Montenegro’s Montesong 2024: A Record-Breaking Contest, Eyes Set on Eurovision Glory
Montenegro is buzzing with anticipation as the Montesong 2024 contest, the country’s premier musical festival, prepares to reveal the 16 finalists for this year’s competition. With an unprecedented 36 submissions, this year’s edition promises to be one of the most exciting yet, and there’s a palpable sense that something truly special is on the horizon.
Scheduled for 27 November at the Voco Sports Hall in Podgorica, Montesong has grown in prominence, serving not only as a key event in the Montenegrin music calendar but also as a platform to select the nation’s representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, to be held in Switzerland. The finalists will be announced on 10 October, with the artistic director, Vladana Vučinić, revealing that the selection process has been both rigorous and thrilling.
A Landmark Year for Submissions
The record number of submissions is a testament to the growing confidence in Montenegro’s music scene. «The fact that we received 36 entries shows just how much talent and passion exists here,» Vučinić said, expressing her gratitude to all participants. This surge in interest reflects Montenegro‘s determination to shine on the international stage, particularly after their Eurovision journey began in 2007, when they debuted as an independent nation.
However, the road to selecting the final 16 hasn’t been without its challenges. Several entries were disqualified for violating competition rules, with one artist prematurely revealing their song title and composer, breaching the anonymity rule. Additionally, two entries exceeded the allowed song length, and another was submitted in a language not officially recognized in Montenegro. “It’s crucial to uphold these guidelines to ensure a fair and transparent process,” Vučinić emphasized, reinforcing the importance of fairness in a competition that can propel artists onto the European stage.
A Eurovision Journey of Highs and Lows
Montenegro’s relationship with Eurovision has been one of steady evolution. After debuting in 2007, the country faced financial challenges that forced them to withdraw in 2010, only returning two years later. Their breakthrough moment came in 2014, when Sergej Ćetković’s «Moj svijet» took Montenegro to the grand final, placing 19th—a historic achievement at the time. The following year, Knez’s emotional performance of «Adio» in Vienna saw Montenegro reach 13th place, their highest position to date.
Despite these successes, Montenegro has yet to secure a coveted spot in the Eurovision top 10. But with Montesong gaining momentum and attracting record-breaking numbers of submissions, there’s growing optimism that 2025 could be the year Montenegro leaves an indelible mark on the Eurovision stage.
A New Era of Montenegrin Talent
For the artists vying for a spot in the Montesong final, this is more than just a contest—it’s a chance to become ambassadors for Montenegrin culture and creativity. The stakes have never been higher, and the finalists who will emerge in just a few days will carry the hopes of an entire nation.
Montenegro’s passion for music, its rich cultural heritage, and its ambition to succeed on the Eurovision stage are all converging at Montesong 2024. With so much talent on display, the excitement is only just beginning, and the road to Switzerland is sure to be an unforgettable journey.
For now, though, the nation holds its breath as it awaits the names of the 16 chosen ones who will bring their dreams, their music, and Montenegro’s heart to the world.
Source: RTCG
