Montenegro is returning to the Eurovision Song Contest, and so is Nina Žižić. She’ll be making her second Eurovision outing with the song ‘Dobrodošli’.

Montenegro’s return

It’s been three years since Montenegro competed at the Eurovision Song Contest, and they’re coming back with a seasoned pro. But the journey to Basel was never a guarantee for singer-songwriter Nina Žižić.

Nina took to the stage for the first ever Montesong, where the country would choose their Eurovision Song Contest artist. The 16 acts performed their songs, including Nina with Dobrodošli, which means “welcome.” Next, the jury and viewer votes came in.

First place went to rock band NeonoeN with the song CLICKBAIT, with Nina in second place . However, the story wasn’t over. After NeonoeN withdrew, Nina was offered the chance to represent Montenegro at the Contest instead.

Guess who’s back?

Born in Belgrade, Nina started her musical career in 2004, with the group Negre. She left that world behind when she decided to go solo, and put herself forward for Eurovision in 2006. It wasn’t to be on that occasion, but it certainly wasn’t her only shot at the Eurovision trophy.

Nina is one of the few artists in the Eurovision class of 2025 who can say that she already knows what it feels like to compete in the Contest. Back in 2013, she represented Montenegro in Malmö alongside the band Who See, with the song Igranka. And whatever impression Sam Ryder might have made on Eurovision fans, someone better tell him that Nina Žižić went to outer space first.

The Who See hip-hop duo opened the song wearing full spacesuits, before the bass dropped and Nina popped onto the stage in her own sci-fi get up. She blew the arena away with her powerhouse vocals, but sadly the song didn’t make it out of the Semi-Finals.

Since then, she’s released a number of hit singles, worked on collaborations, and played at festivals across Europe. She’s even had a seat on the international jury that selected Montenegro’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2022.

Now the spaceship has been put into storage and Nina’s doing it on her own, bringing a rawer performance. Could it be second time lucky?

Back on Earth

Like so many Eurovision artists, Nina’s hero of the Contest is Loreen, who has a double win to her name for Sweden with Euphoria and Tattoo . Nina says: “She sings powerfully, has strong stage presence, and dresses just like an alien hero.”

With her last Eurovision performance in mind, Nina knows a little something about dressing like an alien hero. Although she does say that outfit was nothing like her usual style, and she’s not a fan of experimenting with her look. We’re here for the more authentic Nina coming through in Basel.

That performance with Who See was Nina’s most memorable moment as a musician. And with such a strong song, we can see why.

Her earliest memory of Eurovision is watching Baby Doll represent former Yugoslavia with the song Brazil in 1991. The song received only one point, but with its cool samba rhythms it certainly has a place in the Eurovision hall of fame.

Nina’s inspiration

Nina’s Eurovision song was written and produced by a talented trio: Boris Subotić, Violeta Mihajlovska Milić, and Darko Dimitrov. The song tackles themes of domestic abuse, with the lyrics exploring women’s resilience.

Dobrodošli is a big song, which is exactly the kind of music that Nina loves listening to. Going round on her playlist are Elvis Costello’s She, Queen’s The Show Must Go On, and Louis Armstrong’s What A Wonderful World.

And when it comes to karaoke, she’s up on that stage singing LeAnn Rimes’ Can’t Fight The Moonlight.

Taking on a new Eurovision stage

Nina is ready to immerse herself in the beautiful nature of Switzerland, with a hope that she’ll get time to be a tourist. But most importantly, she’s excited about Eurovision, and everything the Contest brings.

Listen out for Nina Žižić on the Official Eurovision Song Contest Podcast .

You can learn more about Nina Žižić from Montenegro right here .