Slovenia’s national public broadcaster RTV SLO has revealed more information regarding its Eurovision 2022 participation.
Over 120 artists applied to take part in both its national selection EMA and its partner EMA Freš. Of these, 24 will take part in EMA Freš in the hope of making it to EMA and representing Slovenia in Turin in May.
Freš-ing up the format
While songs are continuing to be written and produced, the names of the competing artists in EMA Freš 2021 have been revealed. Similarly to 2020, EMA Freš will introduce the artists in their creative process, with two artists dueling every Monday to Thursday from November 29th. This will let the public get to know the unknown artists and select half to move to the competitive element of the selection.
Once half of the artists have progressed, an extra two will also be given a second chance by the public in a show similar to that of Melodifestivalen’s Andra Chansen. The final 14 will then perform their finished song over two shows in January, in the hope of being two songs to make it to the format of EMA 2022. Following that, the two songs will go up against artists in EMA and try to win the ticket to Turin.
Familiar Eurovision faces return
While specific details regarding the EMA format remain a secret, RTV SLO has revealed the three hosts who will host EMA Freš. Eva Boto, Bojan Cvjetićanin and Arne – all prominent singers and rappers in Slovenia – will host the shows.
In this trio of hosts, there is already some hints to Eurovision in the shape of Eva Boto. In 2012, Boto managed to represent Slovenia at the Contest in Baku, Azerbaijan with her song “Verjamem”. Despite being a major fan favourite, Slovenia failed to qualify for the final. At the close of voting, Boto finished 17th in a field of 18, with 31 points.
Slovenia’s history at Eurovision
Slovenia made its Eurovision debut in 1993, with 1X Band’s “Tih deževen dan”. Qualifying from the first version of semi-finals, Slovenia finished in 22nd place with 9 points. Since then, Slovenia has taken part 26 times. Their best result was both in 1995 and 2001, finishing in 7th position.
In 2021, Ana Soklič represented Slovenia in Rotterdam with the song “Amen”. Soklič was meant to represent the nation in 2020, but the Contest was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Once in Rotterdam, Slovenia finished in 13th place in a field of 16 in its semi-final. This meant that Slovenia failed to qualify for the final, scoring 44 points.
What do you make of the selection process? Is this the magic formula to score Slovenia’s first win? Who are you looking forward to seeing take part in EMA? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below or getting involved on social media. And be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more news from Slovenia.
News Source: RTV SLO
Photo Credit: RTV SLO
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