Marko Bošnjak Triumphs at Dora 2025: Croatia’s Eurovision Future Unveiled!

Tonight, the Marino Cvetković Sports Hall in the Croatian city of Opatija played host to the final of Dora 2025, the national selection that decides Croatia’s next Eurovision representative, set to take place from 13th to 17th May in Basel. Hosted by Duško Čurlić and Barbara Kolar, the event featured 16 artists battling it out for the coveted spot in Basel.

Show Recap:

• EoT – “Bye, Bye, Bye”
  The evening kicked off with a rock-punk performance reminiscent of the ’80s. Dressed like modern ninjas, the group’s three dancers waved flags emblazoned with “bye”, setting a cheeky tone for the night.
• Natalli – “Dom si srcu mom”
  The first ballad of the evening was presented with a set that oscillated between shattered glass and a shower of shooting stars, aiming to touch the audience’s heart.
• IVXN – “Monopol”
  Bathed in a single beam of light and supported by four dancers, IVXN delivered a catchy dance-pop number that was hard to forget.
• Filomena – “Strong”
  With a backdrop showcasing the world, the sun, and flames erupting during the chorus, Filomena performed a bilingual ballad (in English and Croatian) intended to convey strength and determination.
• Fenksta – “Extra”
  Accompanied by four dancers showcasing breakdance moves – complete with a wardrobe change and a surprising flamethrower stunt at the end – Fenksta offered a classic hip-hop track in Croatian that will be remembered for its audacity.
• Laurakojapjeva – “NPC”
  Combining ironing boards and video game imagery, Laurakojapjeva presented a J-pop influenced track that was as fresh as it was quirky.
• Nipplepeople – “Znak”
  Dressed as if straight out of the film Mars Attack, the group delivered an ’80s electro-pop number that was as extravagant as it was entertaining.
• Ogenj – “Daj, daj”
  Amidst flames and pulsating hearts, Ogenj offered a heavy metal track with folk influences that literally set the stage on fire.

• Petar Brkljačić – “Kraj”
  Confined in a cage, Petar Brkljačić delivered a heart-wrenching ballad that deeply moved the audience.
• Matt Shaft – “Welcome to the Circus”
  Suddenly, the stage transformed into a rock-circus with rap elements – complete with a clown – transporting the audience into a surreal, theatrical world.
• Marko Škugor – “Šta da Boga molim ja”
  Following the circus chaos, Marko Škugor presented an emotional pop piece dedicated to his late father, striking an emotional chord with the crowd.
• Magazin – “AaAaA”
  Set against an atmosphere reminiscent of Game of Thrones, the band delivered an epic rock performance that left no one indifferent.

• Marko Bošnjak – “Poison Cake”
  With a set design evoking a kitchen, the artist delivered a fusion of rock, pop, and rap, making it one of the most acclaimed performances of the night.

• Marko Tolja – “Through the Dark”
  In black and white, Marko Tolja delivered an intimate ballad proving that sometimes, less is more.
• Lelek – “The Soul of My Soul”
  Dressed like vestal virgins, the all-female band mesmerised the audience with a symphonic pop performance blending English and Croatian in sublime harmony.
• Luka Nižetić – “Južina”
  Closing the final with a bang, Luka Nižetić delivered a pop performance with folk elements while the screen displayed everything from elderly ladies to Barbie dolls. A finale as unexpected as it was entertaining.

The Jury and Televote 

Following an interlude hosted by Baby Lasagna, the moment Croatia and Eurovision fans worldwide had been waiting for arrived: the televote.

International Jury Ranking:

• “Poison Cake”: 83 points
• “AaAaA”: 62 points
• “Znak”: 52 points
• “Južina”: 45 points
• “Daj, daj”: 42 points
• “Through the Dark”: 42 points
• “The Soul of My Soul”: 33 points
• “Bye, Bye, Bye”: 30 points
• “Monopol”: 19 points
• “Extra”: 16 points
• “Kraj”: 14 points
• “NPC”: 12 points
• “Šta da Boga molim ja”: 10 points
• “Welcome to the Circus”: 2 points
• “Dom si srcu mom”: 2 points
• “Strong”: 0 points

Televote Ranking:

• “Daj, daj”: 78 points
• “The Soul of My Soul”: 69 points
• “AaAaA”: 49 points
• “Poison Cake”: 47 points
• “Južina”: 39 points
• “Through the Dark”: 32 points
• “Welcome to the Circus”: 28 points
• “Bye, Bye, Bye”: 21 points
• “Znak”: 19 points
• “NPC”: 16 points
• “Šta da Boga molim ja”: 17 points
• “Extra”: 15 points
• “Monopol”: 11 points
• “Strong”: 9 points
• “Dom si srcu mom”: 8 points
• “Kraj”: 8 points

Final Ranking:

• “Poison Cake”: 130 points
• “Daj, daj”: 120 points
• “AaAaA”: 111 points
• “The Soul of My Soul”: 102 points
• “Južina”: 84 points
• “Through the Dark”: 74 points
• “Znak”: 71 points
• “Bye, Bye, Bye”: 51 points
• “Extra”: 31 points
• “Monopol”: 30 points
• “Welcome to the Circus”: 30 points
• “NPC”: 28 points
• “Šta da Boga molim ja”: 27 points
• “Kraj”: 22 points
• “Dom si srcu mom”: 10 points
• “Strong”: 9 points

Ultimately, Marko Bošnjak emerged as the winner, succeeding Baby Lasagna from last year, and will be Croatia’s next Eurovision representative. Croatia is set to perform in the first semi-final on Tuesday, 13th May.