Sixteen acts competed at this year’s Evrovizijska Melodija (EMA) 2017 national selection show in Slovenia, but only eight made it to the final. Nika served dance-pop. BQL brought a contemporary, tropical tinged number. And Raiven served an avant-garde track while working an edgy light show. But in the end it was Eurovision 2005 alum Omar Naber who won the day with his Broadway ballad “On My Way“. Next stop? Kyiv!

Ahead of tonight’s EMA 2017 final, the Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — had a lot to say about Omar. We ranked him joint-last in our rankings, with most of us saying he has a stellar voice, but a sub-par song. wiwiblogger Deban, however, awarded him a 9/10, writing:

Omar’s vocal flourishes are a wonder to behold. ‘On My Way’ captures drama whilst retaining a very strong melody. Warm, soothing and uplifting, Omar’s voice is a fine instrument, and his self-composition bears the hallmark of a modern classic.

The country’s six regional juries agreed, ranking him first in the jury vote.

EMA 2017 Final results

Regional jury results

Ljubljana

  • BQL – 12
  • Omar Naber – 10
  • Nuška Drašcek – 8
  • Raiven – 6
  • KiNG FOO – 4
  • Nika Zorjan – 2

Kranj

  • Omar Naber – 12
  • Raiven – 10
  • Nuška Drašcek – 8
  • Nika Zorjan – 6
  • KiNG FOO – 4
  • BQL – 2

Maribor

  • Omar Naber – 12
  • Nuška Drašcek – 10
  • Raiven – 8
  • BQL – 6
  • Nika Zorjan – 4
  • Tim Kores – 2

Koper

  • Omar Naber – 12
  • Nuška Drašcek – 10
  • Raiven – 8
  • BQL – 6
  • Tim Kores – 4
  • Nika Zorjan – 2

Novo Mesto

  • Raiven – 12
  • Nuška Drašcek – 10
  • BQL – 8
  • Omar Naber – 6
  • Tim Kores – 4
  • Nika Zorjan – 2

Celje

  • Omar Naber – 12
  • Nuška Drašcek – 10
  • BQL – 8
  • KiNG FOO – 6
  • Nika Zorjan – 4
  • Raiven – 2

Televoting results

  • BQL – 72
  • Omar – 60
  • Raiven – 48
  • Nika Zorjan – 36
  • Sell Out – 24
  • Nuska Drascek – 12

Guest performances

Last year’s winner ManuElla returned to EMA to open tonight’s final with her Eurovision entry “Blue and Red”, then unveiled her new single “Salvation” later during the show.

We were also treated to performances from Croatia’s 1994 Eurovision representative Tony Cetinski and last year’s Eurovision winner Jamala with her entry “1944”.

Are you happy with Slovenia’s decision? Who do you think should have won? Let us know on our app and in the comments section below! You can watch the show again here.

Follow all of our Slovenia Eurovision news here

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Kate
Kate
7 years ago

Ok I don’t like or dislike his song, but has anyone else seen the rumors that apparently he sexually harassed someone? http://www.delo.si/novice/kronika/potrjena-obsodba-omarja-naberja-za-spolno-nasilje-nad-tudentko.html

joff
joff
7 years ago

Raiven forgive your country for the second time.

Dan
Dan
7 years ago

No.

Denis
Denis
7 years ago

Honestly, most of those who don’t like him are fans who are angry that their precious Nika or BQL? didn’t win. That doesn’t make Omar Naber a less worthy winner. Overexcited fans who over hype everything and refuse to accept defeat is the worst part of ESC and the reason why they never will be 100 % tele-voting. There is a reason Omar won: Cause he was better at performing the song. The song meant something for him. BQL came off as amateurish and didn’t have that winner aura. They were shouty and shaky. Until you all acknowledge that there… Read more »

real@winner
real@winner
7 years ago

@Thomasfan22, his song is bad not because it’s a dated ballad, it’s bad because it’s a horrible, boring, pointless song.

Austrian Ari
Austrian Ari
7 years ago

@ Anthony:

I’ve tried all options numerous times, same difference. At some point, all I got was a black screen.

Fortunately, I was able to watch the voting sequence without any disruptions when I switched to RTVSLO’s app on my phone.

Thomasfan22
Thomasfan22
7 years ago

You know guys, just because it’s a ballad doesn’t mean his song is bad. Yes, this years contest is very ballad-heavy, but you do have to know that Eurovision isn’t all about dancy-popy songs. Adults and older people watch Eurovision too, and many countries just went for that demographic. Omar has the voice, the expierience and the song. BQL aren’t expierienced enough, you can see it in their shaky, and sometimes shouty vocals. Just deal with the fact that the demographic this year is for more older people. Who knows, maybe next year everyone will choose dance songs. You can’t… Read more »

RMAP
RMAP
7 years ago

And again juries ruin everything. I think it’s time to move back to only televoting. It’s wrong that people can’t choose who they want to represent tehirselves. It’s just wrong. #JusticeForMirela #JusticeForBQL

