Tonight was the turn of Croatia to select their representative for Tel Aviv, with their national selection show Dora. Held in the resort town of Opatija, sixteen acts took to the stage. Ultimately only one could prevail though – and that was Roko Blažević with “The Dream”!
Roko gave an astounding vocal performance, whilst adorned with angel wings. The Dream was memorable and impactful, which definitely helped them connect with both the televoters and the jury members.
Roko Blažević – “The Dream”
Written by Eurovision star Jacques Houdek and with lyrics by Charlie Mason (who penned “Rise Like a Phoenix”), “The Dream” is performed in both English and Croatian. Roko performs in the second half of the second semi final of Eurovision 2019 in Tel Aviv
Dora 2019
The show opened with the country’s last year representative for Eurovision, Franka who sang a medley of her songs including her Eurovision song “Crazy”. Then we were introduced to the hosts of the show: Mirko Fodor, Jelena Glišić and Iva Šulentić.
The twentieth edition of Dora – the first one in eight years – saw sixteen songs battle it out to win. The winner was determined by a 50/50 combination of points awarded by regional juries (from ten different major cities of Croatia) and from the public televote.
Whilst the Croatian public had a chance to have their say, we were treated to an array of performances. Teen sensation singer Mia Negovetić and Junior Eurovision 2003 winner Dino Jelusić sang a medley of past Croatian Eurovision songs.
When the voting ended and the votes were being collated, we were treated to a performance by group Sudar Percussion. Finally, we had a medley performance from Vanna, who represented Croatia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2001 in Copenhagen
Dora 2019 – Results
The jury votes came first, with each major Croatian city represented. The jury vote winner was Roko and “The Dream”, with second going to Lorena Bućan’s “Tower of Babylon”. Third was Elis Lovrić’s “All I Really Want”
Finally the public vote was announced. “The Dream” also won the televote, with “Brutalero” coming second and “Tower of Babylon” third.
Are you happy with the winner of Dora 2019? Do you think Croatia will do well in Eurovision this year? Let us know in the comment section down below!
First, I don’t like the wings, Secondly, I think he’s screaming when he’s singing high. Third, I prefer the song in Croatian. So, I don’t like many things about this song. However, I do believe it has a chance, because it’s a powerful ballad.
Jacques, pozuri se napraviti finalnu verziju pjesme i spota kako bi se donekle popravio dojam jer je engleska verzija puno losija od hrvatske. Napravi neki lijepi spot o ljepotama Hrvatske i pusti doradjenu verziju pjesme “Heroj” kako bi se preokrenuli neki trendovi koje i ti vidis po sajtovima. Pusa.
BREAKING NEWS:
Croatia has opted for the English version of the song. Yesssss!!!!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=155&v=XNOLrf5M1R4
* Croatia has hopefully opted for the Croatian version of the song, and the new song title should be “Heroj” meaning “Hero”. Much, much better, meaningful and the song itself becomes significantly more appealing. I do hope that Croatia has opted for its mother tongue as Croatian is a wonderful and melodious language, while English – with all due respect – is not always the best choice. Jacques, don’t let us down… Croatian is the best choice, along with several arrangement modifications… include cellos and similar instruments. Croatia is slightly becoming my top banana and I can’t wait to see… Read more »
Hello everyone! Croatia calling haha. Yeah, this song isn’t really like 100% what we wanted but still… we hope Roko will find his way to impress all of you. This guy can sing! And yeah, we will try hard to make him do it without these wings. I wish you all fun and joy during Eurovision months. :))
Lighthouse was magical, My Friend stood out, Crazy had a beautiful performance but was in a tough semi. Croatia you were getting somewhere… and now this? :l
Lighthouse was predestined to became a total failure once the vidio clip was done, and it eventually deservedly failed because of that ridiculous stage performance, with a stunning vocalist being dressed in an awkward tent. She obviously forgot that “more is less and less is more.” My Friend was a wonderful song, but Jacques screwed it up with a complex stage performance, needless to say that he lost his voice during the key change… why? Simply because he was so proud singing a very complex song during every single interview, not being aware that even such a wonderful voice can… Read more »
The wings are just embarrassing. I was waiting for them to move or do something to make it less cliched but nothing. Staging needs a lot of work! I think this song may get lost this year as it appears to be a very ballad heavy year. Staging is obviously very important at Eurovision but more so this year with all these ballads to distinguish them from each other.
I don’t mind the wings, but I do mind that horrible leather jacket… Please, Roko, get rid of it!
