Latvia at Eurovision 2025: Building on a Breakthrough

Latvia’s journey in the Eurovision Song Contest has been a mix of highs and lows. While they clinched a victory in 2002 with Marie N’s “I Wanna,” recent years have seen them struggle to qualify for the Grand Final. However, 2024 marked a significant turning point with Dons’ powerful ballad “Hollow,” securing a respectable placing and reigniting Latvian passion for the contest.

Looking Ahead to 2025: Lessons Learned

Following the success of “Hollow,” Latvijas Televīzija (LTV), the Latvian broadcaster, faces the task of capitalizing on this momentum for Eurovision 2025. Several key aspects will likely influence their strategy:

• National Selection Format: Supernova, Latvia’s national selection show, has been the primary method of choosing their Eurovision entries. While Supernova has discovered talented artists like Aminata and Justs, its format has been subject to criticism. LTV might consider tweaking the show, perhaps focusing on stricter song quality control or incorporating more international input during the selection process. A wider range of musical genres beyond pop could also be explored.
• Songwriting Focus: “Hollow’s” success can be partly attributed to its strong songwriting. LTV will likely emphasize the importance of high-quality compositions, potentially encouraging collaborations between Latvian and international songwriters. They may actively seek out songs with universal appeal while still retaining a distinct Latvian identity.
• Artist Selection: The artist selected to represent Latvia plays a crucial role. Dons’ established fanbase and experience as a performer undoubtedly contributed to his success. LTV may look for artists with similar qualities: strong vocals, stage presence, and a clear vision for their performance. Whether they choose an established name or a rising star remains to be seen.
• Staging and Presentation: The visual presentation is increasingly important in Eurovision. “Hollow’s” minimalist staging allowed Dons’ vocals and the song’s message to shine through. LTV will need to invest in a creative and impactful staging concept for their 2025 entry, ensuring it complements the song and artist perfectly.
• Public Engagement: Building public support for the Latvian entry is crucial. LTV will likely ramp up their promotional efforts, using social media, radio airplay, and public appearances to generate excitement and build a strong fanbase both within Latvia and internationally.

Hopes and Expectations

Latvia’s performance in 2024 has raised expectations for 2025. Fans will be hoping for another strong entry that can challenge for a place in the top half of the scoreboard. The challenge for LTV is to build on the formula that worked for “Hollow” while still taking risks and pushing creative boundaries. With a well-chosen song, talented artist, and impactful presentation, Latvia could once again be a major contender at Eurovision 2025.