San Marino and Montenegro will be getting big cheers tonight as they take to the Eurovision stage for the first time since debuting in the contest.
Montenegro debuted in the contest in 2007 following the independence of Montenegro in 2006. Montenegro took part in every contest up to 2009, in 2009 they came in 11th place 23 points away from securing a 9th place necessary at that time to ensure you made it to the final. Montenegro returned to the contest in 2012 with a new emphasis on sending different acts to the contest, that includes the Rap group Who See who were favourites to qualify in 2013, but ended 11 points away from making the final in 12th place.
This year Montenegro is represented by the Balkan music star Sergej Cetkovic and his song “Moj Svijet”. Look out for Montenegro doing well tonight, with support from the Serbian and Bosnian diaspora across Europe who have been encouraged to vote Montenegro. Good luck to Montenegro and welcome to the final.
San Marino in a final, it’s the first time in the adult contest they have ever made a Saturday night. It’s on her third attempt that Valentina Monetta has made it to the final with her song “Maybe”. San Marino debuted in Eurovision back in 2008 with the band Miodio and their song “Complice” which scored just 8 points in the semi final, but remains a firm fan favourite. San Marino returned to the contest represented by Senit who managed 16th in the semi final.
San Marino will be one to watch to see who votes for them, with no obvious voting partners. Expect a cheer when San Marino get their first point in a Eurovision final.
We’ll probably hear THIS for the first time:
“…12 points go to San Marino!”
or
“…12 points go to Montenegro!”