Marko Bošnjak has been crowned the victor of the Dora 2025, securing his position as Croatia's representative for the upcoming Eurovision 2025 contest, to be held in Basel, Switzerland. The final showdown took place on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Pabellon Marino Cvetković in Opatija, where 16 contenders battled for the prestigious title.
Bošnjak's winning song, "Poison Cake," earned him the highest score from the professional jury, who appreciated his performance, allowing him to edge out competitors like Ogenj and their song "Daj, Daj," which was the audience's favorite. The public vote placed him fourth, leading to a total score of 130 points, just ten points above Ogenj, who came second with 120 points.
The format of the Dora 2025 retained the split voting system established last year by integrating both jury and tele-vote results. The final outcome was determined by 50% audience votes and 50% from both national and international juries. The national juries comprised experts from Croatia's HRT network, located across Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, and Osijek, who worked alongside international jury members from Armenia, Slovenia, Finland, and Spain—represented by Alberto Jiménez of the band Miss Caffeina.
According to HRT, this year saw extensive participation with 221 entries submitted for the competition, marking the highest number since the pre-selection process returned to Croatia since 2019. The pre-selection, hailed as the driving force of the local music industry, had taken place over two semifinal rounds earlier. Performers included notable acts such as Magazin, who represented Croatia at Eurovision 1995, and Marko Škugor, who was previously part of the group Kapla s Mora during Eurovision 2013.
The notable results of the Dora 2025 included the following final standings: Bošnjak's "Poison Cake" took first place, followed by Ogenj's "Daj, Daj," and Magazin's "AaAaA." Other competitors also showcased talents across various music genres, such as IVXN with his song "Monopol" and LELEK performing "The Soul of My Soul." Each brought unique artistry, contributing to vibrant performances throughout the evening.
Marko Bošnjak, born in 2004, is one of Croatia's rising stars with notable acclaim already under his belt. He was the recipient of the Porin Award for Best New Artist and began gaining fame as part of the show "Pinkove Zabrevi" at just 11 years old. Now at 20, his sound reflects a blend of modern pop influences rooted deeply within the Croatian musical fabric. Tracks like "Moli Za Nas" and recent hits signal his rising status within the industry, especially as he gears up for the Eurovision stage.
This year's Dora was not without excitement from the audience and viewers alike—both onsite and virtually engaged through voting mechanisms. The public had the chance to pay tribute to the festival's legacy, with each semi-final featuring twelve artists competing for eight slots available for the final match. High anticipation surrounded the performances, with the final having been uniquely crafted to showcase Croatia's music potential.
The event also saw the return of familiar faces Duško Čurlić and Barbara Kolar as hosts, who have previously led national celebrations. Their on-stage chemistry and experience brought warmth to the show, skillfully guiding the audience through the exciting night's engaging performances and results.
The Dora's return to Opatija, which has been marked as the traditional venue for this festivity, not only reinstated its prominence but also emphasized the city's cultural significance. Events leading up to the final showcased Opatija's charm, enticing tourism and local engagement through the HRT Music Days held between February 26 and March 2. The seaside town offered various spectacles, including the red carpet event to kick off the festivity.
With the successful completion of Dora 2025, expectations are high for Croatia as they prepare for Eurovision 2025. Bošnjak will represent the nation during the first semi-final on May 13, and the Croatian entry will look to build on the recent success from Baby Lasagna, who achieved the country’s best result with second place last year.
Reflecting on Croatia's Eurovision history, it has been participating since 1993, only missing the event during 2014 and 2015. Over the years, Croatia has established itself within the competition, achieving top ten finishes on numerous occasions and recognizing the significance of local talents through the Dora selection process.
With Marko Bošnjak at the helm, Croatia's music scene continues to flourish as it aims to shine even brighter on the European stage. The challenges are significant, yet with the community's backing and Bošnjak's talent, hopes remain optimistic for the upcoming contest.
Expectations build as fans across the nation cheer for their representative. Will Bošnjak's "Poison Cake" capture hearts across Europe? Time will tell, but Croatia is certainly making its mark as it steps forward once again onto the grand Eurovision stage.