Slovenian public service broadcaster RTVSlo has announced its intention to return to its long standing national selection format EMA to decide its entrant to the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest.
In a draft document, Slovenia’s RTVSlo has listed its short term financial commitments for the future. In the document, drafted by RTVSlo’s Mario Galunič, the contest was featured as future commitment by the broadcaster. The document did not detail the format or other such details of the show. It is important to note that prior to the internal selections of 2023 and 2024, Slovenia had planned to use the EMA format to select its Eurovision entrant.
What is EMA?
EMA has been integral to Slovenia’s Eurovision journey; having been used as its national selection for 25 of its 28 appearances. First introduced for Slovenia’s third Eurovision participation in 1996, the format has been used consistently until 2021, when EMA 2020 winner Ana Soklič reprised her role following the cancellation of the 2020 contest. The contest was abruptly cancelled in 2023 following Joker Out’s internal selection for Liverpool. The contest was set to return in 2024 but was cancelled prior to the announcement of participants as Raiven was internally selected.
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 – of which, 15 were where they qualified for the Grand Final.
Slovenia’s recent Eurovision participation saw them being represented by Joker Out, who sang the song “Carpe Diem”. 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.
What do you think about the return? How would you like Slovenia to pick its Eurovision entrant? 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 for all things Eurovision 2024!
News Source: RTVSlo
Image Credit: Sarah Louise Bennet / EBU
That Eurovision Site 
Rory Gannon