“See you in Rotterdam!” The words of singer Vasil Garvanliev, confirming his participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 for North Macedonia.
“Thank you for all the love, support, and positive energy,” he writes on Instagram beneath a compilation video celebrating his Eurovision journey. “Thank you @eurovisionmacedonia for this amazing video.”
“Love always wins and music touches souls. Here WE stand!”
Vasil confirms Eurovision 2021 participation for North Macedonia
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Vasil’s announcement comes days after North Macedonia’s broadcaster MRT announced it would be reviewing aspects of the country’s participation in Eurovision. This followed the controversy over an artwork resembling the Bulgarian flag being shown in the music video for Vasil’s Eurovision 2021 song “Here I Stand”.
Meri Popova, North Macedonia’s Head of Delegation, released a statement outlining the broadcaster’s plans:
“Macedonian Radio Television has established an internal commission to review and analyse all aspects arising from public reactions related to the Eurovision Song Contest. The public service broadcaster will also take into account the obligations noted in the participation license, as well as the obligations arising from the membership in the European Broadcasting Union, where MRT is an integral part of the public service association in the European Union. The public will be additionally informed about the final decision of MRT.”
The broadcaster did not fully explain what they meant by reviewing and analysing “all aspects arising from public reactions related to the Eurovision Song Contest.”
Some Eurovision fans interpreted the statement as implying that Vasil may be replaced as North Macedonia’s act for Eurovision 2021. But thankfully that’s no longer a worry.
The announcement follows several days of debate surrounding North Macedonia’s entry for Eurovision 2021. Vasil is due to represent North Macedonia with his self-written ballad “Here I Stand”.
Last week, the music video for the song was replaced with a new version. The video — which was shot in North Macedonia’s national art gallery — had shown an artwork that resembled the flag of Bulgaria. Some people felt it was inappropriate for North Macedonia’s Eurovision video to include such an artwork, owing to historic tensions between the countries.
Others from North Macedonia picked up on an interview from early 2020 that Vasil had with wiwibloggs. In the interview, Vasil talked to me about his life story and mentioned he had both Macedonian and Bulgarian citizenship. He explained he was from the town of Strumica in the eastern part of the country very close to the Bulgarian border and also had an ancestral connection with Bulgaria.
Are you happy that the broadcaster is giving Vasil is hard-earned place at Eurovision? Are you hopeful the drama is now behind him? Let us know in the comments box below.
I have to be the only one who loved Vasils 2019 entry (I still hear it a lot!), the 2020 song is not as good but I still like it and he seems such a nice guy!
Hey look, a comment section
Really! Where? 😛
His participation was never in question, this was a PR stunt.
So, there were “matters arising,” which were apparently discussed and no further action was taken. Sounds like an episode of “Yes, Minister.” 😀
Welcome back Vasil.
Yess MRT made the smart choice. We (Macedonia) won’t do very well but at least we’re participating
Lol what happened to Vasil, did he fall into a Hipster makeover machine, shaved sides, mullet. Eshay as. Haha.
But who are we kidding the real star here is Will Lee Adams. I read his articles in his voice for the full effect. Love ya Will! 🙂
One drama is solved. Now, I m waiting for Russia, Belarus and…
Glad they didn’t withdraw, imo this drama was pointless and it would’ve been a huge shame for Vasil to lose his second chance like Athena did
Great news! He deserves to live this moment he has been waiting for.
This drama was (is) nonsense.
“the European Broadcasting Union, where MRT is an integral part ”
Very bold claim there MRT, I doubr Jan Ola Sand is hanging on your every word.
Jon Ola Sand is gone, and the EBU is more than just the song contest – MRT is a member, and members are important.
Yay! 😀
So happy. The controversy was ridiculous. This is such a victory for good sense and hopefully is a sign that Macedonia and Bulgaria can resolve their differences. Great that a lovely guy, and a great arist, like Vasil could help this process.
Lawd….I just wish the dramas would stop! It’s a song competition. Even though I really don’t like the song, you can’t deny that Vasil is a great singer….glad he’s got his moment.
I can’t quite make space for them in terms of who I think they’ll replace as a qualifier, but I think either this or Slovenia is going to qualify from this Semi. I’m actually leaning towards Slovenia to be honest, I think it will be a jury favourite and do okay with the televote. But it could Macedonia, I think it will come down to live performances and staging. Both are being discounted it seems but I think there’a space for one of them to surprise.
Same. For me there’s no comparison.
I think Slovenia is being massively underrated, a little like Austria 2018 and N Macedonia 2019. I really hope Ana gets the opportunity to deliver a live (not backup) powerhouse performance.
I actually like Slovenia. I would be happy to see Ana in final even though she is not in my top 10 of the semi final.
Tbh I think that North Macedonia is, sadly, a sure NQ. When I first heard Slovenija I had goosebumps on my whole body, i could remember the song from first listen and it actually stands out in this semi final.
I feel like he could pull off a Moldova 2019 where ppl thought Anna would get last in the Semi but got a respectful 12th place
Great news!
I look forward to Belarussian song. Hope for good folk rock song.
I look forward to Belarus being disqualified
If they changed their minds and sent Val yes, but now it’s a big NO
As long as BRTC keeps this group to represent the country, no doubt the song will be bad (with or without political statements). I’m perfectly okay with seeing Belarus last of its semi final 🙂
Maybe they could get Stephane and 3G (Georgia 2009) to help them with a more suitable song?
Innecesary drama. They were no reasons for withdrawal
This is a great news! I am glad that Vasil and North Macedonia are in. 🙂
yay! vasil seems like such a nice guy, and even if his song is not the best by a long shot, I’m pretty sure he will be so fun to watch in the interviews and green room.
juries will probably appreciate this one actually, could do better in the semifinal than we expect. not qualifying but still okay