Colin
Colin
7 years ago

So far, UK and Finland have outstanding ballads. Malta and Slovenia chose very old-fashioned songs, but I like them. Georgia is good, although knowing her past, I might wonder is this another provocation to Russia, but in a more subtle way. Albania’s ballad is very forgettable. I don’t consider Polish song a ballad. I love a good ballad. We need them on ESC. It’s not like more of the bland, forgettable ballads have been chosen, like Gold in Switzerland or Fall Like Rain in Hungary. We dodged those bullets. Ballads so far are mostly nice. BUT, still, I am rooting… Read more »

Hebbuzz
Hebbuzz
7 years ago

While I think BQL would have stand a slightly better chance in Kyiv, I’m very much pleased with the winner. The song is a bit cliche, but still, the performance is great.

Together with Italy and Hungary I now have a new personal top 3 for 2017. Hope Omar will get his revenge for the heavily underrated ‘Stop’ and qualifies for the final.

Daniel
Daniel
7 years ago

The dated song isn’t aided by the fact that he seems not to have changed his outfit in 12 years. My issue with this being a so-far ballad-heavy year is that none of the ballads are any good. Poland’s is too over-produced and shouty (the only reason I know there are any strings in it is because I can see them), the UK and Malta both have great singers but lacklustre songs, Georgia’s punchiness somehow manages to drag in the mud, and now Slovenia’s gone for nostalgia but not quality.

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
7 years ago

Performed sincerely, I LOVE Omar Naber. BUT. Semi-Final 1 now has FIVE ballads, and they will all drag each other down. I am not saying I don’t like ballads, but in a show with the slogan Celebrate Diversity, there is so far very little diversity. Out of ALL ballads selected so far (in both semis) only Poland looks strong, and Georgia, because they have Armenia AND Azerbaijan. I like this song, but Raiven or BQL where better choices, and this will be forgotten.

Bis
Bis
7 years ago

A stunning performance and a wonderful voice! But the song itself is meeeeehhh 🙁

Nickc
Nickc
7 years ago

I am sorry, but if he could not qualify with stop, which was an excellent song by the way, he will not qualify with this one. Still, miles ahead of that awful, awful, awful ballad from malta. He will probably beat Croatian fascist too, but that’s it, so far.

Kris
Kris
7 years ago

Die stupid juries….rot in music hell……Aargh!!

Sophie
Sophie
7 years ago

@fikri Oh my god, this is exactly what I said when it won too haha! It legit does sound like one of those old washed up songs that the UK used to send! 😛

Griffin
Griffin
7 years ago

Funeral Song Contest 2017

but i’m ok with it

eurovision6
eurovision6
7 years ago

Slovenia had Nika, BQL and Raiven.. they end up choosing this sh*t, no final for you 🙂

E.Scot
E.Scot
7 years ago

Prediction: This will finish last in its semi-final. Note that I dont think the worst songs end up last (estonia and switzerland were in my top 15 last year) it just have to fall short of anything worth taking notice of.

fikri
fikri
7 years ago

this song sounds like it belongs to UK… and not in a good way.

Charli Cheer Up
Charli Cheer Up
7 years ago

Finally now he has a reason to appear on the London Eurovision Party again lol 😉

2018
2018
7 years ago

I’m writing from the future, 2018 is going to be amazing!!!!! ps: what country re-sends a guy who has failed to qualify his country before with a similar 1984 ballad and who hasn’t changed his bad taste in hairstyle, fashion and music in 13 years!!! Wow, speaking of being stuck in the past. If this qualifies…no, not gonna happen. Really sad, especially that there were better songs and the EMA production is much better than most national finals, all for nothing. People who keep saying he’s got a good voice need to get over it and accept that no amazing… Read more »

Denis
Denis
7 years ago

I actually really like it. it was the best choice. Probably the best ballad so far! Stunningly performed!
Will get them to final. Nice choice Slovenia, quality always win in the end!

cheesecake
cheesecake
7 years ago

EMA was so strong this year, they had 3 amazing songs… yet they went for “On My Way”?! Unbelievable. Worst song so far this year and clearly the most disappointing NF result of the season.
I’m not totally against juries, but the issue with them is that they often don’t concentrate enough on the SONG. “Heart of Gold” 4th behind “Flower In The Snow” and “On My Way”?
No way Slovenia makes it to the final.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
7 years ago

One of the better ballads selected so far.
I like it. Slovenia had some options this year, not like last year, they should do ok with this.

Chicken Kyiv?
Chicken Kyiv?
7 years ago

Oh another ballad just what we were all looking for.

And also another nail in the jury coffin.

Magpie
Magpie
7 years ago

I swear I have heard this song before, or at least something like it. Surely there were a bunch of these songs performed a decade ago?

