We’ve just learned a new word in Croatian. It’s “pobjednik” and it means “winner.” And if Croatian betting site lutrija.hr has it right, then the winner of Dora 2021 is most likely to be Nina Kraljić – with the song “Rijeka”.
Nina, who landed our radar in a big way during Eurovision 2016, isn’t just riding a wave built on reputation. Oh no. She’s also benefitting from the positive response to the one-minute snippet of her song. Presenting traditional sounds in a contemporary way, she’s ready to showcase her talent along with her country’s rich soundscape. We’re confident the hype will keep rolling once the remaining two minutes drop. Nina sees the lighthouse and is ready to set sail for Rotterdam!
Croatia’s national final is no joke though. The bookies think there is tough competition in the form of Mia Negovetic. You’ll remember that last year she tied for first place with Damir Kedžo, but lost out owing to tie-break rules. Her song was co-written by Melodifestivalen queen and Eurovision winning songwriter Linnea Deb (“Heroes”, “Monsters” ).
Third with the bookies is Albina and her dance track “Tick-Tock”. In her lyrics, she’s ready to break the chains of her relationship and slay her way into a new day. As she sings: “I feel fire inside, my heart’s desire, I’m breaking free from you.” His days are numbered and, like a clock rushing to the future, our girl goes Tick-Tock. Kaboom!
Pleases note: We’ve updated this post, as the odds shifted significantly just hours after we published. These are now accurate as of 14:00 GMT on February 9.
Dora 2021 betting odds
Nina Kraljić – “Rijeka” (3.00)
Mia Negovetić – “She’s Like a Dream” (6.00)
Albina – “Tick-Tock” (6.00)
Filip Rudan – “Blind” (12.00)
Cambi – “Zaljubljen” (12.00)
Bernarda – “Colors” (12.00)
Tony Cetinski & Kiki Rahimovski – “Zapjevaj, Sloboda Je!” (13.00)
Toma – “Ocean Of Love” (35.00)
Ella Orešković – “Come This Way” (40.00)
Ashley Colburn & Bojan Jambrošić – “Share The Love” (60.00)
Eric – “Reci Mi” (80.00)
Sandi Cenov – “Kriv” (80.00)
Beta Sudar – “Ma Zamisli” (80.00)
Brigita Vuco – “Noći Pijane” (80.00)
Who is your favourite and where do the bookies place them? Let us know in the comments down below.
It is a good selection which has not happened in Dora for a while. I just wonder how HRT will stage everything: I was not super happy with the last two years and they way they produced the show.
I don’t know…I expect some surprises and even surprising winner.
It is not easy win for Nina theres a lot of good contender here didnt expect Croatia to have a good song but watch out for Mia and Albina they might steal it from her. From the snipped I like Bernada but idk if the full version can change my thought.
Croatia should send something melodious and authentic. One word – Cambi! <3
While my fave is Eric, I would be happy if Nina or Filip wins. These will all be respectable entries showcasing Croatian talent to Europe. But I have this nagging fear that Cetinski will win (Croats seem to be fascinated with nutjobs like him, Jacques Houdek being case in point). Of course, you young folks may not remember but he may be the most overrated singer in the history of the contest: how he beat a masterpiece like “Sto Pregando” in 1994 still puzzles me after 26 years.
While that isn’t impossible, Tony is currently only 7th on domestic betting odds and there are more people disagreeing with the message of his song than agreeing. Also, add the fact that the song is musically quite dated and sub-par, even if you disregard the lyrics. If Indira wasn’t able to win with a much more immediate song, I hope that Tony won’t either. I’ll likely vote for Nina, but I don’t think I would hate a scenario of win by Albina, Filip, Bernarda, Mia, ToMa, Eric or Cambi. It all depends on whether the rest of the song is… Read more »
Rijeka is truly enchanting
Nina is an okay person, vocally impeccable, but she already represented Croatia and, what I disliked about her at the time, was that she insisted on having an absolutely weird styling and staging + an absolutely tasteless official video, which eventually proved to be a flop and nothing but a flop… sorry, Nina! Unless you surprise us with something truly outstanding and amazing in your performance and staging, my vote will most likely go to Cambi as I do want my country to be represented by someone singing in Croatian as I’m sick and tired of everyone trying to sing… Read more »
Vocal performances and song quality are still appreciated, otherwise most 2010s winners would not have won. Diversity is indeed good, but everyone is allowed to send what they want doesn’t matter the language.
