Basel 2025Eurovision🇲🇪 Montenegro

Montesong 2024: Montenegro’s Eurovision Hopefuls Announced

Montenegro’s national selection for Eurovision, Montesong 2024, is set to take place with 16 shortlisted entries vying for the chance to represent the country at Eurovision 2025 in Switzerland. After receiving a record 37 entries, the professional committee carefully evaluated the songs based on composition (50 points), lyrics (30 points), and production (20 points). Three backup entries were also selected in case any finalists are unable to participate:

  • Tamara ŽivkovićPoguban let
  • HanibalČuvaj me
  • Danijel PopovićKano kastigan

The Professional Committee

The selection process was conducted by a committee comprising representatives from the Radio and Television of Montenegro (RTCG) and the Association of Variety Artists and Performers (UEUI):

RTCG Representatives:

  1. Boris Šarančić – President of the Commission and TVCG entertainment program editor.
  2. Dražen Bauković – Journalist and editor of music shows.
  3. Eva Papović – Music editor at TVCG.
  4. Ana Petrović – Music editor at RCG.

UEUI Representatives:

  1. Renata Perazić – Musician and author.
  2. Marija Božović – Musician and author.
  3. Natalija Pavićević – Songwriter.

Event Details and Key Dates

  • National Selection Date: November 27, 2024, at the Voco Hotel in Podgorica.
  • Voting Method: The selection results will be determined by a 50/50 split between jury votes and public voting, with international jury members contributing.
  • Song Premiere: The shortlisted songs will premiere on November 17.

Festival Director Danijel Alibabić, Montenegro’s representative at Eurovision 2005 with No Name, highlighted the importance of the selection process: “No artist is invited specifically to participate in Montesong or represent Montenegro without first being part of this festival.”

Vladana Vučinić, who represented Montenegro at Eurovision 2022 and now serves as RTCG’s Creative Director, hopes that Montesong will establish itself as an annual tradition: “We will know if there is a basis for this competition to continue year after year.”

Finalists and Historical Background

The committee has selected 16 finalists, each bringing a mix of experience and fresh talent to the competition. Here’s a look at the artists:

  1. Anastasija KoprolčecKraj
  2. Bend ‘9’Stop war
    This band features Milić Šarović, Duško Srzentić, Džulijan Ilić, and Ivan Cetković. They focus on socially conscious themes.
  3. Boban RajovićSuze
    A well-established figure in Balkan music, Boban is renowned for his emotional ballads. His extensive discography and loyal fanbase make him one of the prominent contenders this year.
  4. Dolce Hera (Aleksandra Prelević Palladino)Repeat
    Montenegro’s professional female drummer, Dolce Hera has a diverse background, starting with the punk rock band Shin-Ei. Now a solo artist, she combines songwriting and performance.
  5. ĐurđaTo ljubav je
  6. Glumci BendSan
  7. Isak ŠabanovićLjeto, ljeto, ljeto
    A familiar name, Isak gained popularity through the regional competition Zvezde Granda. Known for his vocal strength, he has a significant following in the Balkans.
  8. Kejt (Katarina Bogićević)Obala raja
    Kejt previously competed in Montevizija 2018, where she was the runner-up.
  9. Luka Perazić & Rade VukčevićDva srca
    This duo are experienced musicians known for their collaborative performances.
  10. Luka RadovićKada dođe maj
  11. Milena VučićŠkorpija
    An experienced artist, Milena competed in the Serbia & Montenegro national selection in 2006 with Živa sam.
  12. Nemanja PetrovićMeđu zvijezdama
  13. NeonoenClickbait
  14. Nina ŽižićDobro došli
    Nina is one of the most recognized names in the lineup. She represented Montenegro in Eurovision 2013 alongside Who See with the song Igranka.
  15. Tina DžankićNova
  16. Verica ČuljkovićČuješ li

Festival Objectives and Future Plans

The festival aims to promote Montenegrin artists and contemporary music trends. Alibabić expressed satisfaction with the diversity of genres and the participation of ten Montenegrin authors, emphasizing that the festival’s inclusive approach is crucial to its success.

Vladana Vučinić defended Montenegro’s Eurovision participation as an investment that promotes local talent. “It is a small annual expense compared to other sports events that the state funds,” she remarked.

Upcoming Deadlines

  • October 14: All finalists must submit their lyrics and English translations.
  • November 1: Final recordings of the compositions must be submitted.
  • November 10: The songs will be released on the Montesong YouTube channel.

Montesong 2024 will be held on November 27, coinciding with Radio and Television Day at the Voco Hotel in Podgorica. The event will also feature a special performance by a past Eurovision winner in the opening segment.

The organizers aim to establish Montesong as a platform for emerging talents and established artists alike.

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