Established artists in Montenegro reveal whether they will compete in the Eurovision national final, Montesong 2024. Find out who might participate in the national competition, and who has passed on the opportunity.
As Montenegro prepares for its return to Eurovision after a two-year hiatus, excitement is building around the national selection “Montesong 2024.” Set for November 27th at the Vučo Sports Hall in Podgorica, the event has attracted 32 song submissions, with 16 finalists to be announced on October 10th.
Montesong 2024: Boban Rajović Among Notable Submissions
Boban Rajović, the 52-year-old vocalist known as “Boban Piroman,” is among the artists who have submitted entries for Montesong 2024. Born in Copenhagen and having spent three decades in Denmark before moving to Serbia in 2000, Rajović brings a wealth of experience to the competition pool. His submission reportedly incorporates traditional Montenegrin sounds, marking a departure from his usual style. Rajović has been eyeing Eurovision since 2019, viewing it as a fresh challenge in his established career.
Notable Absences: High-Profile Artists Opt Out
Contrary to earlier speculation, several prominent artists have announced they won’t be participating in Montesong 2024:
Sergej Ćetković, Montenegro’s representative at Eurovision 2014, revealed he received an invitation but declined due to time constraints. Reflecting on the contest’s evolution, Ćetković remarked: “When I think back to 2014, when I was part of the competition, this doesn’t look like the Eurovision of that time anymore. It has completely taken on another extreme; a lot has changed. Back then, it was also important to put on a good show and, of course, deliver a good song, but now that has lost all meaning.”
Danica Crnogorčević, known for her spiritual and traditional songs, officially stated: “After several headlines in the media, I must inform you that I did not apply for Montesong, nor do I have the desire to participate, as it is not my focus of interest.” She extended her best wishes to all participants.
Jadranka Barjaktarović, renowned for performing Montenegrin songs, has confirmed that despite her initial interest, she ultimately decided not to participate. Barjaktarović cited time constraints and other obligations as the reasons for her withdrawal from consideration.
Emerging Talents and Anonymous Submissions
While established names like Rajović dominate the confirmed participants, Montesong 2024 also aims to provide a platform for emerging talents in Montenegro’s music scene. The anonymous submission process could lead to surprise entries from up-and-coming artists eager to make their mark on the international stage.
Key Details of Montesong 2024
Montenegro confirmed its participation in Eurovision 2025 on August 7, 2024, and opened the registration window for the festival on September 5. Although the registration window officially closed on October 1, festival organizers allowed a few additional days for song submissions arriving by mail. In total, 32 songs were received, from which the professional committee will select 16 finalists. The names of the songs and artists will be revealed on October 10, with the songs to be released on November 1. Montenegro’s national selection set to take place on November 27th.
Montenegro in Eurovision 2022
“Breathe” is the name of the song performed by singer Vladana, who represented Montenegro in the second semi-final of Eurovision 2022. The song was written by Vladana herself along with Darko Dimitrov, who has composed 11 songs for the competition over the years for Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Montenegro. Dimitrov’s most successful entry is “Proud,” which represented North Macedonia in Eurovision 2019 and reached seventh place. “Breathe” was performed in English and Italian and was dedicated to Vladana’s mother, who had passed away a year earlier from COVID-19. Vladana only reached 17th place (second to last) in the second semi-final with just 33 points. This is one of the most disappointing results Montenegro has experienced in the competition.
Source: Dan.co.me, Telegraf.rs
Eurovision 2025: This will be Montenegro’s 13th participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. Montenegro joined the competition in 2007 and achieved its best result in Eurovision Song Contest 2015 when singer Knez reached 13th place with the song “Adio”.