I agreed about everything you said about why Nina didn’t do well in 2016 tbh.
I think her song is the only one that could qualify in the bloodbath that will be the SF1. But sadly I don’t think she will win.
I like Mia Negoveti? – “She’s Like a Dream”. I agree with the the comments on Youtube, she has an Ariana Grande vibe.
Although, Nina will be the winner (she has many fans!). But the snippet is kinda boring but I know the song will have a strong bridge.
If Belarus and Russia are banned from ESC because all end up dead who say they dont like their dictators. Many have died. I would be super happy then. And if Croatia choose a great song.
That….is not remotely the subject of this article.
i know. Its STILL my dream
Both countries will compete and it’s time to accept that fact.
EBU should fine people like you just like they did with ukraine. eurovision is not meant to divide people
Fine me for what? Supporting Freedom? Not want people to being killed every day in Russia and Belarus ? Then FINE me big time . Its 1000% worth it!!!!
Calm down Linus, let us forget about politics for a sec! It‘s not Putin representing Russia at the ESC stage
Based on the snippets I ‘ve heard I hope that Nina will win Dora. I like her song most of all. I can ‘t wait to hear the whole song
So glad to see you here Ria… Just leave Songfestival weblog… All the users over there are so negative and toxic… I don’t know what Dutch Eurovision fans expect of a Eurovision song anymore… A golden fart from God’s Behind… So negative all the time… You are far too kind and gentle for those negative people.
Thank you for your kind words Jean -Paul. I understand your meaning. I try to be positive for giving my opinion about entry ‘s and performers. Off cause I have my favorites, but I will never be negative about some songs or performers.
It would be nice to see some new faces though, subject to song of course.
Based on snippets Nina stand outs although that was 1 min of the song. Literally, while I was listening I thought it pass only 10 sec not 60 sec which just proved to me I’ve been possessed 😉
I hope Nina will have great stagging as this song deserves.
If Nina not do not win, I have nothing against Albina represnt Croatia – just have to see how will looks and sounds live!
I prefer Nina to win from the snippets, but usually my favorites don’t win in Dora.
I think mia might have better chance to win(although I don’t like her song).
I want nina to win and change the chorus a bit
You didn’t even hear the full chorus tho…The snippet is just the first minute
It looks like semi one will be a lot of uptempo songs, so a ballad would really stand out. Nina is the best choice
I like Nina, but the melody doesn’t stay in my head at all
haha no offense but that opinion was weird.
She’s my fav as well. Can’t wait to hear the whole thing
Betting odds don’t mean an awful lot at the moment. Most of the time early betting odds are based on fan polls and lets be honest. Typical “eurofan taste” and the general public very rarely have the same favourites and the betting odds here do seem to be very similar to fan polls. If Nina wins then that is great for her and I wish her the best of luck. I just don’t think it’s as clear-cut as some people seem to think it is. I personally think Filip Rudan is a likely winner on Saturday. But please, if your… Read more »
Honestly her song has the most potential out of all of them, it sounds unique and it could have great dramatic staging! And we all know Nina can sing great live! So she should get the ticket in my opinion! The lyrics are beautiful as well!
Nina sings great live?! Based on some live performances of her I saw on YouTube, I am not so sure… I think it depends on the song and maybe her mood… I do hope she gives a great live performance of “Rijeka”, it’s a promissing song. 🙂
i agree. People get salty when people express their honest opinion!
2016 was five years ago. That’s a lot of time in which an artist can improve their vocals. Look at KeiiNO – they’ve only been away two years and their live vocals sounded much better than 2019. Musicians are always training and improving. I thought Nina’s YouTube clips were good, bear in mind she’s just in her house in front of a mic, not delivering a big performance on stage (if we’re talking about the same thing), so she’s not going to give it her absolute all like she will at Dora (fingers crossed!). Also, Nina herself said she’s been… Read more »
It’s really funny to even question her singing. Yes, grand finale wasn’t her best, but that’s like…one performance in a thousand of brilliant performances. This song is in her native language and she wrote it so I’m 100 % sure she’ll sing it perfectly like she only knows.
Albina for the WIN! Tick Tock is a dance bop!!
Anyhow we ll probably select yet again another ballad sung by male quoir
Nina Kraljic coming soon Rotterdam