Next Up: 2021 – Bulgaria

Many people were upset when EBU decided that the Eurovision songs of 2020 will not take part in 2021. However, no one was probably more upset than Victoria and the Bulgarian delegation.

In today’s episode we look at Bulgaria in 2021. For a full review of their potential entry for 2020, check out this article on our partner website Eurovision Union. Check out our thoughts for next year below.

Key takeaways: Bulgaria was the bookmaker’s favorite

Not many people may realize this, but Bulgaria’s return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2016 was sparked by a highly successful Junior Eurovision song. Krisia finished second in JESC 2014, Italy refused to host, Bulgaria hosted JESC in 2015, Poli Genova hosted – and agreed to represent Bulgaria in Stockholm 2016.

Somewhere in this simplified storyline, the extremely successful songwriting team led by Boris Milanov came into the picture. If Krisia kickstarted Bulgaria’s return, Milanov is the person who carried it further. He wrote “If love was a crime”, “Beautiful Mess”, “Bones”. And this year “Tears getting sober” should have been the crown on its work.

No offense to VICTORIA – the song was the source of Bulgaria’s presumed success in 2020. “Tears getting sober” was completely different from anything ever done in Eurovision. It was modern and nostalgic at the same time, had both emotional depth and artistic quality. It really could have gone all the way.

How should Bulgaria proceed with VICTORIA in Eurovision 2021?

If there is one thing we have learned about Boris Milanov, it’s that he is not a one-trick-pony. None of his successful Eurovision songs were alike, they covered several very different genres. And perhaps this is a talent that he should use once again in 2021. Because while it is appealing to stick to the format that brought Bulgaria its pole position with the bookmakers – it is also dangerous to cling to the past.

A new song that can compete for victory should be contemporary with an instant appeal. VICTORIA, while inexperienced, is a good singer, so the song should give her a chance to showcase those vocals. But most of all, it should be refreshing, something we’ve never heard before. Something that surprises us. Thankfully, Bulgaria will not only maintain its singer – they will keep their songwriting team, too.

This was supposed to be the Bulgarian Eurovision 2020 entry

About “Next Up: Eurovision 2021”

In our series Next Up: 2021, we look ahead to the Eurovision Song Contest 2021. After the cancellation of Eurovision 2020, all participating countries now face the choice: Stick with their Eurovision singer, or come up with a new preselection or internal selection.

We make an analysis based on what we know so far. What will this country do, or most likely do? And is that the wise choice, looking at the fact that the Eurovision Song Contest remains a music competition?