Roko is a fantastic singer, out of this world. The song itself is boring if the arrangement remains as it is. Please, reduce the screaming and focus on an epic arrangement because – this way – it is almost as if Roko sings the song acapella due to a dull and superficial arrangement. Even the worst song can be made good by the means of a quality instrumental background. People want to enjoy the song and not to cringe from the very start, fearing that the kid would eventually faint due to such enormous vocal efforts and strains while trying… Read more »
Out of Top3 I prefer Roko. Even though it would have been nicer to see Jacques singing this song himself. Two years ago.
Lorena? Well. This song is 100% a winner. It has actually won ESC back in 2004. So no need to send it again.
Luka? Seriously? Song is a huge “Nothing” and was over performed. And if I want to listen to Alvaro Soler songs, I will buy a CD of Alvaro Soler.
And people thought Anja Nissen’s song was screaming….
Roko Is great singer, I listened his other performances, but this song does not give him justice. It is weak, poorly done, he does scream a bit too much and revamp is the best solution. I wish he didn’t accept offer to go to Dora when he saw this song, cause it could damage his career in future. Anyway who would refuse free trip with two weeks in Israel. I wouldn’t. At the end, who cares, enjoy Roko and have a blast.
the only way we can get rid of Jacques is if he wins Eurovision or gets Ola Sand’s job…so basically never :'(
I don’t understand why people tend to be so negative about Croatia’s entry – this song had “the winner” written all over it. Roko’s vocal performance is stunning and all they have to do is enhancing the song arrangement and add some more dramatic and melodious instrumental moments, e.g. some violins, cellos or whatever to make the instrumental background more appealing. The voice itself is perfect and even the song itself carries an enormous potential, provided that they immediately visit a renowned studio and largely upgrade the song arrangement as the voice per se is not enough to make the… Read more »
CORRECTION: this song HAS “the winner” written all over it. Seriously! However, the song arrangement needs to be largely enhanced ASAP! Best of luck! :-*
Decent contributor to this year Eurovison cringe contest
I want to be positive about this, I really do… but I just cannot
The plagiarism allegations seem pretty solid if you ask me.
Evidence, links, receipts. Please and thank you. 🙂
I’m not that sure about the plagiarism, but it’s often compared with
Benjamin Clementine’s „Winston Churchill’s Boy” (especially after 1:40).
User @skiwalko posted it.
There were also rumours about a Finnish entry fantasiaa but the winston churchill song is the one I think.
Bwo- you’re not alone
People were so excited to have Dora back and they got this?! Oh my….
Petition to send Lorena, we’re desperate https://www.peticija24.com/signatures/lorena_buan_na_eurosong_umjesto_roka/?uv=13591488
Come on, I hate “The Dream” and Lorena was my favourite too, but questioning such clear outcome is just immature. Chill out guys, she can always try again next year!
probably, judging by Jacques’ confidence…also the host laughed at the few of the jurors that gave the votes because they gave the highes points to the acts which was from their region…one of them even said “we need to defend or colors”
Actually, that part had nothing to do with the region.
The jury member who reported the votes from Vukovar is a rock musician, and the host reacted when he said that 8 points went to Manntra (also a rock/metal band but from Umag – a completely different part of the country, they were my personal favourite next to Lorena), so he was referring to the genre of music when he joked about defending their colours. Just sayin’
Kako se ovo dogodilo??
even she would have been a better choice…fun, cute, catchy song that is not ambitious but its not shameful like this pigeon
Am I the only one who sees actual resemblance between BWO- You’re Not Alone and Roko’s Dream
I completely agree. Roko was one of my favorites until I heard the song. Lots of memes online say devil works hard but Jacques works harder ?
If Dora organizers interjected another set of votes from foreign juries, the outcome would have been rather different. It appears that folks OUTSIDE of Croatia (those that will ACTUALLY be judging and voting for our song) have a very different opinion of who the rightful winner was last night. Hell, I’m struggling to find people WITHIN Croatia who voted and preferred Roko’s song to TOB. Where are these voters? I’m scouring to find them on social media platforms, and they are certainly in the minority…which leads me to believe there’s a rat. HRT is refusing to reveal those results (and… Read more »
While I don’t really like the song that won, I think it’s important for a nation to choose the song that’s going to represent them, rather than giving this choice to the rest of the world. This way some national identity goes to Eurovision instead of songs that are “general”.
