Montenegro returns to Eurovision with a reset, as Tamara Živković wins Montesong

The final of Montesong, broadcast live from Podgorica, Montenegro by public broadcaster RTCG, was won by Tamara Živković with the song Nova zora. She’ll represent the Eurovision returning nation next May in Vienna.

Živković was the winner from a field of 15 artists in a low-key national final, suggesting RTCG’s claims to need to keep an eye on the euros and cents, when it comes to their taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest.

The winning performance was understated, built around a slow-burn arrangement and a vocal delivery that stood out in a field dominated by contemporary pop, Melfest rejects and retro-leaning entries.

Montesong itself represents a strategic shift for Montenegro, which last appeared at Eurovision in 2022 before withdrawing due to financial pressures and disappointing results. Rather than attempting a glossy relaunch, RTCG opted for a smaller, more manageable format that prioritised cost control and musical credibility over spectacle.

That approach was evident throughout the broadcast. The production was clean but modest, the running order tight, and the tone markedly sober compared with the maximalism seen elsewhere in the Eurovision ecosystem.

Reaction among Eurovision fans has been cautiously positive. While some questioned the limited role of public voting, others welcomed a selection that avoided novelty for novelty’s sake. The consensus appears to be that Montenegro has chosen a song that feels coherent and adaptable, even if it is unlikely to dominate early betting odds.

Montenegro has historically struggled to qualify from the semi-finals, but with the lowest number of contenders since the introduction of semifinals, 2026 might be the year.