Can the Balkan nation catch a break at the Eurovision Song Contest?
When Montenegro announced their return to the Eurovision Song Contest this past summer, the Eurovision fans we abuzz. After a 2-year absence, the Balkan nation was going to select their representative with a national selection called Montesong. 16 acts prepared for the honor of representing their country on the 2025 eurovision stage in Basel, Switzerland.
The winners were NeonoeN with their catchy rock tune, “Clickbait“. The win could be described as surprising, because many Eurovision fans why hyping other entries from the selection. Just one week after clinching victory with 20 total points, the group announced that they would not represent their country on the Eurovision stage, clearing the way for runner-up and Eurovision 2013 alum Nina Žižić. Nina’s bond-esque song entitled “Dobrodošli” is sung exclusively in Montenegrin with power and conviction. The song is penned by a well-known Eurovision composer Darko Dimitrov, who has 9 ESC songs in his repertoire.
Strong Vocalist ✅
Proven Performer ✅
Known composer ✅
There’s so much about this Eurovision package that should indicate qualification. However, Montenegro is currently at the bottom of the odds for ALL the Eurovision competing countries and isn’t predicted to qualify according to the odds.
Is the quality high this year, making the landscape more competitive?
The Eurovision Song Contest’s competitiveness has, anecdotally, increased since Nina’s participation in 2013. We’ve got Eurovision competitors becoming worldwide sensations like Maneskin (2021), and viral hits from the Contest like “Arcade” and “Snap”.
How do YOU feel about the quality of songs at Eurovision this year?
“LIKE ♥️” to select ‘Bad—one of the worst’
— Alesia (@AlesiaMichelle) April 9, 2025
Is there a shift in the contest where Balkan countries are working from a disadvantage?
Many fans might agree that there is a disadvantage, but artists like Croatia’s Baby Lasagna and Serbia’s Konstrakta would indicate that simply representing the Balkans doesn’t seal the deal for Eurovision disappointment.
Moldova made the controversial decision to withdraw altogether from the Contest:
We consulted music specialists, and most of them expressed serious reservations about Moldova’s participation this year, in exact agreement with the opinion of the jury that TRM selected for this edition. We respect the opinions of professionals and the general public, and we understand that we must make responsible decisions.
Would some Balkan countries consider making this move if they are unable to be present at the big show this year? It could happen.
The Eurovision Song Contest is increasingly becoming more expensive to put on and the costs associated for performers and delegations are increasing. The return on investment [ROI], for many Balkan countries at Eurovision could be seen as minimal and at best breaking even.
Personally, I love Montenegro’s entry for Eurovision this year. Nina’s song was one of my favorites from the national selection, and I was disappointed when she didn’t win the selection. Now that she is representing Montenegro, I am hopeful that they’ll thoughtfully stage this offering with impact and drama. Nina is a tested performer who should be able to deliver the entry with vocal proficiency and power. Montenegro’s track record with staging at Eurovision is hit or miss, but I’m optimistic that after 2 years on the sidelines, they’re ready to showcase their entry competitively.
As an American Eurovision fan, I come to Eurovision for native language songs and the Balkan ballad is a staple Eurovision offering; with Nina fronting the strongest Balkan ballad offering this season (for me).
Can the Balkan nation catch a break at the Eurovision Song Contest? Or will Montenegro be welcomed back with non-qualification? We will see May 15th.