Latvian broadcaster LTV has confirmed the nine acts who have been selected for the grand final of Supernova 2020. Among them are Supernova regulars Samanta Tīna and Edgars Kreilis. However, in a surprise to some fans, Supernova veteran Markus Riva and 2018 fan favourite Madara did not make the final this time.
The finalists include Samanta Tīna, who is making her sixth appearance in a Latvian national selection. Samanta will compete with her song “Still Breathing”.
Edgars Kreilis — another Supernova regular — has also made the list. He will compete with his song “Tridymite”. Edgars is also currently competing on The Voice of Lithuania.
Katrīna Dimanta could be making a return to Eurovision. After competing at Eurovision 2014 as part of folk band Aarzemnieki, she is now making a solo attempt with “Heart Beats”.
As well, new fan favourite ANNNA will compete with her song “Polyester”. She delivers a funky tune that examines the positives and negatives of fast fashion.
Rounding out the finalists are the folk-rock band Bad Habits with “Sail With You”, DRIKSNA with the sad boy song “Stay”, Katrīna Bindere with the edgy pop tune “I Will Break Your Heart” and Miks Dukurs with the romantic ballad “I’m Falling For You”.
The jury gave the ninth position via a wildcard to newcomer Seleste with her minimalist pop song “Like Me”. Supernova producer Ilze Jansone said, “It is important for the competition that there are young, capable and courageous artists who have a dream.”
But two fan favourites didn’t make the grand final. Supernova regular Markus Riva missed out with “Impossible”, co-written by Latvia’s Eurovision queen Aminata Savadogo. Madara, the fan favourite from 2018, also missed out with her earth ballad “Māras zeme”.
How the Supernova jury decided
The nine finalists of the competition were selected by an international jury, which included experts from the fields of music, media and the Supernova producers Latvian Television.
Supernova 2020 producers received 126 entries but a selection committee whittled that down to 26 songs. These shortlisted acts performed their songs at a live audition event.
The jury judged the shortlisted songs on several factors. These included originality and structure of the song, musical potential, the message of the song, the artist’s vocal skills and abilities, the potential to compete in the international marketplace and how a particular artist and song could look at on the big Eurovision stage.
YouTube views were also considered, giving a sign of how the songs were received by the general public over the past week.
This year, Supernova will not involve any heats or semi-finals. The nine acts will head straight to the grand final in just over three weeks’ time on 8 February.
Supernova 2020 – Finalists
- ANNNA – “Polyester”
- Bad Habits – “Sail With You”
- DRIKSNA – “Stay”
- Edgars Kreilis – “Tridymite”
- Katrīna Bindere – “I Will Break Your Heart”
- Katrīna Dimanta – “Heart Beats”
- Miks Dukurs – “I’m Falling For You”
- Samanta Tīna – “Still Breathing”
- Seleste – “Like Me”
What do you think? Are you happy with the Supernova 2020 lineup? Who should represent Latvia in Rotterdam? Tell us your thoughts below!
I hope samanta win to supernova
Edgars to the victory
Samanta Tina no.1!?
to be fair markus’ song was quite lackluster.
Probably for the best that he didn’t make it in the final this time. It’s been a law of diminishing returns for Markus.
Amazing lineup! I am so happy I will break your heart made it through. I’d still say Samantha for the win though
Samantha or Edgars would be my picks for Latvia’s entries. I wouldn’t either of them winning.
I really think the best got through. Madara was my 5th but as I said, I though this one was weaker. My top: 1. Samanta T?na – “Still Breathing” (7.25). The studio version with the video really grabed me but the live performance looks a bit empty, no concept just dancing like she’s crazy or something. Her vocals are on point and she delivers though. The act has potential, but she needs to up the live performance. 2. Miks Dukurs – “I’m Falling For You” (7.25). Wow! Such a great vocalist, he sounds and looks like an accomplished artist with… Read more »
those were auditions, the live performances will be different. Although Samanta was probably the closest to what it will be on Supernova final
These my favourites to win but still i wish first place to – Katrina Dimanta/Bad Habits or Samanta
ANNNA – “Polyester”
Bad Habits – “Sail With You”
Edgars Kreilis – “Tridymite”
Katr?na Dimanta – “Heart Beats”
Samanta T?na – “Still Breathing”
I am surprised that Marcus, Madara. Laika Upe, or Alise are out
You had ONE JOB. Pick Madara and get back to the final. There are still very solid options here, but I’m gutted that she didn’t get into the final.
