The winner of Slovenia’s national final, EMA 2018, has been chosen and Lea Sirk will represent them in Lisbon with the song Hvala, ne!

Eight acts took part in tonight’s final EMA show, with Lea Sirk coming out on top after votes from a 50/50 jury and televote combination.

https://www.facebook.com/EMAEvrovizija/photos/a.497133241926.274056.280980866926/10155100337476927/?type=3

Lea Sirk received a combined total of 116 points in tonight’s final show, 10 points ahead of the runner-up, BQL. The singer’s entry – Hvala, ne! – was written by the singer herself alongside Tomy DeClerque.

Here is the 2018 Slovenian Eurovision entry:

Slovenia in Eurovision

Slovenia made their debut as an independent country in 1993, and have finished in seventh place on two occasions, most recently in 2001 with Nusa Derenda’s song Energy. In the last two years, Slovenia have failed to make it to the final.

Slovenia will compete in the second half of the second semi-final of the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest on 10 May. The 63rd Eurovision Song Contest 2018 will take place on 8, 10 and 12 May at the Altice Arena in Lisbon, Portugal.


Eleanor (or Ellie), is 26 years old, is from Exeter in the UK. She combines motherhood with studying linguistics. Ellie was first allowed to stay up and watch the Eurovision Song Contest aged 5 in 1999, but really fell in love with it after the Athens 2006 contest. Big key changes and dramatic stage shows are an absolute must! Ellie has also written an A* academic dissertation on the cultural history of Eurovision.