would repeat itself for three more years, before they packed up their bags and withdrew from the 2013 contest.
On the bright side, 2010 representative Kristína was a strong favourite to win that year. Despite shockingly failing to qualify, the song remains a firm fan favourite to this day. The last representative for Slovakia, Max Jason Mai and his song ‘Don’t Close Your Eyes’ came last in the semi final.
Are you sad to see that Slovakia will not be returning next year? Do you hope to see them return in the future? 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.
