SKOPJE, FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA – “The sooner the better” seems to be the early slogan of Eurovision 2015. We all thought Malta would be the first country to choose its entry this year but today, another country, often rumoured as being out of the line up next year, has made a surprising move.
National broadcaster, MRT, has confirmed its participation and has even announced the comeback of the famous “Скопки Фестивал” (also known as Skopje Fest or simply Skopje).
On November 13th, 20 acts will compete in this year’s festival and prizes will be given to the top 3 songs, and of course the winning entry should wave the FYR Macedonia’s flag in Austria.
Contenders have until July 31st to bid following instruction on the MRT Skopje 2014 website
PHOTO: EUROVISION.TV / EBU
EDITOR’S VIEW
Things are going so fast this year. By mid-October we will know the line-up of the Jubilee Contest. Now the question is, will the first Eurovision 2015 entry be from FYR Macedonia? At that speed, one can expect all entries to be revealed by New Year’s Eve…
DID YOU KNOW?
FYR Macedonia first entered the contest in 1996 (without qualifying for the final in Oslo) but hasn’t been that successfull since then. So far 14 entries of theirs have been performed on Eurovision stage and the best result was achieved in 2006 with Elena Risteska’s “Ninanajna” (12th place in the final). Out of 11 attempts, FYR Macedonia has reached the Grand Final on 6 occasions only. This year, Tijana performed the catchy tune “To The Sky” in Copenhagen and disapointingly ended up 13th of the second semi-final. SkopjeFest is a popular local festival created in 1969. In 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 the winner was sent to Eurovision stage. This year the 20th edition of SkopjeFest will take place.