Montenegro is making…a comeback in the contest, after a two-year absence, and 41-year-old Đurđa Petrović-Poljak is hoping to be the one to fly the flag in Basel, next May.
As you first read in OGAE Greece , Đurđa will be one of the sixteen finalists in this year’s final of the country, Montesong 2024 . Her only goal, of course, is the victory and the right to become the 13th representative of Montenegro in the Eurovision Song Contest.
Just a couple of days before “Montesong 2024” and during an extremely busy period, Đurđa managed to talk to OGAE Greece to introduce herself and reveal her plans regarding her upcoming participation in this year’s Montesong with the song To ljubav je . So let’s get to know Đurđa Petrović-Poljak through a very interesting interview. Check it out!
MEET Đurđa
OG: Hello Đurđa and thank you very much for your time for this interview. Would you like to introduce yourself for the beginning?
Đ.P: Hello! Thank you for asking, I am feeling great, excited to be preparing for Montesong 2024.! Who is Đurđa? Đurđa is first and foremost someone who has been in music since childhood. I feel, live, and breathe music. I am a singer hoping to be known for emotional depth that brings substance and color to every song I perform. I am also a piano and choir teacher at a music school, working with kids and helping shape their musical talents.
OG: Montenegro is finally coming back to the Eurovision Song Contest this year, after a two-year absence. Was it easy for you to submit an entry to the national final?
Đ.P:Honestly, I was thrilled to hear that the Montesong festival will be held again this year. First, it’s a wonderful opportunity to meet colleagues and be part of a mutual musical journey. And on the other hand, Montesong offers us the chance to represent our country at the prestigious Eurovision Song Contest, which is the biggest song Festival in Europe!
OG: Speaking of Eurovision, what does the contest mean to your country and to its people? Do you believe that Montenegro should participate every single year?
Đ.P:Yes, I think we should make the effort to participate every year because it promotes our beautiful country, Montenegro, and showcases the richness of the talent we have.
OG: So someone can say that you are a fan of the contest, aren’t you? Can you share some of your favorite entries so far maybe?
Đ.P:Yes, I really enjoy watching Eurovision! Last year, I was especially impressed by Croatia and France, though the winning performance and song were amazing as well. For me, ABBA is still number one, and out of newer Eurovision artists, I would definitely say – Joker Out from Slovenia!
OG: Great choices! Back to Montesong 2024 now. Tell us more about your song “To ljubav je”.
Đ.P:The song “To ljubav je” (“That’s Love”) tells the story of two different kinds of love. The toxic kind, which causes restlessness and unease even when it ends, keeping you its’ slave in a way, and then there’s true love, which nurtures us, helps us grow, and embraces us in a unique, beautiful way. True love teaches us to be ourselves, unique and authentic. Such loves are rare but powerful and last forever. The song is very gentle and emotional, and I hope it reaches the listeners’ hearts.
The song was released on Sunday, November 10, along with the rest of Montesong’s 15 entries:
OG: . Montenegro has qualified to the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest only twice, out of 12 attempts. Why is that, in your opinion, and what do you think Montenegro’s got to change in its approach to the competition?
Đ.P:The competition is incredibly strong, and no one can influence what resonates most with the audience at any given moment. I personally think that the best approach is to send authentic artists who truly love what they do and who do it in an honest and authentic way. That is always a win, even when it does not bring victory.
OG: What do you think a song needs to stand out on the Eurovision stage in your opinion?
Đ.P: A song needs a strong performer, just as a performer needs a great song. What I mean is, the song must suit the performer, and the emotions in the song must reflect who they are. Not everyone can sing every song, nor should they. And, of course, the song has to be musically rich and captivating from the first listen.
O.G: Do you believe that with your song, Montenegro has a chance to qualify for the Final in Eurovision 2025?
Đ.P: I believe my song is perfect for Eurovision because it has all these qualities and speaks to the power and beauty of love. I would be honoured to get a chance to represent my beloved Montenegro at Eurovision 2025.
THE MESSAGE TO OGAE GREECE
Đurđa decided to send her warm greetings to every single member of OGAE Greece and all the Greek Eurovision fans in general through a video.
There is nothing left but to thank Đurđa warmly for our beautiful conversation and wish her wholeheartedly good luck on the evening of November 27, the day she will compete in the Montesong 2024 final!
Stay tuned to OGAE Greece for more exclusive interviews with the stars of this year’s Eurovision season!
Montenegro in the Eurovision Song Contest…
- Participating broadcaster: RTCG
- Participations: 12 (2 finals)
- Debut: 2007
- Highest placement: 13th (2015)
- Lowest placement: 22nd in the Semi Final (2007)
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