Your statement is flawed buddy; a majority of songs these days don’t represent any type of national identity; everything is practically sung in English, the writers/producers come from other countries, and you have artists crossing borders attempting to represent other nations…..so your point is moot.
But noone in Croatia wanted that song. That’s the problem.
Same.Not a single person liked the wings and he finished first.Hmm….
I actually really liked The Dream 🙂 It’s my 3rd place so far
HRT and credibility, really? For almost two decades HRT had people in charge for Eurovision who couldn’t send or vote for right entry. Now since new team is in charge they are going back where they stayed. Corruption as usual.
The instrumental synth part in the middle of the song sounds very cheap, like it was generated on a vintage 80s computer.
I hope they can fix this with a more high-end production.
And let Roko film a music video as well
Jacques will of course be featured there too, so i’d rather not
The second verse has far too many ‘R’ consonants, which are difficult for Slavic people to pronounce and it’s a telltale sign they are not native english speakers.
Honestly, he was my second fav, I can’t help myself, I like drama in songs. I understand it was not the best choice for Eurovision though. I like the drama, Croatian parts, his vocals, but I hate the staging and these wings. I just don’t know how to receive it. The songs itself has some potential, but it needs AMAZING staging, not the one we have seen…
you like his vocals? omg people are mad these days
His vocals ARE really really good. It’s everything else that’s literal garbage
Croatia obviously doesn’t want to qualify this year!
By the way, Roko stated, that he wants to keep the wings, and he’s even considering flying into the stage at the beginnig of act, as Franka did yesterday (interview from index.hr).
Flying onto stage at least would be an innovation for an eurovision act, who’s in the running and not just interval.
Kinda cringey. Reminds me of Iceland last year but a bit better. Bit old-fashioned. I mean it could do good and I relate to it because I do dream of love lol.
1995
2019
I’m already afraid what Montenegro will come up with in May. :-/
They will do revamp after bad reviews.
Pathetic.The worst staging & song won.
I’ll say second worst. Tell Me was terrible on stage. But, yeah, this is embarrassing…
I voted so many times for nothing.Jacques rigged it as he rigged that poll on wiwibloggs.
I guess he might have influenced the juries (I say *might*, I’m not accusing anyone of anything ), but you really believe he might have rigged the televote as well?
I don’t care what he did, all I know is that we have no taste when in comes to choosing the act and we will flop hard in May because of Jacques and his old-fashioned tactics.
Luka & Lorena would’ve been much better.At least they would’ve qualified, this will be a sure NQ maybe even last place in the final.
I’ m not sure about Lorena but Luka definitely would.At least based on many comments online.
Imo we had a choice, but we chose the worst entry.
It’s an understatement to say cringe-worthy, The dream is pure cheese and a BAD SONG.
Jacques should probably not touch Eurovision again. It’s a problem if a song will be sent according to one’s own interests instead of the public’s interest.
Let’s be honest, there wasn’t much to choose from in the first place. One of the weakest NFs music-wise, the staging was beautiful though. This song is easily last on my list, even Montenegro is better. I also don’t have much hope for Serbia at this point. They are going to choose something bad as well.
Ivana and Sashka are favourites in Serbia
welcome to tel aviv
Ari olafsson of this years esc
Exactly what I was thinking!
More like Finland 2015 to me, except they at least had a purpose.
no way this will qualify to grand final. Sorry, but not really good.
Those wings will help him to fly back to Croatia after the Semi
Amazing! Good luck.
I am really not a fan of this song, it does seem about 10-15 years behind the times, but I have a sinking feeling it will make the final and potentially LHS of the board.
It won’t. This is not like My Friend, I can’t even listen to it. SF2 seems to be the strongest one, so it will crash and burn.
People wont vote a song that half of it its screaming.
But people voted for Hungary last year… (good song with lots of screaming)
Aisling Hungary came 10th in the semi
they barely qualified, and 11th place was so close to them
Albania 2012?
Anyway, I really liked The Dream
I don’t get all this hate :\
The song wouldn’t be bad, but his vocals are not on top, the song doesn’t reach the power it announces. And what a hell is with that wings?
