Last year, based on YouTubers’ rankings, Montenegro was placed 35th in the previews countdown. I would have placed sexy Slavko much higher in my own personal rankings. This year, these are my personal rankings, and I’m sorry to say, they have finished lower than last year. After the fireworks and theatrics of their entry last year, Montenegro opted for a national final – and the result has been the return of the Balkan ballad to Eurovision…

Now I should point out that it’s not that I’m some sort of Balkan ballad-hater. They have become one of those Eurovision staples, even if I’ve never loved them, I appreciate that many people do, and I like that they bring real flavour of that region, and the languages, to Eurovision. They are quite capable of having a hook-y chorus, soaring bridge and crescendo.

But… for me, all of this is either lacking in Vanja’s self-composed and written song. It’s more Balkan dirge than Balkan ballad. Maybe the staging and live performance will lift it in a way that I am yet to appreciate but I suspect this may struggle to qualify, although it is in the ostensibly “easier” semi-final…

Official music video:

Live performance at Montenegrin national final (Montevizija 2018)

Montenegro at the Eurovision Song Contest:

First entered: 2007

Appearances (excluding this year): 8

Best result: 13th in 2015

Last year’s result: 16th in semi-final (did not qualify)