200 entries have been received by Croatian broadcaster HRT for Dora 2010, the Croatian national selection for the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo. 16 of them will be chosen to compete in the semi final.

The annual Dora competition is currently undergoing a process of modernisaton following calls for change from the general public. HRT has not been overlooked at the contest yet but despite making the final stage last year, the impact was very minimal.

The open call for submissions closed on 15th December and the next stage will see a nine member panel of experts made up of people from entertainment shows, the musical industry as well as members of the Composers’ society, Music Union and the Music association choosing the top 16 entries from the 200 which were submitted.

The second phase will then see these participants compete against each other with half of them making it through to the final where they will join another set of eight participants who will have been given a wildcard beforehand. The national final will be taking place on the 5th March 2010 at the Crystal Hall of Hotel Kvarner in Opatija.

In 2009, Croatia was represented by Igor Cukrov feat. Andrea with the song Lijepa Tena. They finished 13th in the second semi final but qualified as a jury wild card and eventually came 18th in the grand final.

An article by Marc Calleja Bayliss. Many thanks for the contribution.