HRT Announces Eurovision participation alongside some new rules for Dora 2023

Croatia confirmed its participation in the Eurovision Song Contest next year and HRT has just released the rules for the next edition of Dora, which we’ll be enjoying in February 2023. Starting today, everyone who wants to give it a shot can apply with an original song until the 20th of November this year on the official Dora website. The expert jury will pick at least 14 and at most 28 songs along with 4 reserves – and the rules state that songs will be selected based on its artistic value and emphasis on quality music and lyrics. Selected artists must submit music/lyrics videos to HRT no later than December 20th.

The fifth clause of the rules reiterate that Dora is to be a non-political event and bans the mention, promotion, or display or political or commercial organizations during the broadcast or any actions that could “harm the integrity or reputation of Dora”. This ban also extends into the green room, press center, and the artist’s staging designs. Artists found in violation of this clause will be disqualified and potentially expelled from Dora.

Usually, there is one final night of Dora national selection. However, HRT stated that the final number of semi-finals (if there are any) is being discussed and will be publicly presented on January 10th, 2023. They will also announce the method of selecting the Dora jury members, the televoting system, and how votes will be assigned by both the televote and jury on that same day. The rules go on to announce a tradition where the winning artist(s) perform in the following edition of the national selection. This means the winner of Dora 2023 is now obliged to perform (as an opening or interval act) at Dora 2024!

Croatia joins Slovenia in confirming their participation in Eurovision 2023 following the deadline to express interest to the EBU, bringing the total number of participating countries to 34. This will mark Croatia’s 29th year in the contest including the cancelled 2020 contest, but Croatia has only qualified two times for the Grand Final since 2010. Their last qualification occurred in 2017 with Jacques Houdek’s song “My Friend”, finishing in 13th place in Kyiv.

Who do #YOU want to see on the Dora stage next year? Let us know in comments, on social media, or in our forum.