Introduction

The national final in Croatia is called DORA. In former years there have been a many singers in the contest, the concept has changed several times. This year the broadcaster HRT has determined the song “Nebo” for the ascertained singer Nina Badric, so there was not contest at all. Therefore former participants from Croatia and its neighbour countries showed up. This method will reduce the cost for the DORA, but will also lower the attraction of the show significantly. At the end the Croatian entry for Baku has been unveiled. “Nebo” means “Heaven” in English, the stage and Nina’s dress truly looked like heaven.

The song is a strong ballad in a more traditional way, which could also be seen years ago, but it’s a stunning performance judging by the performance in the national final. Starting in the second part of the second semi final might be a good position for Croatia this year. With a terrific show this entry could do very well.

History

This year Croatia will celebrate its 20^th anniversary in the Eurovision Song Contest. As a former part of Yugoslavia, Croatia immediately participated after the separation with the debut entry “Don’t every cry” by Put in 1993 (15^th). The former Yugoslavia has joined the ESC in 1961, there were 27 contributions and one victory “Rock me” by Riva in 1989. In the following year the ESC has taken place in the now Croatian capital of Zagreb.

With all the new countries the Eurovision Song Contest has not only increased the number or participating countries, also the variety of music has grown. The ESC gives a lot of artists a great opportunity to step on an international platform. It has often been criticised that the ex-Yugoslav countries vote for each other in a preferred way. It should not be forgotten that all these countries have singers which are popular all over the Balkan so it’s more than natural that such a singer gets votes from the whole region.

The most successful Croatian entries were: “Sveta Ljubav” by Maja Blagdan in 1996 (4^th), “Neka Mi Ne Svane” by Danijela in 1998 (5^th) and “Marija Magdalena” by Doris Dragovic in 1999 (4^th). Croatia often qualified for the grand final, but there was no top 10 placing. In the last two years Croatia struggled with the qualification.