Ana Soklič has revealed that she will perform a new version of her entry “Amen” when she competes at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest later this month. She is set to perform her entry second at the first semi-final on 18th May.
Talking to RTVSLO, she revealed that a new section has been added to the song including some new gospel vocals which were “an addition to the recording”. The EBU approved the changes to the song, following the Slovenian song reveal show EMA.
Nerves picking up
Speaking at a RTVSLO press conference, Ana talked about the song’s new version, saying that the changes were made after the song was first presented.
A fragment has been added to the song, and a piece of this gospel work, which was just an addition to the recording, we then decided to place it in the song itself, in the performance itself, which will also be presented in Rotterdam.
– Ana Soklič, speaking to RTVSLO
As she prepares to compete in the first semi-final, Ana told RTVSLO that she is starting to get nervous ahead of her performance – which she has waited over a year for.
As much as I want this stage, I am also afraid of it. One goes with the other. But it seems to me that the best things in life is where there is fear and excitement.
– Ana Soklič, speaking to RTVSLO
This year’s Slovenian entry has been written by Ana Soklič, Žiga Pirnat and Bojan Simončič and Charlie Mason. Eurovision fans may know Charlie Mason as the songwriter of Eurovision 2014 winning entry, “Rise Like a Phoenix”, which was performed by Conchita Wurst.
Slovenia in the Eurovision Song Contest
After winning the Kvalifikacija za Millstreet pre-selection, Slovenia made their Eurovision debut in 1993. 1X Band represented Slovenia and their song, “Tih deževen dan”, scored nine points at the contest in Millstreet and finished in 22nd place.
Two years later at the 1995 contest in Dublin, Slovenia earned their first top 10 result. Darja Švajger’s “Prisluhni mi” racked up 84 points, and managed to finish in 7th place. Along with Nuša Derenda in 2001, the seventh-place finish remains as Slovenia’s best result to date.
Since the semi-finals were introduced in 2004, Slovenia have qualified for the final six times. Slovenia’s most recent final was in 2019, when Zala Kralj & Gašper Šantl took their entry “Sebi” to 15th place in the final with 105 points.
After being set to represent Slovenia at the 2020 contest, Ana Soklič will fly the Slovenian flag in Rotterdam with her song “Amen”. She will compete in the first semi-final, performing second.
Are you excited to hear the new version of “Amen”? Will you be voting for Slovenia on 18th May?
Let us know in the comments below and on social media @ESCXTRA.