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 tenth part Shiloh, Loïc, and Euan discuss what went wrong with Slovenia.
Who Klemen?
Klemen is a multi-faceted artist, being a singer, actor, songwriter as well as TV Host. Klemen started his TV career in 2007, when he became a host of the TV program ‘Hri-bar’, which features impersonations of famous Slovenian singers. Throughout his career, Klemen has hosted numerous TV shows, including 4 editions of Slovenia’s Eurovision selection EMA.
What are the issues with the selection?
Shiloh – I’m not sure how I think this should be fixed, but the song selection at this year’s EMA was just poor. There were so few songs that stood out and were “Eurovision material”–with the stark exception of the song that actually won.
Loïc – This year’s lineup felt stronger in terms of overall quality. The only thing I’d still push for is more diversity and modernity. Both are often missing, and bringing them in would make the selection genuinely more exciting and relevant.
Euan – Shockingly for a 2025 National Final, no. Structure, diversity, and quality were all there, and it worked well this year in producing one of the best songs of 2025.
Was the song and act good enough to be in Eurovision?
Shiloh – I really do think so! Moving ballad, for the most part well-staged, and definitely well-sung.
Loïc – I think Klemen did everything right with this one… At least, as far as this kind of song can go. The production was on point, the vocals were spot on, and it delivered exactly what it aimed for in that genre. BUT – because there’s always a but with me – from a competition point of view, the overall package might have felt a bit underwhelming compared to the rest of the line-up, it also gave off that unmistakable “quality filler” energy. You know, the kind of entry that earns respect, maybe even admiration, but rarely sparks enough excitement to trigger a wave of public votes.
Euan – There is no doubt about it. In a year of moving emotional pieces, this really did shine as something special, but not something with a wide enough appeal.
Did the staging compliment the song and stand out?
Shiloh – For the most part, yes. My biggest issue here has to be with the “flip Klemen upside down” gimmick. It totally took me out of the environment, it was distracting. I also wish that they hadn’t shown the video or images of Klemen’s wife–I think the simpler staging from the national final performance worked a lot better. But they kept so much of that staging for Eurovision and for the most part it worked really well.
Loïc – Yes, I genuinely think the staging elevated the song while giving it the emotional space it needed to breathe. It worked, and honestly, I truly believed Slovenia could surprise us and sneak through to the final with this one. Honestly, who didn’t feel a little emotional seeing Klemen’s wife at the end of the live ? That quiet, tender moment, no gimmicks, just a raw connection, brought such an authentic layer to the performance. It’s those little real-life touches that remind us why Eurovision isn’t just about the lights and fireworks. It’s about stories, people, and heart. And in that moment, Klemen gave us all three. Sometimes, beauty manages to shine in unexpected ways (should we bring up Dons last year ? Everyone thought his song and staging were “nice” but too beige or soft, and yet he qualified and landed a solid result in the final). So yeah… never underestimate the power of something that just feels right, even if it’s not the loudest in the room.
Euan – I think the concept of the staging was good, but there was a little bit of an issue with the execution. To me a large part of the time it felt like he was lost on stage and wasn’t visually distinct enough for most of the performance.
Could this song have qualified if changes were made?
Shiloh – I wish I could say yes, that they would have qualified if they hadn’t just flipped the guy upside down, but ultimately? This song finished far enough behind 10th place that I can’t say that with confidence. The audience just wasn’t into the moving ballads this year.
Loïc – I don’t think so… Everything felt right in this case. Honestly, I can’t think of any change to the song or the staging that could have led to a different result.
Euan – As much as I’d really love to say yes, I just don’t think there would be a way to get this to connect with enough people to make that difference.
What are our outlooks for future contests?
Shiloh – Slovenia is a tricky country to diagnose because their song selection often feels all over the place. Some years they send a song that’s absolutely amazing and gets paid dust, sometimes they send something mediocre. Sometimes great songs get left behind in the selection and sometimes there was nothing good there to send. I think they have to keep refining their criteria for song selection, because they’re a little more consistent on staging.
Loïc – If I had to suggest one change to the selection, it would be to include more ‘current’ entries and artists, as that’s often what’s missing. But aside from that, I don’t think there’s a major overhaul needed in the selection process. We’ve had some great entries over the past few years (and, let’s be honest, a few that were a bit more… let’s say, questionable.).
Euan – Cautiously optimistic. Slovenia has been on an amazing run recently, and their current approach to how they’re running the national final is perfect. They just really need to work more on the staging at Eurovision.
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 28 times – of which, 16 were where they qualified for the Grand Final.
Slovenia’s recent Eurovision participation saw them being represented by Klemen, who sang “How Much Time Do We Have Left”. Performing at the first semi-final, Klemen failed to qualify, placing thirteenth with 23 points from the televote.
What do think about our thoughts? Do you think Slovenia 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