Montenegro is set to make a comeback at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2025 after a two-year hiatus. The country’s return will be marked by a brand-new national selection event, Montesong, slated for November 26th and 27th in Podgorica. The event aims to find a standout composition to represent Montenegro on the Eurovision stage in Basel, Switzerland.
New Beginnings with Montesong
Radio and Television of Montenegro (RTCG) have opened a public competition inviting composers to submit their works. The competition will remain open until October 1, 2024. As Danijel Alibabić, the festival’s director, shared at a recent press conference, “This will be a production endeavor that Montenegro has not seen before.”
Montesong promises a fresh approach to selecting Montenegro’s Eurovision entry. Sixteen compositions will compete, and Alibabić is confident that the event will breathe new life into Montenegro’s Eurovision journey. “I would like it to have a tradition similar to Croatia’s Dora and to be in that league. I believe the stage will be spectacular,” he stated, reflecting his enthusiasm for the festival’s future.
A Platform for Diverse Talents
In a bid to encourage diversity and inclusivity, Montesong is welcoming authors from all over the world to participate, although performers must be Montenegrin citizens. “For the performers, it’s enough motivation that they will appear at a festival where their entire performance will be paid for. It will be a true spectacle,” Alibabić assured.
The selection process will also follow a Eurovision-like format, combining votes from a professional jury and the public. Artistic director Vladana Vučinić emphasized the festival’s commitment to transparency, noting, “The jury will include domestic musicians as well as musicians from abroad. It will be composed of eminent authors.”
Encouraging New Talent
Vučinić highlighted the festival’s role in fostering new talent, especially among young musicians. “We have a small number of musicians, and I encourage everyone to apply. We would like to hear a variety of musical styles. There is room for everyone on the stage,” she stated. This approach not only seeks to find a winning Eurovision entry but also to nurture and promote Montenegro’s music scene.
Despite facing financial challenges, Vučinić remains optimistic. “Finances have always been our biggest problem. We must provide support to young musicians, and this is the right opportunity,” she remarked, calling on the community and potential sponsors to back the initiative.
Looking Ahead to Eurovision 2025
While the Montenegrin Ministry of Culture and Media has yet to show interest in Montesong, organizers remain hopeful about future support. “They haven’t so far. But, we hope to engage the institutions,” Vučinić concluded.
As the countdown to Eurovision 2025 begins, Montenegro’s renewed enthusiasm and innovative approach to its selection process are set to make waves. With Montesong on the horizon, the country is gearing up to showcase its best talent and make a memorable return to the Eurovision stage.
