Vanja Vardjan’s resignation was accepted by Ksenija Horvat, director of RTVSLO, in January. Vardjan’s decision follows the announcement of an investigation into RTVSLO’s prior Eurovision selections; a press release stated that he resigned to ensure the investigation’s impartiality.
Investigation into Slovenian Eurovision selections
A Commission for the Prevention of Corruption received a report about possible corruption in early January. Specifically, there are allegations of irregularities in Slovenia’s artist selections. RTVSLO has not found evidence of corruption at this time, but the procedure is ongoing.
RTVSLO also emphasized that Raiven, who was internally selected in December, has reached half a million views on her song “Veronika”.
Slovenia’s Eurovision journey
In 1993, Slovenia made its debut in the Eurovision Song Contest with 1X Band and the song “Tih deževen dan”, which placed 22nd. Since their debut, they have participated 27 times, and qualified for the Grand Final in 15 of those appearances.
Joker Out, with the song “Carpe Diem”, represented Slovenia in 2023. Performing at the second semi-final, the band placed 5th, therefore qualifying for the final for the first time since 2019. At the final, Slovenia finished in 21st place, receiving 78 points. Of these, 33 came from the jury and 45 from the televote. Despite a mid-table finish, Joker Out found international success after Eurovision, and have sold out multiple European tours less than a year after competing in Liverpool.
What do you make of this announcement and RTVSLO’s corruption investigation? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads and Bluesky as we start looking ahead to Eurovision 2024!
News Source: RTVSLO
Photo Credit: MMC at RTVSLO
Rory Gannon