slavko kalezic space stefan orn eurovision 2017

Two months ago, Montenegrin public broadcaster RTCG announced they had internally selected the outré and totally fabulous singer Slavko Kalezic for the Eurovision Song Contest 2017. We learned that the out-of-this-world singer would sing a song called “Space” — but no other information has flowed. Until now.

On Saturday Slavko posted a photograph on his Instagram account that revealed the production team behind his Eurovision song. And it’s not just any team. It’s stacked with heavyweights Stefan Örn, Jovan Radomir and Johan Kronlund, suggesting Slavko is going big and he is not going home.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQqTJIejgax/

Slavko didn’t hide his excitement about working with Örn, who is known for writing several very successful entries for Azerbaijan — including the Eurovision 2011 winner “Running Scared”.

“Working with Stefan Örn was really amazing,” he told wiwibloggs in an exclusive interview. “I’m deeply touched by his energy dedicated to me. He couldn’t hide his enthusiasm about my singing and artistic being.”

“We gathered our art and I think we made a little Eurovision masterpiece, which will live on years and years after Eurovision. This is just the beginning of our collaboration and I can’t hardly wait to go back to Sweden.”

“I’m honoured to work with Stefan. He gave me so much beautiful and useful advice.”

The former X Factor Adria star isn’t the only one excited about the result.

Momcilo Zekovic, one of the composers of “Space”, told RTCG: “I am overwhelmed by how everything turned out.”

“I think we were very lucky to have worked in a top-class studio with top-class professionals. Everything that was expected from Slavko was done in less than two days.”

The first snippet of “Space” is expected to be released in early March.

In Kyiv, Montenegro will compete in the first semi-final, which will take place on 9 May.

Stefan Örn’s Eurovision track record

Örn, Swedish musician and songwriter, has gained a name within Eurovision circles for writing entries for Azerbaijan in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014.

Örn’s first three compositions — “Drip Drop”, “Running Scared” and “When the Music Dies” — all finished within the top five in their respective editions, with “Running Scared” actually winning the contest in 2011.

His successful track record ended in 2014 with “Start a Fire”, which landed in the Bottom 5 of the grand final in 22nd position. We should note that the studio version of the song was strong — but the staging left a lot to be desired.

In 2012, Örn collaborated with Ruslana, the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2004, on her international album My Boo (Together!).

Montenegro at Eurovision

Montenegro debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2007. However, it took them seven years to finally make the grand final. Their 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2013 entries all stalled in the semifinals.

In 2014, Sergej Cetkovic’s “Moj svijet” finally took this small Balkan country to the final, where it placed 19th. Next year, Montenegro was represented by Knez, who sang the Zeljko Joksimovic-penned “Adio” and eventually placed 13th.

Unfortunately, Highway, who performed the rock tune “The Real Thing” in Stockholm, reversed the trend by finishing 13th in their semi-final.

Montenegro did not take part in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2010 and 2011.

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Logan
Logan
7 years ago

Space, Gravity…..there’s a theme here.

But, I share the anti Swedish production sentiments here. If every country were to produce their songs in Sweden, eurovision would become a generic, cheesy pop music friendly melodifestivalen extension. The cultural diversity and creativity of the countries is what makes eurovision so fascinating. So kudos to countries like Armenia, Ukraine, Greece, Italy for composing their own songs and using their local song writers.

Charles
Charles
7 years ago

Oh lord … I had forgotten about this guy … as if we didn’t have way many distractions so far … gorillas and possibly lip sync drag queens … now the flamboyant qween …. singing a ballad? My god, what does he think he’s gonna … try .. try being the most important word in this situation …. to sing a recycled Rise like a Phoenix? Oh lord …. what a headache!!!

Jonas
Jonas
7 years ago

Swedish songwriters should think twice about selling their soul to submit a song for Azerbeijan – do Örn and co. really want to help provide a platform for the notoriously corrupt/evil “government” currently running the country? Eurovision 2012 was a massive advertisement for this obscene regime.

Of course they bribed and cheated their way to victory in the first place, so maybe the point is moot.

Sorry, back to Montenegro…

Thomas
Thomas
7 years ago

Stefan Orn didn’t write it nor composed it. Hes literally polishing what the joint team of Montenegrin an Serbs made. So please chill.

an esc fan
an esc fan
7 years ago

Going to Sweden means desperation. ”The grass may look greener on the other side of the fence, but when you get there, you would find it’s artificial turf.”

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
7 years ago

An interesting mixed reaction from commenters. I’m a big fan of Stefan’s work, and also rather jealous! This pairing with Slavko is a good sign that Slavko is taking this really seriously – I look forward to hearing the song. 🙂

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
7 years ago

Eek. No longer excited for this. Give that flamboyant hunty a Lolita Zero-sized bop, or gtfo.

Drive
7 years ago

let’s first hear the song. Stefan is not the author. He worked as a producer other people’s ideas.

Möhrant
Möhrant
7 years ago

Örn did a great job with the 2010, 2011 and 2012 entries for Azerbaijan, so we know he can write a good song. However, Azerbaijan’s 2014 song is one of my least favourite songs that year so having Örn as a composer is not a guarantee for success for Montenegro.

Ay Jo
Ay Jo
7 years ago

Please, you should run away from Stefan Orn who kills music and instead of running scared he gets good amount of money for doing so from Azerbaijan.

(J)ESC Fanatic
(J)ESC Fanatic
7 years ago

I’m expecting good things.

Music is the key
Music is the key
7 years ago

oooopppppsssss…Swedish song writers? NEVER a good song! Usually something cheesy, generic and soulless

maca
maca
7 years ago

Only problem is that singer can sing good live. He looks good but singing is not good live.

PP
PP
7 years ago

Is Stefan Orm one of composers of song , or only producer of song

fikri
fikri
7 years ago

welp. guess we’ll be getting another ballad.