Eurovision fans had to wait a few years, but she has finally made it. Raiven will represent Slovenia in the Eurovision Song Contest with “Veronika”.
After cancelling their national final EMA, Slovene broadcaster RTVSLO opted for an internal selection. Back in December, the country revealed that Raiven would represent the Slovene nation.
But who’s Raiven behind the incredible stage image? We’ve compiled 10 Facts about Raiven to get to know her better. Let’s do this!
10 Facts about Raiven from Slovenia
1. Her real name is Sara Briški Cirman
Growing up in Slovenia, locals knew her as Sara Briški Cirman. She was born on 26 April 1996 and is currently 27 years old. She will be celebrating her 28th birthday shortly before the contest. As Sara is a common name, she opted for a stage name.
2. Raiven’s parents breeded falcons, so her stage name was inspired by a bird
Speaking to SIOL.net in 2018, Raiven discussed her choice for a stage name: “My parents breed falcons, I always grew up with birds and at one point when I was choosing a stage name, my father said to me: What if I was a raven? So “Raiven”. I’ve loved ravens since I was little, so I loved this idea. Mainly because it sounds nice in both Slovenian and English.”
3. Raiven plays the harp
Many people in Slovenia will know that Raiven is an excellent harpist. She started music school at the age of four and has since been able to master the harp.
4. Raiven tried to represent Slovenia at Eurovision three times before
Eurovision fans wanted to see Raiven at the Eurovision stage a few times before. She participated in EMA — Slovenia’s Eurovision selection in 2016, 2017 and 2019. Each time, she came close to win the show. In 2016, her first time, she finished second in a nail-biting superfinal with 49.2% to 50.8% in favour of ManuElla. In 2019, she again finished second with her song “KAOS”.
5. Raiven has a master’s degree in opera singing
In 2021, Raiven completed a master’s degree in opera singing from the Ljubljana Music Academy. Previously, she studied vocals and harp at the Maribor Conservatory and the Ljubljana Music Academy. In addition to studying, she has been teaching music as well.
6. Raiven’s mother always believed she would be at Eurovision one day
Speaking to RTVSLO, Raiven said: “I have been following Eurovision since forever. When I told my mother that I was going to Eurovision this year, she told me that since I was five years old and we watched it together, she knew that one day I would stand on this stage. Since pop is not the only genre I perform as a singer, my career has more dimensions than perhaps some other Eurovision singers. That’s why I can say that I wouldn’t want Eurovision to be the only highlight of my career. He will definitely be one of them.”
7. Raiven considers Aminata, Käärija and Loreen her all-time favourite Eurovision acts
Speaking to Wiwibloggs back in December, Raiven revealed her all-time favourite Eurovision acts. She noted Latvian Eurovision 2015 star Aminata, 2023 televote winner Käärija and two-time Eurovision trophy winner Loreen among her favourite acts.
8. Raiven wrote her Eurovision 2024 song about Veronika of Desenice
“Veronika” is a real feminist anthem with a connection to history. In several interviews, Raiven has explained that the Veronika in the song is in fact a real person — Veronika of Desenice. Veronika of Desenice was the first woman to be trialled for withcraft in Slovenia in 1425.
9. Raiven has been colouring her hair since eighth grade
We’ve seen her pink, green and now white: Raiven’s hair colour has been a true rainbow of itself in recent years. In an interview with SIOL.net, the “Veronika” singer said that she started colouring her hair while still a teenager. Although a natural brunette, Raiven has worn different colours throughout the years,
10. Raiven plays the title role in the tango opera María de Buenos Aires
While preparing for her Eurovision performance, Raiven is also preparing to play the lead role in the tango opera María de Buenos Aires. The opera will be performed at the Ljubljana Opera House throughout the Summer of 2024.
Did you learn anything about Raiven? Will you be rooting for Slovenia at this year’s Eurovision in Malmö? Are you excited to see what Raiven has in store with “Veronika”? Let us know in the comments below!
Ugly
Knowing why the choice of the name makes the lyrics a lot deeper.
She just needs to pass into final and there jury will go nuts when they hear her vocal capabilities. Its bit nasty that only public votes in the semies, many wont notice her. This is the dark horse of the first semi final. Go go Sara!
Raiven is extraordinarily talented. I really hope that the ESC voters can see and hear that in the semi final. It would be amazing to have her in the grand final.
Still in my top 2 since the season began. I hope it will smash the semi.
people are sleeping on this one
In the bloodbath first semi, I really hope the public doesn’t ignore her. I don’t doubt it will be staged well but I hope it’s not too “high concept” for a general audience. I am a little afraid, though.
If she makes it to the final, the juries should reward this!