North Macedonia officially withdraws from Eurovision 2026 despite Andonov’s revival efforts, with hopes shifting toward a possible return in 2027
Now it’s official: North Macedonia will remain absent from the Eurovision Song Contest for the fourth year in a row. Public interest in the country’s return to Eurovision 2026 had grown in recent months, especially following reports about discussions within the national broadcaster MRT and the efforts of the Australian-Macedonian singer Bobi Andonov to bring his homeland back to the competition this year. However, the broadcaster has now announced that it officially rejected the proposal and will not compete in Vienna 2026.
Bobi Andonov’s Vision for a Comeback
Earlier this year, Andonov’s plan to return North Macedonia to the Eurovision stage became public. The artist, known for bringing one of the country’s greatest successes at Junior Eurovision — fifth place in 2008 with the song “Parti Mi SMS” (“Send Me a Text”) — had been determined to make it happen again. With growing public pressure for the country’s return to the contest, Andonov appeared ready to do everything necessary to make North Macedonia part of the main contest once again.
He personally attended the broadcaster’s council meeting, where he presented his proposal for the country’s Eurovision comeback. Andonov declared that he had already secured financing through an Australian writers’ association and an international fund. He explained that this group, operating under the Australian government, had committed to provide financial and media support if the country approved its participation this year. During the meeting, Andonov promised that the budget would cover a high-quality, modern performance without requiring national funds.
He also submitted documents to the committee to strengthen his case, detailing his artistic achievements, his belief that he should represent the nation, and the potential cultural and image benefits a return could bring. He further provided information on the promotional campaign and production team he had assembled for the song.
Following the official rejection of his proposal, Andonov wrote on Instagram:
“Eurovision 2026 could have been amazing, but after speaking with the broadcaster, it seems everything is moving toward 2027 – and honestly, that feels right. It gives me time to build everything properly and make it unforgettable”.
Optimistic Voices Within the Broadcaster
Last month, MRT confirmed it would broadcast Eurovision 2026, sparking renewed speculation about a possible return. This followed council member Ivan Efremovski’s admission that the topic kept arising from public demand:
“The return of North Macedonia to Eurovision is a request from citizens who contacted us directly. They believe the contest offers valuable exposure for our country and local artists”.
Additionally, Mile Grozdanoski, a manager at MRT, stated that Eurovision remains culturally and symbolically vital for North Macedonia. He stressed that preparations for the contest should start as early as possible. While acknowledging the broadcaster is already behind schedule for 2026, he confirmed that internal discussions support developing a long-term strategy — with 2027 as a realistic comeback target.
Although the council ultimately declined Andonov’s plan, its willingness to consider it had kept many fans hopeful until today’s official announcement.
A Step Toward Euro-Return
Despite the current disappointment, the broadcaster has already decided to allocate funding to revive “Skopje Fest,” the festival once used to select many of North Macedonia’s Eurovision representatives — in 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002–2004, 2008–2011, and 2015. While the country will remain outside Eurovision 2026, it appears that 2027 could mark the long-awaited comeback.
Could North Macedonia Return in 2027?
The nation’s last Eurovision appearance was in 2022, after which it withdrew because of financial challenges. Nevertheless, it has continued to participate in Junior Eurovision and will send another representative this year. As previously reported, North Macedonia’s connection with the Eurovision brand remains intact, and public pressure appears to be growing for a full return. The continued broadcast of the event signals that interest in Eurovision remains high.
MRT has expressed optimism regarding future participation, and discussions on strategic and financial readiness for 2027 are already underway. Public enthusiasm has revived the topic, and fans now hope to once again see the North Macedonian flag waving proudly on the Eurovision stage.
Broader Context: Eurovision 2026 and the Balkans
The potential return of North Macedonia to Eurovision 2026 had stirred excitement across the Balkan entertainment and political scene. During times of economic hardship, events like Eurovision often serve as platforms of national pride and cultural diplomacy. This year, amid political turbulence and financial struggles across Europe, the contest underscores that participation means more than winning — it symbolizes belonging to Europe’s leading cultural community.
Historical Perspective: North Macedonia at Eurovision
North Macedonia has never won Eurovision but has left a vibrant mark through authentic artistry and strong performances. Artists like Tamara Todevska, who finished seventh at Eurovision 2019 in Tel Aviv with Proud – topping the jury vote – exemplify the country’s artistic quality. North Macedonia alternated between national selections like “Skopje Fest” and internal choices during economically difficult years, but creativity and authenticity have consistently defined its entries.
Looking back, Eurovision has grown from a mere show into a multilayered cultural phenomenon. Among fans, opinions remain divided: some believe North Macedonia’s return would strengthen its international reputation, while others question whether the financial cost can be justified.
North Macedonia in Eurovision 2022
Andrea represented North Macedonia with her song “Circles” after winning the local national final. She competed in the second semi-final and finished in 11th place with 76 points.
Eurovision 2022: This was North Macedonia’s 21st participation in Eurovision. North Macedonia joined the competition in 1998 and achieved its best result in Eurovision 2019 when singer Tamara Todevska finished in seventh place with the song “Proud”.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +972-50-9441919
Maor Heumann has been writing about the Eurovision Song Contest and following it for over three decades. He has attended five contests and has found something to appreciate in almost every possible musical genre — from the sugary pop entries that finish last in the semi-finals to the quirky avant-garde pieces that even the competition’s juries struggled to connect with. He usually prefers original languages and songs with depth over Swedish-produced English clones — though he doesn’t promise to stick to that rule.
He grew up on the kibbutz of Sara’le Sharon, who instilled in him a love for music and created his first connection to the contest back in 1993 — before most of the current editorial team was even born.
