Bulgaria: BNT opens search for Poli Genova’s successor

Bulgaria have once again chosen to select their act internally. BNT confirmed this on their Eurovision twitter account. Whoever is selected will have big shoes to fill, because of Poli Genova’s high score in Stockholm last year.

BNT used their official Eurovision twitter page to confirm an internal selection for Kiev. As a result of this confirmation, they are now having an open call for projects, composers and producers. However, BNT have not specified what sort of entry they are looking for to succeed Poli Genova.

At the present time, the current favourite is Gery-Nikol. She had a string of top 40 hits in Europe, especially her home country of Bulgaria. Gery was formally part of a girl band called Sweet 16, who rose to fame on the Bulgarian version of X-Factor. Therefore, many Bulgarians think this would be a popular choice to succeed Poli Genova as their Eurovision entry.

Poli Genova

Poli Genova first competed in Eurovision in 2011 with the song Na inat. This song failed to qualify for the Grand Final. She then went on to become the host of the 2015 Junior Eurovision Song Contest in her home country Bulgaria. This was a strong sign that BNT might send her to Stockholm for their Eurovision return, and so indeed it happened.

In 2016, Poli Genova returned a stronger and more experienced performer. Her entry If Love Was A Crime gave Bulgaria it’s most successful result in their Eurovision history. Poli placed 4th with 307 points, which was 227 points behind the overall winner, Jamala.

In addition to placing 4th at Eurovision, Poli Genova was also the interval act for the 2016 Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Malta. She was chosen due to Ira Losco not being available. Poli has said she would eventually like to return to Eurovision for Bulgaria.