Montenegro’s representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, Tamara Živković, has confirmed that her winning Montesong entry “Nova Zora” will be performed in Montenegrin at Eurovision in Vienna.
“Nova Zora” to stay true to its original language
In an interview with Montenegrin outlet CdM, Živković explained that “Nova Zora” which won Montesong after receiving 12 points from the jury and 10 from the televote, will also be recorded and released in English, allowing international fans to better understand the song’s message, which she describes as centred on female transformation, liberation and empowerment.
However, the Eurovision performance itself will remain in Montenegrin, a choice she says is about preserving the song’s original identity.
As announced on 12 January, during the Semi-Final Allocation Draw for Eurovision 2026, Montenegro will compete in the first semi-final, performing in the second-half of the show, at the Wiener Stadthalle on May 12nd.
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.
Are you happy about Nova Zora staying true to its original language? As always, please let us know what you think by getting involved in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, tumblr, and Bluesky for more information about Eurovision 2026!
Source: Cdm
Photo credit: Nikola Radišić
Giwrgos Oiko