Croatia's Eurovision 2026 Representative to be Chosen from 16 Finalists Under New Voting Rules

Croatia's National Selection for Eurovision 2026

According to Главком: Croatia will select its act for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 on February 15th via its national final, Dora. Sixteen performers will compete in the final for the chance to represent the country at the international music competition. The voting will follow a 50/50 system split between a professional jury and the viewing public. The national final will begin at 21:15.

Eurovision 2026 in Vienna

The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will be held in Vienna on May 12th, 14th, and 16th. Croatia has a rich history in the contest, debuting as an independent nation in 1993. However, the Croatian band Riva previously won the contest for Yugoslavia in 1989. In 2024, Croatia's representative, Baby Lasagna, achieved a second-place finish. The contest remains a major cultural event across Europe, drawing millions of viewers each year.

The voting system for the Dora national selection involves evaluation by both Croatian professionals and international experts, ensuring a diversity of opinions. It is worth noting that this year, Ireland, Spain, and the Netherlands have announced a boycott of Eurovision 2026, and a vote on Israel's participation was not held at the general assembly of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

The finalists for the national selection include the following artists:

• Ananda
• Sergej
• Noelle
• Alen Đuras
• Irma
• Lara Demarin
• Ema Bubić
• Lima Len
• Lana Mandarić
• Ritam Noir
• Marko Kutlić
• Devin
• Lelek
• ToMa
• Stela Rade
• Cold Snap

All of them will have the opportunity to showcase their talents on the major stage of the international contest.

The Dora national selection continues Croatia's tradition of actively engaging local artists in Eurovision, creating a platform for new talent. Croatia's experience in the contest, including past successes, adds significance to this selection as the country aims to return to the top of the international music scene. Amidst boycotts by some nations, it is important for Croatia to present a standout performance that highlights its musical culture and creativity.