Montenegro: Neonoen withdraws from Eurovision 2025

Montenegro’s journey to Eurovision 2025 has taken an unexpected turn, as the band Neonoen announced their decision to withdraw from the competition. This leaves the national broadcaster, RTCG, with the task of selecting a new representative. The decision follows intense discussions surrounding their selection and the controversies surrounding the Montesong festival, where they emerged as winners.

 

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Neonoen’s Statement

In their official announcement, Neonoen emphasized that their decision to withdraw was made “in the best public interest and with the desire to put an end to uncertainty.” They stressed their commitment to music and their intent to avoid conflicts that detract from the essence of their artistic work.

They specifically stated:

“We simply do not want to be part of any stories outside of music, nor do we wish to promote our work through such means.”

Their decision was accompanied by expressions of gratitude towards RTCG, the organizers of Montesong, fellow musicians, journalists, and fans who supported them. They also made a heartfelt mention of their families, who stood by them throughout the process.

The Events Leading to the Decision

Neonoen found themselves at the center of discussions after performing a version of their song Clickbait prior to its official presentation at Montesong. Although the band pointed out that this performance did not breach any rules or influence the competition’s outcome, the uproar surrounding it seems to have played a decisive role in their withdrawal.

In their statement, they noted:

“It is a fact that there have been many similar examples in the past, and the EBU has always decided that these songs could compete.”

Despite the justifications and support they received, Neonoen chose to distance themselves from debates they believe do not serve the music.

The Future of Clickbait

Their song, Clickbait, which has already garnered attention as a “modern social phenomenon,” as the band describes it, will continue to be released as a single.

Supporting Montenegro’s New Representative

While stepping away from Eurovision, Neonoen expressed their full support for Montenegro’s future representative, stating:

“Now let’s all come together to support Montenegro at Eurovision!”

Who Will Represent Montenegro? Nina Žižić?

The question of who will now represent Montenegro at Eurovision 2025 remains unanswered. A logical favorite appears to be Nina Žižić, who was both a fan favorite and the runner-up at Montesong, just behind Neonoen. However, RTCG has yet to make an official announcement.

Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops!