After the surprise departure of Aleksandar Konstadinov, Croatia’s long-time Head of Delegation, Croatia’s HRT is finally getting back on its feet — and, hopefully, finalising its plans for Eurovision 2016.
As celebrity magazine Story reports, HRT has appointed journalist Zeljko Mesar as its new HoD — aka, the big cheese in charge of making the country’s Eurovision participation work and werk.
Zeljko is a radio journalist and part of the broadcaster’s Music Production team who has long worked on HR2 — one of broadcaster’s main radio channels. He has been praised for his work in the entertainment section, which led his “HR demo show” to several awards from the broadcaster. That work also secured his nomination as editor-in-chief of the channel in 2013.
The closest he’s come to Eurovision so far was in 2014, when HRT appointed him as one of the jury members for its Junior Eurovision 2014 internal selection. That resulted in the selection of “Game Over” singer Josie.
The path to his dream job was not easy: Prior to his radio success, he found himself engulfed in controversy. In 2010 he owned HRT’s sister company Orfej. To make a long story short, he made some moves without consulting HRT and things got sticky. That, along with multi-million-euro losses and mounting debts, ultimately led to bankruptcy proceedings. No matter. He’s on his feet and standing tall once more!
Croatia at Eurovision 2016
Zeljko remains silent on his plans for Eurovision 2016, though he has made it clear that things are hazy. “…we do not know the details: whether we’re going and who is going. Everything is still in negotiations, from finances and beyond.”
Given that Croatia has already been allocated a spot in the first semi final, we’re fairly certain Croatia will be there. Dropping out at this point would incur a fine and put a dent in their reputation. What’s more, the EBU will likely do everything in its power to make sure Croatia can make it. Who wants to announce the guest list has shrunk from 43 to 42 anyway?!
Is it Nina Kraljic?
Story magazine contacted Miss Kraljic, the winner of Croatia’s edition of The Voice, amid ongoing rumours that she will sing at Eurovision. She remained tight-lipped, saying that she isn’t allowed to issue any official statements regarding Eurovision.
So, can we take that as a smouldering yes? Tell us in the comments below!
I really hope Nina can represent us this year. I voted for her on The voice each round. She really is special. Mark my words, if Nina gets at least a bit above average song, the finals are there! But as someone said, it has to be above average, not like poo we had in 2011.
Nina is a really good singer, it’s just a shame she is getting screwed by Croatia. Her wicked game cover is amazing, I’m just worried this song is going to be a Daria Kinzer situation.
But haven’t they announced their participation already? And aren’t they competing in the first semi? Why are they saying they aren’t sure they are going?
That would only involve a hefty fine, that more costly than the fees for taking part.
When does the next who is the best in esc so far come?
That statement from Nina is pretty much a YES for Eurovision tbh
If they don’t even know whether they WILL take part, I guess we can’t expect anything better than their 2013 “effort”…