A major development has emerged as Croatia prepares for Dora 2024, its national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. A Semi-Final will be introduced for the first time in over a decade, signaling a new chapter in the contest’s evolution.
Tomislav Štengl, the Croatian Head of Delegation at Eurovision, confirmed the addition of the Semi-Final in an exclusive interview with Vecernji List. “The interest from authors and performers is surging, leading to a record number of applications and high-quality songs. This is the key reason for introducing a semi-final this year. It will bring more excitement, gossip, and tension and elevate Dora’s stature,” Štengl remarked.
This significant change comes as Croatian broadcaster HRT announced the list of 24 competing artists for the 2024 contest, expected to occur on February 24 in Opatija. Among them are past winners like Let 3, defending their title with the song “Babaroga”, and Damir Kedžo, returning with “Voljena ženo”.
HRT has received a record 203 song submissions for Dora 2024. The selected songs represent a diverse array of Croatian musical talent, and including a Semi-Final is anticipated to add a dynamic layer to the competition. HRT will announce the specific venue and dates for Dora 2024 in January.
Here’s a glimpse at the full list of competing entries:
- Alen Đuras – “A Tamburitza Lullaby”
- Let 3 – “Babaroga” (Boogeyman)
- Noelle – “Baby, Baby”
- Boris Štok – “Can We Talk”
- Natalie Balmix – “Dijamanti” (Diamonds)
- Pavel – “Do mjeseca” (To the Moon)
- Marcela – “Gasoline”
- Erna – “How Do You Love Me”
- Vinko – “Lying Eyes”
- Lana Mandarić – “More” (Sea)
- James Night – “Nebo plače” (The Sky is Crying)
- Saša Lozar – “Ne plačem zbog nje” (I Don’t Cry for Her)
- Barbara Munjas – “Nepobjediva” (Invincible)
- Lara Demarin – “Ne vjerujem ti” (I Don’t Believe You)
- The Splitters – “Od kad te sanjam” (Since I’ve Been Dreaming of You)
- Misha – “One Day”
- ET – “Pametnom dosta” (Smart Enough)
- Lu Dedić – “Plavi leptir” (Blue Butterfly)
- Zsa Zsa – “Probudi usne moje” (Awaken My Lips)
- Vatra – “Slatke suze, gorka ljubav” (Sweet Tears, Bitter Love)
- Stefany Žužić – “Sretnih dana dat’ će Bog” (Happy Days Will Be Given by God)
- Eugen – “Tišine” (Silence)
- Mario Battifiaca feat. Robert Ferlin – “Vodu piti trizan biti” (Drink Water to Be Sober)
- Damir Kedžo – “Voljena ženo” (Beloved Woman)
In case of withdrawals, HRT has selected four reserve songs:
- Baby Lasagna – “Rim Tim Tagi Dim”
- Cota G4 – “Stavi se na mjesto” (Put Yourself in Place)
- Mihael Kvorka – “Vrati se” (Come Back)
- Ether – “Duboko roni” (He Dives Deep)
With the new format, anticipation is high for Dora 2024, where the winner will earn the honor of representing Croatia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö, Sweden. Croatia aims to build on its 13th-place finish at Eurovision 2023, buoyed by Let 3’s performance, which garnered 123 points.
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