Following its 2019 revival, Croatia’s HRT confirmed in September that Dora would return once again for Eurovision 2020. And on Tuesday 5 November, the broadcaster formally launched its call for entries.

Dora 2020 — Song submission

In a brief statement, the network outlines that it will accept submissions up until 15 December. Once the deadline passes, a panel of experts will listen to all the songs received. This preliminary jury will be made up of reps from HRT itself, as well as HDS and HGU, the Croatian Composers’ Society and Croatian Musicians’ Union respectively.

Sixteen songs will go on to compete in the one-shot Dora final.

The release concludes with some basic rules. Along with the standard Eurovision regulations regarding length and release dates, the guide also stipulates that songs must be performed by Croatian citizens — Aly Ryan need not apply. However, songwriters may come from anywhere.

The application form can be found here.

Dora 2020 — Dates and Venues

It’s not yet clear when or where the show will take place. For the 2019 edition, the broadcaster made an agreement with the resort town of Opatija to host the national selection on February 16. It was held in the Marino Cvjetković Sports Hall. The organisers from Opatija have stated that they hope the contest will continue taking place in the stunning town, as they fought hard to woo HRT.

Croatia returns to Dora for Eurovision 2020

Croatia will use Dora for the second consecutive year after resurrecting the national final last year following an eight-year hiatus.

The broadcaster received 150 song submissions and a jury consisting of seven people spent a week listening to all of the songs. The broadcaster ultimately revealed sixteen songs and acts.

Working with composer Jacques Houdek, high school student Roko Blažević won with “The Dream” — a power ballad that came with an over-the-top stage show which brought to life visions of heaven and hell.

The best part of it was, no doubt, Roko’s voice. As our William wrote ahead of Eurovision:

“Whether you think this is a sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare likely depends on how you handle volume. Roko gets very loud. Repeatedly and without retreat. But in my mind it just underscores the power of this song, which takes us on a journey from soft contemplation to a full-on celebration of dreams, love, and God knows what else. I’m here for Roko’s voice. I’m here for the classic — some may read that as dated — melody. And I’m here for the DRAMA.”

Roko didn’t manage to make the final, placing 14th in his semi.

Follow all of our Croatia Eurovision 2020 news.

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Liam
Liam
4 years ago

Why can’t I escape the feeling that Croatia is sending to Rotterdam a song that will have “THE WINNER” written all over it?! Dora 2020 may be a pleasant surprise!

Žutokljunac
Žutokljunac
4 years ago

Nice, I hope that it will be better songs than this year.
I would like to see Mia Dimsic or Nina Badric at Eurovision, they are great singers and would do good job.

Borna
Borna
4 years ago
Reply to  Žutokljunac

I totally disagree with you! Nina Badric had its chances and picked an awful song to my astonishment, and Mia Dimsic is indeed a great songwriter, but her vocal performance requires enhancement or at least she needs to be more self-confident while having a live performance at the ESC stage. Dora 2019 was not good enough, so I hope the HRT will finally do it’s best and organize the festival professionally, with some really beautiful songs, and not kitsch songs we had last year that an average Croatian never listens to. If Croatia truly wants to win in Rotterdam, they… Read more »

Milan
Milan
4 years ago

Strange how after such a successful streak in the 1990s Croatia seems to never have recovered their compass. I hope we’ll have more entries like Danijela in 1995 or particularly 1998 (easily the best Croatian entry ever).

Azaad
Azaad
4 years ago

Keep Jacques away and Dora could show some promise. They have a Lighthouse level entry in them for 2020, or they could do a Balkan ballad as a tested but enduring classic.

Rasmus
Rasmus
4 years ago
Reply to  Azaad

Dont you think he will apply? maybe not after the croatian media said he stole all Rokos spotlight in Tel Aviv.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
4 years ago

awful winner aside, their selection was great this year, so i’m excited

Erasmus
Erasmus
4 years ago

Well last year this was (along with Moldova’s as always) the NF that was the most dated, so kinda hope this fixes this year (doubt it though)… Croatia has such a strong music scene, but you can almost never see it at esc (except Nina Kraljic and Franka)..

domsi
domsi
4 years ago
Reply to  Erasmus

The owner of the Hall where Dora will be held said that Dora will be much better in 2020 when it comes to stage, audio, camera work, etc.
And Eurovision voting system will be applied too.

Milan
Milan
4 years ago
Reply to  domsi

…which will have absolutely zero impact on song quality.

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
4 years ago

Just no more angel themes, please. And if at all possible, no more Houdeks, although the ridiculousness of it all was very Eurovision-y and I suppose some sort of fun. I’d love a big shot like Severina, or a promising newcomer who is backed by good songwriters. Btw: Thank god for the citizen rule. This season is really showing how apt it is.