Just last month, she was embroiled in a messy plagiarism row. But ultimately, Croatia’s Franka emerged unscathed. Now, with Eurovision 2018 rehearsals just over a week away, her focus is on music once more.
Yesterday, the “Crazy” songstress brought us a Thursday throwback that took us all the way back to 2013. Sitting by her piano, Franka performed a stripped back version of Marco Mengoni’s “L’essenziale” — Italy’s Eurovision 2013 entry.
The simple number won over Europe, securing Italy a third top ten finish in as many years. And we suspect Franka may have been amongst those who picked up their phones and voted for him.
“My favourite Eurovision song of all time that holds a special place in my heart and always seems to get me right back on track”, she writes on Facebook.
“I remember watching Marco’s performance with my dad and how we were both blown away and inspired by his elegance and an interpretation both bold, powerful and simple at the same time. In that moment I knew – if I ever had the chance to stand on that Eurovision stage, that would be the way I would do it. 
I get goosebumps everytime I hear or play this melody and it’s crazy how a song can trigger so many emotions and bring back memories. That’s the power of music and why I love doing what I’m doing so much.
And now, 5 years later, I’m here. And I know my dad would’ve been proud beyond words. So, I’ll do my best and do it OUR way, how we always dreamed of doing it.
@marcomengoni you’re incredible and I hope you’re gonna like my performance in Lisbon as much as I liked yours! 
Saluti da Croazia!”.
Franka “L’essenziale” (Marco Mengoni Cover)
Post/recording midnight lullabies. ?Marco Mengoni and L’essenziale- my favourite Eurovision song of all time that holds a special place in my heart and always seems to get me right back on track.?????????I remember watching Marco’s performance with my dad and how we were both blown away and inspired by his elegance and an interpretation both bold, powerful and simple at the same time. In that moment I knew – if I ever had the chance to stand on that Eurovision stage, that would be the way I would do it. ??????I get goosebumps everytime I hear or play this melody and it’s crazy how a song can trigger so many emotions and bring back memories. That’s the power of music and why I love doing what I’m doing so much.?????????And now, 5 years later, I’m here. And I know my dad would’ve been proud beyond words. So, I’ll do my best and do it OUR way, how we always dreamed of doing it.?@marcomengoni you’re incredible and I hope you’re gonna like my performance in Lisbon as much as I liked yours! ??? Saluti da Croazia! ????????
Posted by Franka on Thursday, April 19, 2018
Marco Mengoni “L’essenziale” (Italy Eurovision 2013)
“L’Essenziale” may be her favourite, but it’s not the only Eurovision track in Franka’s repertoire. Some weeks ago, the popstar appeared on the Dalibor Petko Show, a popular Croatian chat show.
Along with an interview, the host also challenged her to sing some of the biggest Eurovision hits from years gone by. Franka rose to the occasion with ease, taking on “Fairytale” (Norway 2009), “Euphoria” (Sweden 2012), Molitva (Serbia 2007), “Hard Rock Hallelujah” (Finland 2006) and “Rock Me Baby” (Yugoslavia 1989).
Franka covers Eurovision hits on the Dalibor Petko Show
What do you think of Franka’s Marco Mengoni cover? Can she do as well as him in Lisbon? Or will she do even better? Let us know in the comments below.
Last year Nathan Trent, this year Franka. I’m glad this beautiful Italian pearl became an Eurovision classic.
Manel too.
I missed this one, even better then! 🙂
One of the worst songs this year. Let’s be completely honest – it’s Lady Gaga with too many sleeping pills.
This one is just pathetic PR.
Go away Franka.
and you are a pathetic piece of human sh*t that hasn’t and won’t do anything with its life cause its lazy and uncapable of anything except insulting people who are actually doing something with their lives and you are sooo jealous because of that
Lovely
One of my least favourite Eurovision songs (Marco, not Franka)!
I really wish Franka had a better song herself. I like her a lot more than her song.
I’m sure she will make her father very proud with performance in Lisbon. No doubt she’ll do her best. Go Franka!
She is very nice and I hope she will make it to the final
Iam sure she will slay on stage. Love her song
This girl is such a bundle of joy! Her sensual song doesn’t deserve to be so underrated. Ok the lyrics might not be very unique but she wrote them herself, so it feels more personal as opposed to other diva entries who hire winning songwriters and then it all ends up being about winning.
Love her! Go Franka!
If Croatia invests in staging just like last year, she will surprise many! Quality!!!