Croatia’s HRT confirmed their participation in 2023 last month, and within the rules for participation we noticed a fair number of proposed changes we could see at Dora 2023. Among the changes were a guaranteed performance spot for the winner at the next selection show, selection of 14 to 28 performing entries, and consideration of a semi-final and final format.
But earlier this week, the Croatian Head of Delegation Tomislav Štengl revealed that HRT does plan to select up to 28 quality entries and utilize a multi-show format if possible. In his interview on HRT Radio he said that: “The intention is to have more evenings, to have more songs in this selection, a maximum of 28. We would therefore have two semi-finals and a final.”
A promise to introduce songs sooner
HRT’s plans don’t stop there, as Štengl also revealed that the broadcaster wants to increase the Croatian public’s interest in the selection show by releasing the entries and their music videos on public television shows dedicated strictly to Dora. Last year’s entries were only released 9 days prior to the final.
Their hope is that by introducing the songs earlier it may increase the public’s awareness of the songs, the artists, and Dora itself – leading to a higher investment in the country’s participation in Eurovision as well.
“We go by the principle that if the Eurovision works in such a way that for two and a half months we all know those songs, hear them, then Eurovision is a success. That can also work for Dora.”
A plan to increase song submissions
The final change promised by Štengl and HRT in the interview is that they want to urge as many artists to apply as possible ahead of the November 20th deadline. To do so, they are working with a number of music based organizations to motivate artists and songwriters to submit their original entries. There is also a financial stake in play for the Dora winner now:
“We want there to be some kind of financial rewards. Whoever wins will have their performance at Dora and their financial stake in everything they had to invest in order to perform covered by HRT.”
The grand final for Dora 2023 is set to take place in Opatija in February of 2023. HRT is trying hard to snap their four year non-qualification streak and return to the contest’s Grand Final for the first time since 2017.
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Source: HRT Radio