Colin
Colin
7 years ago

@Polegend – Nope. Finland has, by a clear mile, the strongest ballad in the semi. Other countries must be trembling after sending their ballads. Anyway, Finland’s song is very different, it’s a gothic ballad with sad disposure about a tragic love. Slovenia’s ballad is more up-lifting and about exploring the unknown. Malta’s ballad is more intimate and romantic. Georgia’s ballad is a peace song. Just because a song is a ballad, doesn’t mean it’s all the same. Besides genre, tempo and topic need to be similar too. You know, like Norway and Portugal both had songs titled ‘Dance with Me’… Read more »

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
7 years ago

Finland must be regretting not sending Emma now that this semi-final is basically only ballads…

Maria
Maria
7 years ago

YAAAASSSS OMG I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS! I’M LIVING A DREAM! Omar is going back to Kiev! I hope he goes to Eurovision in Concert cuz that’d be great

Timsel
Timsel
7 years ago

Guys okay this is a ballad but its not a boring one( if ure looking for a boring one try Norma John- snoozebird) i am not a fan of this song as it sounds dated but think it is revamped might sound well and become a qualifier.

Aaron GR
Aaron GR
7 years ago

I hope all the babies who cry and say they’re done with Eurovision mean it, and they go away and leave us to enjoy it without their temper tantrums.

This is not all about you and your individual tastes. If you’re mad about the results, watch a YouTube of your favorite song every day until May 13, and move on.

Omar wrote an appealing song, he sang the hell out of it, a bunch of people in Slovenia supported it, and he deserves to be in Kyiv. Your opinion doesn’t matter anymore, don’t be a bore.

MaximefromFrance
7 years ago

#JusticeForBQL

Skrim
Skrim
7 years ago

Another ballad? next… 0 points.

Ulrik
Ulrik
7 years ago

He brings back memories.

nauportus
nauportus
7 years ago

@Purple Mask Here you go, sweetie. The automatic translation sucks, but I think you can still get the picture about what kind of a person Omar is.

http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=sl&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.delo.si%2Fnovice%2Fkronika%2Fpotrjena-obsodba-omarja-naberja-za-spolno-nasilje-nad-tudentko.html

Héctor
Héctor
7 years ago

WTF Slovenia!! WTF! You have three good songs and choose the worst f**king song… This is going to finish near the last in its semi… I’m really really dissapointed… Raiven, Nika, BQL,… all of them going to waste… The juries f**cked everything, but the televote put also Omar Naber 2nd so I blame them too…

IvanR
IvanR
7 years ago

Why Slovenia? I always appreciate your entries so much, but this time I just can’t see the appeal on this song, it is just there. I really really liked FSE and Zazarim, Heart of Gold would of been great too.

Avstriya
Avstriya
7 years ago

Another selection, another time jury slays televote.

This song is boring and dated af. I loved Omar back in 2005. But this song sounds very 1992.

olvresc
olvresc
7 years ago

Instead of choosing ‘Heart of Gold’ and going 1st in my top, they selected ‘On My Way’ and went last in my top! Can’t believe this, they really would’ve had the chance to qualify again but no, not now. And btw, another ballad to semifinal 1! Great. Gonna be very tough to make a running order for NTU if all the songs are ballads. I’m sure that Montenegro will qualify as I predict a dance number from them.

Alex
Alex
7 years ago

@Marc: On that note, BQL’s song wasn’t exactly a masterpiece either… not saying Omar’s is perfect. But vocals do make a difference at ESC. If it doesn’t sound good enough there’s not much point in listening to it. I would personally take Omar’s song over BQL’s regardless

PP
PP
7 years ago

Maybe Slovenia wili be Poland this year,Many said and wrote on this bloggs and many eurovison sites, last year for Misha singer that Poland wili flop with boring old fashon ballad, because their favorite Margaret did n won national final with not good live vocals and they have 100 % televote in Poland that year .And we had that at all euroviosn partis many sing only his song , and we see that public love his song not only polish diaspora and polish neighbours . He get 222 points from televote and only 7 from juries. Poland only last year… Read more »

Rich
Rich
7 years ago

Omar’s voice was immaculate. His performance was visually stunning. One of the best on the night.

Lukewarm
Lukewarm
7 years ago

Good singer but wasted on a forgettable song.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
7 years ago

@nauportus: Careful, that’s bordering on slander unless you can provide evidence of conviction.

irada
irada
7 years ago

In my opinion Slovenia chose the worst song in EMA 2017. Omar`s song is so boring. I can`t remember chorus.

Austrian Ari
Austrian Ari
7 years ago

The positive: 1) An overall very enjoyable bunch of acts to choose from. Keep up the effort, RTVSLO. 2) Omar is back! Yay! I just wish he could exchange his winning song with his 2009 NF entry ‘I Still Carry On’. As I recall, a jury messed reeaaal bad with the results in that particular year. 3) It’s not Raiven! She leaves me cold. Omar on the other can elevate mediocre material and make it pleasant. The negative: 1) Do something about that god awful live stream, please! Or I should just go watch it in Ljubljana. 2) BQL, I… Read more »

Sam ESC
Sam ESC
7 years ago

@Daniel at least the grannies in 2012 had a better song than this, which actually got the audience interested and dancing. If this song were to come on the radio I would turn it off within a heartbeat