Neil Pond
Updated on: October 7, 2024 11:31 pm GMT
Montenegro’s national final for the Eurovision Song Contest, dubbed Montesong 2024, is set to take place on November 26 and 27 at the Voco Hotel in Podgorica. This event comes as the Balkan nation prepares to re-enter the Eurovision competition in 2025 following a two-year absence. Official confirmation of the festival’s details was announced during a press conference held by RTCG, the Montenegrin national broadcaster.
Event Overview and Organization
Festival director Danijel Alibabić, who represented Serbia and Montenegro at Eurovision 2005 as part of the group No Name, expressed enthusiasm for the inaugural Montesong event. A total of 16 entries will compete for the opportunity to represent Montenegro at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. Alibabić shared his vision, hoping that Montesong will evolve into a prestigious annual tradition similar to Croatia’s Dora festival. He also noted that the production will emphasize quality, with a promise of a “spectacular” stage experience.
- Event Name: Montesong 2024
- Dates: November 26 and 27, 2024
- Location: Voco Hotel, Podgorica
- Number of Participants: 16
Details on Voting and Participation
Artistic director Vladana Vučinić, who represented Montenegro at Eurovision 2022, addressed the voting process, ensuring it will align with Eurovision standards. The results will be determined by a combination of 50% jury votes and 50% public votes. The jury will comprise both local and international musicians, selected for their prominence in the music industry.
Vučinić also highlighted the collaborative nature of the festival, stating that initial preparations are backed by the Association of Variety Performers of Montenegro. She encouraged a wide array of artists to participate and expressed a commitment to transparency and fairness in the selection process. Despite some funding challenges, she remains hopeful for greater institutional support moving forward.
Financial Aspects and Future Perspectives
While the Montesong festival is being primarily financed by the Association of Variety Performers, RTCG is collaborating as a co-producer. According to Vučinić, financial support from the government has been limited, and the Ministry of Culture and Media has not shown interest thus far. She emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent, viewing Montesong as a significant opportunity for up-and-coming musicians in Montenegro.
The festival is seen as a crucial step for Montenegro, which has historically faced challenges in the Eurovision arena. The country last qualified for the grand final in 2015, with a serious need to regain its footing in the competition. With the return to Eurovision in 2025, the stakes are high for the artists participating in Montesong 2024.
Montenegro’s Eurovision History
Montenegro made its debut as an independent nation in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2007. Since then, the country has participated multiple times, with its best placements occurring in 2014 and 2015. However, Montenegro has faced difficulties in consistently reaching the grand final, managing to qualify only twice out of twelve participations. The most recent entry by Vladana at Eurovision 2022, with her song “Breathe,” did not advance to the final.
The Montegrass music scene and its artists are hopeful that Montesong will catalyze a renewed interest in international recognition. The festival aims to present a diverse range of musical styles and foster a sense of community among artists in Montenegro.
Looking Ahead
As preparations unfold for Montesong 2024, there is a palpable sense of optimism among local artists and stakeholders. The support of RTCG and the Association of Variety Performers signals a commitment to revitalizing Montenegro’s presence on the Eurovision stage. With the festival approaching, the excitement among fans and participants alike is building, as this marks a significant milestone in the nation’s musical journey.
Montesong 2024 is a great chance for artists to show off their skills and for Montenegro to reconnect with the Eurovision community after taking a break. This festival will help shape the future of Montenegrin music and support new young talents who are ready to shine on the world stage.