NO NO NO AND NO. TOWER OF BABYLON SHOULD HAVE WON AND WE WOULD HAVE HAD A TOP 10 PLACEMENT. i still cannot believe that now we won’t ever be able to see that amazing song at eurovision. this is so dated and bad. roko is talented, but jacques had this fixed for him, it was clear from the beginning that he was gonna win despite his song, he had that rise like a phoenix author involved in his song and that guy would never get involved in something to just “finish as a runner-up in Croatia”. I honestly hope… Read more »
oh Croatia… it is so oldfashioned! D-Moll sounds current compared to this song…
but “the dream” will be appealing to older viewers, so I actually think Croatia has a Chance to qualify, If no other Balkan-state is giving us a “dramaric”ballad. Mark my words 😉
I actually don’t mind the wings, but the white “leather”-jacket… I hope they have some money left for a decent stylist…
Croatia is in the second semifinal where are the strongest songs traditionally sent from those countries. Croatia doesn’t stand a chance.
I agree 100% with all of you: get rid of the ridiculous wings; and sing 100% in Croatian, and he might have a chance to get to the final
What is it with National finals this year picking the wrong song to represent at Eurovision?
Corruption or just a lack of money
Pick one
I cannot speak for non-balkan countries but miki is right, here it’s corruption. I cannot wait to find out what nonsense we (serbia) are going to elect.
Love your nick ?
Edit: my nick should have been ksenija but i ate that s, what’s done is done
I am embarrassed for the song we picked in Croatia. Montenegro is so bland. Both songs should stay in the semi. You in Serbia have some REALLY good choices, but also some REALLY bad ones. Please, pick wisely. Sincerely, all the best!
Well then you should have recommend some so i can listen to them again 😀
The juries need to satisfy/appeal to our (the balkan) music mafia and they are amazing at their job. I don’t get it, as if they want us to fail. oh well
I want through them several times and I definitely believe you should pick one of these:
– Viktorija
– Nema suza
– Kruna
– Moja bol
– Da li cujes moj glas
– Jos ti cujem glas
For further explanations, you can see my reviews at the page about Serbian poll. I already reviewed my 24th-9th. Top 8 coming in a few hours.
Ivana and Sashka are favourites
Ditch the wings.
Ditch it.
So over the top. They can exchange 12 points with the other Balkan countries, that’s it. Tower of Babylon should have won. And please get rid of the wings!
Idk about other balkan countries but serbia didn’t like jacques enough to give him 12. Televote “only” gave him 5, and he got nothing from the jury . I doubt we’d vote differently for this incarnation of jacques. These kinds of songs (read: dated) aren’t popular here at all
I remember two years ago everyone was hating on my friend and he end up 13 and with the televoters 7 or 8. What’s wrong with you people? You are bashing this song and this poor little boy ( 18 years old) because of houdek? Because of this homophobia things?? Roko I wish you good luck and hopefully see you top 3 in israel . Your song is beautiful. Greetings from turkey
Hahaha now you voting me down for saying the thruth hahaha so funny people here
I’m pretty sure people are downvoting you for accusing them of saying stuff they haven’t said and being blatantly ignorant of what is actually being stated in comments.
Delusional
We are bashing it because of the high pitch yelling.
Oh dear, I laughed so much! Top 3?!???. I bet even the singer is not so dilusional
I hate it. Lorena deserved to win.
She needed better staging, e.g.: 4 oiled up men carrying her in a palanquin; using big drums etc.
No, according to the results she needed to burst everyone’s eardrums to win.
I felt like Jacques wanted to take the mic from him and sing it himself hah
Jacques is so hooked on ESC. I bet he’ll want to participate in all future contests, either as a singer or a songwriter.
Like “Silly Team” Philipp kirkorov?
😀
His songs sound more like Ralph Siegel’s than like Philip Kirkorov’s.
Stole Azerbaijan 2008’s wings
The lyrics may be cringey, but they were actually penned by the author of Rise Like a Phoenix!
I am more worried about all the high-pitch yelling in the song. His voice might crack under pressure after all those rehearsals and performances. They have to perform the song like a dozen times or so. We all remember what happened to Harel Skaat.
The point is, you never want to push to the limits of your voice, always leave some slack.
Is Jacques Houdek behind this song? In this case, Roko Blaževic will be wearing 4 wings
Give him six wings and he would be a seraph.
It’s hard to take it seriously. Everything about it smells early 00’s: The lyrics, the performance, the billingulaism, the drama, the wings.! People will love it for all the wrong reasons:)
They had 16 songs, made an effort to make Dora into MF of the south and this is the result?
Eww those English lyrics. Cringe is real. I really started liking the song when he started singing in Croatian though. That sounds a lot better. But knowing that Jacques is behind the entry I at least hope he won’t make it 100% English.
PS. I want to have a little conversation with the person who thought the wings were a good idea. 🙂