On the other hand: bye Markus! See you next year!
He said he will not compete next year 🙁
It took him that long to finally realize? jeez
Ah well. Knowing him, he’ll ask about San Marino.
Hi Guys, it’s me MADARA, I just wanted to say Thank you for all the support You have gaved in these last days. Esamiba was my debut, but sincerely I think, that Maras Zeme wasn’t less strong, they were equal, atleast in the energy basis what I felt, if not even stronger. That is why I believed so much in this song to move it forward for Eurovision. Mara is – Mother Earth in our Latvian mithology and I wanted to show a part of our historic culture. Nevertheless I will release a video for this song, and I love… Read more »
You are an absolute genius who was robbed blind in 2018 and now. You deserve a spot on the Eurovision stage and I hope you give it another go someday!
Love is all we need <3
Amen to that.
I will wait for the video!
And I wishe that one day you will represent Latvia in Eurovision song contest!
<3
Don’t give up 🙂 You’ve got a unique style and you beautifully showcase the Latvian culture. Your works create an unearthly mood that deeply moves me, even though I don’t understand a word; they’re not just songs – they’re spiritual experiences. I sincerely believe your time will come sooner or later – such a talent just cannot be wasted. Lots of love to you, cello queen!
You are right there with me! <3
We all are. Hope you’re still eligible for the second-chance contest the fan clubs run each year. They’d be foolish not to pick your song to represent Latvia, and I’ll vote for it if they do!
Thank you for two hauntingly beautiful songs, Madara! I would have voted for you in Eurovision and Maras zeme would be a guaranteed top ten entry. 🙂 I am looking forward to the video. Sending my love from Croatia to Latvia. 🙂
I receive your love <3
I means a lot to me too. Your music is magical and deeply emotional. 🙂
Hi ma’am The Latvian jury clearly has a bias for songs not in English I would really love to hear your music in the future and see you taking it to a wider audience either through Eurovision or beyond Personally , I connected better with esamiba and it seemed more easier for me to sing along. However , I liked the step with adding a few lines in English . Maybe add a few more in English with a song which is similar to esamiba and then the stupid Latvian jury will make you win. Did they even consider the… Read more »
Hi MADARA, just wanted the thank you for your beautiful music! I love your style, and started to introduce your songs to my friends here in America who love it too! I’m hoping someday you will bring the beautiful Latvian language to Eurovision!
Hey Madara! So disappointed not to see you in the final. I have so much respect for the message of the song and showcasing your culture. Can’t wait to see the video!
Samantha has to win
Honestly, this result is just amazing. My top 3 is Samanta T?na, Katr?na Dimanta and ANNNA and they all made it through. I’m glad that the jury had balls to do this. Kicking Markus Riva out although DJ Rudd (the main judge) said that if Markus was competing he’d definitely win. His song and voice were two things that didn’t blend together and this act just wasn’t up to par with his previous attempts. Katr?na Bindere is the WTF qualifier. HOW THE HEKK????? It just- , this just- ,this just doesn’t sit right with me. She’s gained some recognition because… Read more »
cancel Latvia this year. Madara was the only authentic entry. So it will be this Tina – Samantha somebody… boring.
Aww, I am really sad about Madara not making it. I love her songs…it’s exactly my style. I am really hoping she keeps trying and hopefully we will see her back in the final next year with another strong entry. I thought Maras Zeme was really good…enough for me to want to buy it on itunes. I do have Esamiba downloaded and…I can see where people may think her last attempt was a little bit stronger and it probably was but, to me, this was a good song to try to enter it too. I don’t think I have been… Read more »
I’m very disappointed that Ruta and Madara won’t be in the final. There’s something wrong when juries are more scared than the audiences from what runs away from the obvious. At least, Miks made it and I would keep an eye on him, he could be a dark horse. Though I believe it’s Samanta time, which wouldn’t displease me at all. There are also other nice things in the final. Bad Habits may be divisive, but it’s interesting. One Katrina is very entertaining, the other has a style I dig. ANNNA’s song growns on you when you open to its… Read more »
I’m scared that Markus Riva weirdest fans will try to ruin the contest by voting for the worst performance and/or song.
They would’ve voted for the worst song either way, so nothing changes.
Is this Samanta’s year?? I hope!! 🙂
I can see people voting for Katr?na Dimanta or someone random, tbh.
Samanta T?na winner of course! Madara in 2018 had better song than this year, sorry.
I echo a lot of the comments about Madara, she had a song that came from the heart an as an artists when you are pushed so harshly it hurts us. My thoughts go out to her.
As for Markus, he should have tried harder. We all know he has released BETTER TRACKS than what hes put forth for Supernova.
Overall like the top 8 they have selected, missing on my faves Ruta but also I am glad they are at least giving a platform for newcomers, kinda like Slovenia, in this case Seleste.
I’m disappointed for “For you ” to be left over much weaker songs. Anyone else expecting her to go through ?
Latvia has gone completely mad… To not select Madara and even leave her out of the final is a disgrace… Shame on Supernova.
the thing is Maras Zeme’s lyrics are super cheesy. I could not listen to the song without a cringe.
Eurovision fans being entitled as anything and throwing a tantrum when their favourite doesn’t get through… What else is new? Rooting for Miks or Edgars to win from this bunch. I personally really don’t like Samanta’s song, but I’ve made peace with the fact she could win.
I think a Latvian has to go quite far to find a Primark. H&M might work.
Samanta, I Love U!!
Yes edgars!
You may not agree with me, but honestly, I just can not understand some countries’ persistence to keep using national finals as their selection methods. While it’s always exciting and interesting to follow them, and while I’m always up for diversity, some national finals just don’t work year by year. Unfortunately, Supernova is one of them. I don’t say that these singers are bad, but the songs are just meh. I can not imagine any of these going very far in Rotterdam. Btw, Latvia is not the only country. Some countries really have to set up the quality of the… Read more »
tea upon tea. supernova keeps on going bc the inaugural edition in 2015 led to aminata’s great result, but her participation was clearly a fluke and no one has been able to get remotely close since then. latvia should consider going internal.
As if that would help in Latvia’s case. It’s just a matter of taste. They’d pick something like Awe or Sail With Me anyway and we wouldn’t even be able to hear (and playlist) all the good songs they ditch in the process. I still listen to several of the 2018 songs which didn’t even get to the stage of live audition.
u better watch what u make grow <3
Funny reference. Nice. 😉
I am from Latvia and believe me when I say Latvia going internal would be as big of as a disaster as British entries each year.
In addition, Supernova is not only Eurovision pre-selection, but also a chance for new artists to break through. Sudden Lights is a great example for that.
Honestly Supernova usually has good entries and the five songs selected with the process all have merit. This just seems like a weaker year than usual, but it’s not like people were clamouring for DMGP to be cancelled in 2015 after a weak year…
Could not disagree more. This year is much better than 2019, and maybe even 2018
The EBU highly encourages broadcasters to televise selection shows to help build excitement for the main contest itself in their respective markets.
I’m from the opinion that if your national final isn’t working, you should improve it, but not get rid of it. I would say the biggest problem with national finals is the fact they don’t go after the right song, they simply wait the right song to come to them. That’s why I like Portugal’s recent approach. They invite songwriters they believe are talented. This way, some people that would never think about trying Eurovision may be more inclined to take a chance (especially when they have the option to pick another artist to defend their song, which is also… Read more »
Samanta Tina, ANNNA and Katrina Dimanta and Katrina Bindere were my favorites and they all made it to the final! I’m sad that Madara didnt make it but Latvia still has at least 4 amazing songs to choose for Amsterdam. Also Markus didnt deserve to qualify and I am glad he’s gone
Amsterdam?? I’ve got some news for you…
Amsterdam wolked out like Srbuk from semi final 2 …:(
Madara probably won’t return 🙁 She got really depressed after not being chosen and even posted a story in Insta saying that she felt like a sunken ship.
I am so sorry. 🙁 I hope she knows she gained a lot of fans and has put both of her Supernova entries on many playlists and top song choices.
I love all of you !! <3
I might return, who knows what’s the plan of all mighty. The qote of a ship was not to drown by the water that leaks in. I’m standing tall and working on my music, and most of all to move all you! All of your hearts!
Hope you’ll return soon Madara! <3
Markus Riva is overrated like crazy. I’m happy he didn’t make it.
I’m laughing so bad for Markus HAHAHA. He’s always overrated and now he had a really flat song and poor lyrics I’m glad the jury had the courage to kick him off immediately. I’m really sorry for Madara though ?
I haven’t seen all the performances yet (just Madara’s and Markus’ audition videos) but my single complaint with Markus has been his enunciation of English lyrics in his past entries*. No doubt he has a good conversational command of the language but it’s when he sings the stanzas from “Impossible” that shows that he’s not at his most confident in singing the language. And the bridge wasn’t cutting it. The song overall wasn’t his best outing yet. I think his 2018 entry is still the best song he has in the selection. *Anyway, I haven’t listened to some of his… Read more »
Most of his English songs are Supernova entries. Other songs are mostly in Russian, and recently he released and EP in Latvian.
An interesting decision from the Latvian jury. I need some time to fully chew it. Most songs were not a surprise (Samanta Tina has potentially a winning song this year, Katrina Dimanta & Bad Habits have strong songs and performances). Also, Markus Riva and, in fact, Madara as well (although 2018 she had the winning song) were not a surprise – not strong songs and live performances. The surprise, however, comes from Driksna and Seleste. I can see the reason behind Seleste being a new artist, but – sorry – both songs are just forget-me-instantly. Also, Edgars’ song this year… Read more »
Latvian jury can go frick themselves. And the author of this article was in the jury. I don’t really care about Markus. Why didn’t Madara make the cut? Ok, i admit that this year she was weaker but still better that Driksna. She had a good song, strong message, fans behind her. Was the problem that she sings latvian? Is it that bad to sing in latvian? Neighbors can do it and do it well why can’t Latvia? Because it’s not radio friendly? How many winner songs are on the radio right now? I just can’t with this sh*t.
Driksna has a good song, and also bags of charisma
but i want Bad Habits to win, i love their unique voices
I agree. Madara was seriously robbed. Even if Esamiba is even better, Maras zeme is beautiful and should have qualified.
I am puzzled about Driksna too. His song isn’t bad, but his enunciation is. He is not better than Markus Riva when it comes to singing in English.
Yes, I don’t like Markus Riva as an artist, but even I have saved Melns vai Balts to my playlist
Seems like Latvian jury just enjoys one-note songs. Just look at most of their recent winners and half of finalists each year. It’s the songs with very little dynamics, a lot of repetition and much about creating a mood. Songs like Like Me and Polyester (although I like the beat in this one) just prove that. Samanta Tina is a huge exception in this, which makes me think that she’ll either win this with ease or be left far behind. Katrina Bindere qualified because she sold her “sexy song” on stage quite convincingly. She looked the part and tingled the… Read more »
The point is good. 🙂 Minimalism can be effective. I think that in Latvia’s case, it’s a ”hit or miss” kind of situation. Some minimalist songs are quite nice. I actually really enjoyed Line, even if it is admittedly repetitive. Even That Night (which you know I wasn’t a big fan of, but I know you were) is a really pleasant song and ended-up higher on my list when the big night came. The thing is, I have a feeling that Latvia in particular has above average love for minimalist songs (and had it for years), which leaves very little… Read more »
Actually, songs in national languages tend to go rather well on average with *audiences*, but juries often snub them. The simplest explanation would be that juries are instructed to look for ”objectively” biggest hits with broadest marketing. However, Salvador and Jamala’s wins would suggest otherwise. Then again, maybe a lot of jury members don’t even bother to read the lyrics properly, which is a huge issue and should be a contractual obligation. Sure, only 2 songs out of 36 was not a huge chance, but I had my hopes. I thought they were both rather good. I know that tastes… Read more »
Honestly, I didn’t find Madara’s vocals any shaky in the audition. I might be objectively wrong, but I didn’t notice it. I did notice that Seleste wasn’t always on point (although she has a nice voice). I also noticed Driksna’s heavy accent (that eliminates the theory that was the reason Riva failed to qualify). Who’d know what are the actual reasons people voted the way they did. Maybe they just really liked these songs the best. I can only say *I* kinda disagree, but I cannot say they are wrong. And yes, televote *winners* tend to often be in English,… Read more »
2:42 – Yeah, now I noticed that, but it took you to tell me to pay attention. I’ve heard the song many times and didn’t catch it up, It might be because it happens in such a low tempo part of the song that it can easily go unnoticed.
Sure, there are examples like Joci, but on average non-English songs are better liked with the audience (Viszlat nyar, Khteju tokes qualified on televote, Telemovies would get a better result and even Hatrid mun sigra and Sebi got a higher place in televote than with the juries).
…. but I loved KEiiNO 🙂 However, I loved Duncan even more, so I am glad how it turned out. 🙂 Serhat qualifying is still one big joke, but congrats, I guess… Vocal performance is important to me to a certain degree. If the voice is really poor, off key, the accent is too noticeable or I just don’t like the ”color” of singer’s voice, it can make a huge difference. On the other hand, small imperfections don’t bother me much. I mean, Elina Netšajeva will get an additional point for perfection, but I won’t retract anything from Margaret or… Read more »
Both Markus’ and Madara’s songs were awful so the right decision was made. I swear people just convince themselves they like Madara to be edgy… Edgars for the win!
What a rude post! I loved her in 2018, and I love her song in 2020. I’m not trying to be edgy, it’s called different opinions.
I’m not being rude. I didn’t particularly like Esamiba but I appreciated it had a certain quality. With this year’s song I just felt that if Madara hadn’t already competed, no one would have taken any notice of her song this year. The hype was because of the name, not the song.
😀 loving this comment
Samanta Tina by far the worst in this final!!!! Absolutely dreadful combination of song and artist. She does not do this song well!!!!
Miks Dukurs by far the best one in this field!!! Beautiful song and one that everyone will be able to connect to. I also enjoy Bad Habits a lot. Great vocals and great song, but a bit hard to catch the lyrics underway.
I’ll sail on Bad Habits’ boat! Hopefully the destination is Rotterdam:-)
it makes me think of a nice cool performance at a rock music festival here
maybe they should also look up our music festival called Pinkpop here and ask if they can come over
To be honest, Esamiba is a much stronger song than Maras Zeme, so while Madara should’ve been in the final it’s not a huge tragedy that she wasn’t. Markus should’ve been axed for that atrocious live performance.
I guess it is Samanta’s to lose now?
No MADRA????
WTF. I hate my countries jury. Why the fork they gave Seleste a wild card. It’s a music festival not youth festival. Her song stinks.
The worst national selections since 2014 and previous.
They just sunk Supernova into the toilet!!!
I love Seleste, it is very cool and I am happy that they are giving a chance to a young artist to perform. It might put her in the music industry and I expect good things from her. There will be only one winner anyway, so we should not be mad about some of the favorites not being chosen.
Hopefully Madara will come back with an even stronger entry next year
Very sad and disappointed that they didn’t pick Madara in their finals. I didn’t expect her to win, but I firmly believed she’ll end-up in top 4. Also, where is Markus Riva? Sure, I dislike his song, but isn’t he like winning every second list on YT? It’s like they don’t listen to people at all. Sure, the worst acts are out, but half of these are just plain and forgettable. It will be That Night 2.0 situation, where people say it’s nice, but wouldn’t vote it. Also, if originality and interesting structure were the criteria, Madara and Ruta should… Read more »
Markus is only loved by fans because he is well known, they will like anything by him. I think the idea here was that his song is definitely not that good this year, so why even bother putting him through and risk that televote will vote him in 1st place and he will end up flopping in Eurovision. This should be a lesson for him to send a better song, like the ones from his recently released album. It seems like he is always trying to fit into the format so bad and his songs for Supernova just end up… Read more »
I like Markus since last year but I didn’t want him to go through so that’s not the case. My fave is true,edgars!
and no, Edgars should not and will not win. it would be a failure in Eurovision. The song is forgettable. Of course, it is well produced, but it would be bottom 3 in semi.
The only one who is an even worse option out of these is Driksna, the rest could do a little better.
Unfortunately, I think that you might be right about Edgars (you certainly are about Markus Riva). I do like his song, but is it effective enough to vote for? Umm… not really sure. It’s still nice.
Yes Edgars for the win please!
Bad habits and Samanta Tina were the only two songs I liked and they both made it so good work so far Latvia!
This is very poor selection. No final for Latvia this year. Glad that Riva is out though as his song was dreadful. Cannot understand that someone thought its good just because it had a beat – it was really outdated.
Another “no final” guy just because you don’t like any song? 😀 chill, there are few songs that can go to the final, even if you don’t like them.
Samanta Tina will 100% qualify for the final
I don’t like any of these songs. Can’t see any of them in the Grand Final. Sorry Latvia.
Samanta Tina will 100% qualify for the final.
Wow. Juries really don’t like Markus Riva.
I’m most sad about Alise missing out. You could make an argument for all of those finalists making it, well, maybe not Bad Habits, but the rest definitely have a case.
He’s not good live. But he had the most decent song.
Why not Bad Habits? To be honest, I think Bad Habits would do the best out of all of them. Of course the gays don’t like it, but straigh people likes it and we all know which one is the majority of the voters
I’m straight and I don’t like it, stop trying to find excuses to insult LGBT people
I am gay and I insulted LGBT people because I said that they don’t like Bad Habits? I just stated the obvious.
So gay people can’t like alt rock? You must be fun.
I repeat, I am gay and I mostly listen to alternative, but most gay people who are Eurovision fans don’t. This have been pattern for many years in national selection process, as well as in Eurovision (Georgia 2016 was hated by most of the fans, while it was my winner)
Well, I’m gay, and Bad Habits is my clear favourite amongst them. I like to think that people and their taste in music is quite diverse, no matter what sexual orientation one may have.
I have very mixed feelings here. I feel like Sail With You might be a solid song underneath, but I really cannot enjoy the singer’s voice, which puts it all in a bad position.
“the message of the song”? really? I absolutely understand this for Samantha and others, but for ANNNA?! I like it though, it’s catchy. And I hate to say this but maybe Madara was a little underwhelming I think, just like Markus’s live. I guess I’m happy with the finalists. GO SAMANTA!!! from Mexico <3
Annna’s song is about fast fashion
Riva’s song was horrible, just like all of his previous attempts to Supernova. Glad he’s out, he can’t sing… When will he quit participating? Oh, and Madara, another boring, outdated band with a snooze song…
Except for Tridymite, why do the songs of the qualified male artists sound like they are this year’s Eesti Laul songs?
This is a joke right?!
Finally Riva is out. Too bad he didn’t listen to last year’s advice
I don’t care for Riva
WHERE ARE MADARA!?!
Markus has been the best every year. Don’t know what you’re talking about.