She’s tried six times before to get to Eurovision but Samanta Tīna‘s Eurovision journey isn’t over. Latvian broadcaster LTV announced tonight that the singer — who previously won Supernova 2020 with her song “Still Breathing” — will return to represent Latvia at Eurovision 2021.
Samanta learned the good news tonight in a show broadcast on LTV before Eurovision 2020: Shine A Light. Supernova host and Eurovision commentator Toms Grevins had a pre-show discussion with Samanta Tīna where they looked through her past performances in Supernova.
Right at the end of the show, it was officially announced that Samanta had earned Latvia’s ticket to Eurovision 2021. Toms presented Samanta with a plaque to commemorate her selection.
The “Still Breathing” singer became emotional when she heard the news. She exclaimed, “Oh God, how beautiful! Really? Madness, so nice! I would kiss you and hug you with the same enthusiasm as I did on the stage of Supernova, but I can’t!”
Samanta Tīna competed at Latvia’s national final five times previously, before winning the 2020 edition with “Still Breathing”.
What will happen to Latvia’s national final Supernova?
While Samanta Tīna has been confirmed, there’s no news on how her new song for Eurovision will be selected. LTV has said that they will discuss the subject with Samanta herself in relation to their new television season.
But the news means that there definitely won’t be a 2021 edition of the Latvian national final Supernova — at least not in its usual format. Supernova has been used since 2015, but Supernova winners have only made it to the Eurovision grand final twice.
The broadcaster’s comments suggest that rather than having a song internally selected, there will be some sort of television show involved with selecting Samanta Tīna’s song for 2021. This may be similar to the format used by Israel to select Eden Alene’s song for 2020.
As well, Supernova producer Ilze Jansone recently left her job at Latvian Television, which also suggests a new future for the national final.
Eurovision 2021 confirmed artists
Samanta Tīna joins a list of 15 other acts that have already been confirmed to be representing their countries at Eurovision 2021:
- Australia – Montaigne (confirmed 2 April)
- Austria – Vincent Bueno (confirmed 26 March)
- Azerbaijan – Efendi (confirmed 20 March)
- Belgium – Hooverphonic (confirmed 20 March)
- Bulgaria – Victoria (confirmed 21 March)
- Czech Republic – Benny Cristo (confirmed 13 May)
- Georgia – Tornike Kipiani (confirmed 21 March)
- Greece – Stefania (confirmed 18 March)
- Israel – Eden Alene (confirmed 22 March)
- Latvia – Samanta Tīna (confirmed 16 May)
- Malta – Destiny (confirmed 16 May)
- Netherlands – Jeangu Macrooy (confirmed 18 March)
- Romania – Roxen (confirmed 31 March)
- Spain – Blas Cantó (confirmed 18 March)
- Switzerland – Gjon’s Tears (confirmed 20 March)
- Ukraine – Go_A (confirmed 18 March)
What do you think? Are you excited for Samanta getting another shot at Eurovision? How Latvia should select the song for her? Leave your comment below!
Really had to cry when I saw this.
One of the returns I am most happy about: she’s made so many efforts!
Queen Samanta is composing a seventh song now, that is DEDICATION!
Probably a blessing in disguise her song this year was ok but I doubt it would of done much in Rotterdam. It was interesting but essentially a bit of a mess, she needs to rock up with a proper song because she has the ability to sell it.
So happy for her, bless her heart
Yass, the composer is back!
Given how many times she’s tried out, as well as the clause that prevents prior Supernova winners from competing again, this is only fair. However, Israel’s and Romania’s selections worked this year because it remained a contest between different songwriters, although if Samanta constantly writes her own stuff this may be hard to reconcile- maybe she could do each song as a collaboration with a different songwriter- Aminata is great but Supernova demonstrates that Latvia has other musical talent.
Well, I`m sure that Samanta will give us her best song next year! She can sing ballads and bangers. I am not sure about Romania – can she step out of Billie Eilish wannabe bubble and show us something more?! I like RO this year but not sure about her future music
ROXEN herself is leaning towards a house dance singer, so the BE-style ballad is already a ‘more’ for her. But I agree that she could have a more showcaseful song.
So happy, “Still breathing” was my #7. It would’ve been a huge mistake to not pick her for next year. She has an amazing voice but also lots of energy to give, she could sing perfectly both on an uptempo or a ballad.
As much as I love Aminata, I never understood the big amount praise she got for “Still Breathing”. After all, she only wrote the lyrics, and despite the iconic line about life being music and Samanta Tina being a composer, I don’t consider them the best part of the song. The music was composed entirely by Samanta so she’s certainly capable of writing a smashing track on her own. Though, of course, it would be cool if they joined the forces next year.
YES! Although i hate her song, im so happy for her. She deserves it and i hope i will like her song next year and if not, i hope she will be having the time of her life!
I am probably most happy about this than of all the other returning artists – she really deserves it!
Great personality, that Samanta. The song could have been better, but it would have been a special act, that’s for sure. I liked her energy and strong desire to go in 2021. So I’m really happy for her.
Fantastic news! She deserves it so much! Especially after all these attempts 🙂
Soo happy for her!! Still breathing was one of the best Latvian entries!
Lithuania and Estonia should do the same.. actually all countries, just come on
Btw, Destiny, Ana Soklic and Senhit will also compete next year!! Yaass
Yeeeeeeeesssssss!!!! Great job Latvia! I’m so happy for her! She deserved it!!!!!! <3
Regardless of the song, she’s an amazing performer, having an amazing voice and great stage presence. It would’ve been awful if Samanta didn’t come back, considering she’s been waiting for so long and is just great on stage. If she works with Aminata again, Latvia could do great things. Congrats, Samanta!
Wow! I’m beyond happy for her, because now her dream can finally come true. I have huge respect for the Latvian broadcaster.
Excellent news. I’m thankful, Samanta deserves it. :’)
Samantha seems to be such a great and nice woman and you can see that she really wants to do it. She deserves it and she deserves our support for loving the contest probably as much as we do. I’m happy for her and I hope she’ll come back with a great song. Now let’s show this video to all the undecided broadcasters to show them how important and involved the artists are and that they deserve to come back in 2021. Yes National selections mean, in some of them, a lot of money, but sometimes thinking with your heart… Read more »
Yessss I love her so much! <3 She’s amazing
Yes! Congratulations to Samanta (and Destiny) for returning to the ESC stage! It’s where they belong. 🙂
Tonight’s show was very lovely. All contestants singing Shine a Light were so sweet! I hope we continue doing interesting stuff on Wiwibloggs during post-ESC times. All the best to everyone and have a great day!
That was the only right thing to do. I’m so happy for her, she’s been waiting so long for this to happen, and I just can’t wait to watch her slay at Eurovision in 2021. Good luck, Samanta, destiny is in your hands!
Oh wow, this really puts Lithuania’s decision to shame now. Congrats to Latvia and Samanta.
Lithuania couldn’t let go of their national final because the new format was a success for the broadcaster.
It’s actually the only program that brings any traffic to that terrible terrible channel. No wonder they are milking it.
This is the right choice. Imagine the outrage if they chose not to!