Our very first Balkan country of the countdown (and there will be plenty more to come), Croatia celebrate their silver jubilee in the contest, with this year marking their 25th appearance at Eurovision. That said, I don’t think they will be celebrating that jubilee in the grand final.
For the first time since 2012, Croatia held a national final, Dora 2019 and the youthful Roko Blažević triumphed, belting out the song “The Dream”. It’s a popera/classical pop style but mostly involves him singing very loudly and repetitively with some dated instrumentation in the background. He’s got a powerful voice and am sure is a lovely guy, but this isn’t doing anything for me I’m afraid.
Some of you may remember Croatia’s 2017 entry, Jacques Houdek, who performed a duet playing both parts (one popera voice/one not) in his song “My Friend“. I felt like I would never have to endure that again but Jacques is back as the composer and songwriter of “The Dream” as well as being Roko’s mentor. I still haven’t forgotten or forgiven that monstrosity of a song getting to the final and doing so well in the televote!
Now I hadn’t expected Jacques Houdek to qualify in 2017 (I was proved very wrong!), and I certainly don’t think Croatia will qualify this year but I can’t see this being a surprise qualifier – he will need more than those ridiculous white angel wings to stand out (and yes, apparently they are going to Tel Aviv…)
National final performance:
My preview video:
Croatia in the Eurovision Song Contest
First entered: 1993
Appearances (excluding this year): 24
Best result: 4th in 1996 and 1999
Last year’s result: 17th in semi-final (did not qualify)
Love this song. Can’t believe its at bottom of the countdown. Its very musical theater in style and he has an amazing voice. Not too sure about his angel wings.