Now Eurovision 2025 is firmly behind us and we’ve had a chance to properly digest the shitshow events of Basel, it’s now time to discuss What Went Wrong. We’ve all had a chance to mull over the results of the contest. The Eurovision 2025 final saw some very dramatic results, but 11 acts did not get a chance to see that.
In our first part Daniel, Molly, and Loïc discuss what went wrong with Montenegro.
Who is Nina Žižić?
Montenegrin entrant for Basel Nina Žižić is no novice in the world of Eurovision, having already represented the Balkan nation back in 2013 alongside Who See with ‘Igranka’. Her Eurovision journey began in 2006 when she tried to participate in Athens with ‘Potraži me’. Her involvement in Eurovision has extended beyond participating, having also acted as on of Montenegro’s jurors for the 2022 contest. Active for nearly two decades in the music industry ‘Dobrodošli’ will mark the first studio released single for Nina in two years.
What are the issues with the selection?
Daniel – I don’t like the voting format, but that might genuinely be it. I think I’ve become Montesong’s strongest soldier over the past however many months, because there is so much promise to the format, and by my money was the strongest of the Ex-Yu national selections this year. Sure it was a bit messy in the end, but that’s on growing pains. For a first edition of a new show they knocked it out of the park.
Molly – The song was good; however, this may be a mix of the televote only voting system with the messy vocal performance. Audiences this year have taken more importance with both song and vocal quality than staging, with Theo Evan also not making it to the final, it seems like this could have effected Nina as well. This could be due to general nervousness with the pressure of Montenegro being in the contest for the first time in a while.
Loïc – There’s not much to criticize about the selection process itself. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised by the overall production quality, especially for a country working with a limited budget. That said, the voting system remains a real point of frustration. I genuinely believe it skews the final outcome in a way that hurts some entries. As a matter of fact, I believe Spain and Portugal face similar issues… Still, as long as Montenegro manages to attract compelling entries, the format holds its value. But if the overall lineup starts to weaken, it might be time to reconsider. In that case, a carefully curated internal selection could prove to be a wiser and more efficient use of resources.
Was the song and act good enough to be in Eurovision?
Daniel -Yes to both. the song, whilst nothing exactly revolutionary, was a perfectly strong and powerful ballad that is always a welcome addition to a Eurovision line-up, and Nina Žižić is mother.
Molly – Yes, the song was a classic, and it suited her voice so well; however, it was strong competition for Balkan ballads, with Serbia also sending Mila, which was fighting for the same qualifying position that Nina wanted. Without Serbia sending Princ, then Nina may have stood a chance in qualifying and especially if there were less messy vocals.
Loïc – Although Dobrodošli didn’t reinvent its genre or deliver a standout “wow” moment, it was actually solid in its own right. The revamp added a more dramatic tone, which, at least for me, gave the track a stronger emotional punch. In a different semi-final, and with a more convincing vocal performance, Montenegro might have had a real shot at qualifying.
Did the staging compliment the song and stand out?
Daniel – I think it was very down the middle. Nothing fantastical but not by any means bad. My mother made a petty comment about the dress at the beginning if that’s anything to go off.
Molly – Yes, and it was simple enough to make Nina’s vocals stand out, and this is why it makes the vocal issues more apparent to watchers. Having vocals be the main focus can be both a benefit but also a risk sometimes, since when the vocals go wrong, then this can be more noticeable by the viewer.
Loïc – In recent years, Montenegro has consistently struggled to translate its studio entries into compelling live performances and this year was no exception. While the staging had a certain polished elegance, it ultimately felt too minimalistic to leave a mark. The dress, though eye-catching, veered into meme territory more than meaningful symbolism (raise your hand if it reminded you of that midnight dash to the bathroom wrapped in a blanket). And the blindfold, removed almost instantly, remained an unexplained gimmick that could (and arguably should) have been used more thoughtfully. Overall, the performance lacked a cohesive artistic vision and never quite managed to elevate the song enough to grab the audience’s attention.
Could this song have qualified if changes were made?
Daniel – Sadly, I don’t think so. Perhaps a less sabotaging running order could’ve helped a tiny bit? Nothing in the control of RTCG, who I think can hold their jeads up high. Fact is, Nina Žižić could represent Montenegro with the single best song ever written and the evil Eurovision overlords would find a way to rob her. Justice for Igranka and Justice for Dobrodošli too.
Molly – I think so, if the vocals went well, then it could have helped; however, there is still the issue of having to share genre space with Serbia, which is also fighting for space in the Balkan ballad genre.
Loïc – In this semi-final, qualification was always going to be a long shot. Personally, I would have loved to see Montenegro make it through. This kind of song perfectly soundtracks my most dramatic moments (yes, I’m talking about feeling like a full-on diva in my car on my way to work). But let’s be honest : in a televote-only semi-final, it was bound to struggle, no matter how much flair it brought.
What are our outlooks for future contests?
Daniel – Montesong looks promising to me, but that’s not exactly a guarantee of success. Head of Delegation and newfound queen of my heart Vladana herself says in this brilliant article that Eurovision is an something of an uphill battle for Montenegro, a small Balkan nation with a budget that reflects that, but with pure enthusiasm work and belief she believes that the small country can leave a big mark. Speaking personally, I hope they win the whole damn thing next year, because there are very few countries that deserve it more.
Molly – With time, yes, since Montenegro is coming back after a long time being away from the contest, this was just a test around. There may need to be some time for Montenegro to find their feet and do well in the contest, but I do believe that in time, they will do well. The staging and overall performance before the semi were so well done, and I am positive that after this, they will soon find their feet again in the contest.
Loïc – I still can’t help but believe that Montenegro (and other small countries) have what it takes to surprise us at Eurovision. There’s real potential for a “revenge arc” somewhere down the line. But the truth is, it’s always going to be an uphill battle for them. With limited budgets, it’s hard to imagine them pulling off the kind of ambitious stagings or polished productions that stand out. Unless the EBU finds a real way to support these countries, we’ll keep watching delegations drop out… Not because they don’t have something to bring to the table, but because they simply can’t afford it ! My only hope for Montenegro is to see them back next year with an artist and a song that truly reflect who they are. One that feels right, feels proud, and resonates whatever the outcome. Because sometimes, making a statement matters more than making the final.
Montenegro’s Eurovision Journey
Before Montenegro announced its return to the Eurovision Song Contest for 2025, they had a scattered appearance at the competition. There has been a Montenegrin presence at the Eurovision Song Contest as far back as 1983, when the nation was a part of Yugoslavia. Montenegrin entries went on to represent Yugoslavia in 1983 and 1984, placing 4th and 18th respectively. Similarly, the nation also sent an entry as part of Serbia and Montenegro in 2005, placing 7th with No Name’s “Zauvijek moja”.
Montenegro returned to the Contest in 2025 with Nina Žižić returning to the competition after 12 years. Singing “Dobrodošli”, Montenegro competed in the second semi-final. However, their return did not see a return to the final, with Montenegro finishing last in the semi-final with just 12 points.
What do think about our thoughts? Do you think Montenegro could have qualified? Let us know in the comments or on social media! Be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads and Bluesky as we prepare for Eurovision 2024!
Source: That Eurovision Site
Image Credit: Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU