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Croatia: The results of Dora 2024 first semi-final!

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The first semi-final of Dora, the Croatian national selection for Eurovision 2024, was just concluded. Dora remained for another year as the country’s national selection format, but it also saw the biggest changes in years.

Changed to the core, Dora 2024 is the first edition in thirteen years to feature semi-finals. A record of 203 entries were submitted to the Croatian broadcaster, out of which twenty-four were advanced to the semi-finals’ stage.

In total, two semi-finals of twelve will take place, while eight acts from each semi-final will advance to the Grand Final, scheduled for February 25.

Hosted by Duško Čurlić, Maja Ciglenečki and Anja Cerar, the first semi-final took place tonight, with the following twelve acts competing for a spot in the Final:

  1. Noelle – Baby, Baby
  2. Mario Battifiaca feat. Robert Ferlin – Vodu piti trizan biti
  3. Stefany Žužić – Sretnih dana dat’ će Bog
  4. MISHA – One Day
  5. Erna – How Do You Love Me
  6. eugen – Tišine
  7. Vinko – Lying Eyes
  8. Barbara Munjas – Nepobjediva
  9. Let 3 – Baba Roga
  10. Lana Mandarić – More
  11. Pavel – TO THE MOON
  12. Saša Lozar – Ne plačem zbog nje

The first semi-final of Dora 2024 – in detail

1. Noelle – Baby, Baby

The First Semi-Final was opened by Noelle, with a rhythmic song in Croatian. She is accompanied on stage by four female dancers, all dressed in black. Vocal issues are present.

2. Mario Battifiaca feat. Robert Ferlin – Vodu piti trizan biti 

It’s time for Mario Battifiaca feat. Robert Ferlin. Another song in Croatian. The presentation is dark, while they are dressed in red. Not the best presentation.

3. Stefany Žužić – Sretnih dana dat’ će Bog 

Stefany, dressed in white, is accompanied by four dancers. A lot of effects and dry ice on stage. She sounds out of rythym.

4. MISHA – One Day 

A bad start vocally-wise for MISHA. The performance reminds of Eurovision. I don’t know if the afore-mentioned is positive, though.

5. Erna – How Do You Love Me 

Erna is solo on stage. Atmospheric setting. Vocally, she also seems to face some sound issues.

6. Eugen – Tišine 

A ballad in Croatian for Eugen. He starts acapella. A dark setting here too. However, he looks quite awkward on stage and he struggles vocally.

7. Vinko – Lying Eyes 

Everything is dark here too. He is on stage accompanied by a girl and a piano. Use of dry ice again.

8. Barbara Munjas – Nepobjediva 

Feels like Konstrakta. However, a parody of Konstrakta, as it looks as a joke entry to a non Croatian.

9. Let 3 – Baba Roga 

Ok, not a fan of Let 3. However, I respect them for bringing a good result for Croatia. What i admire the most, is how they managed to return with a performance weirder than their previous one. I don’t like it. It feels like a circus to me.

10. Lana Mandarić – More 

Something really pleasant, for both ears and eyes, following Let 3. Not the best song nor performance, though.

11. Pavel – TO THE MOON

Feels like ABBA. A little bit dated, but it’s not bad overall.

12. Saša Lozar – Ne plačem zbog nje 

This also feels dated. That’s all.

Following the conclusion of the performances, Slimane, the French representative in Eurovision 2024, took the stage and performed several of his hits along “Mon Amour“.

The results

Following the voting of the public audience exclusively, the following eight acts qualified for the Grand Final of Dora 2024:

  • Pavel – “TO THE MOON“
  • Vinko – “Lying Eyes“
  • eugen – “Tišine”
  • Mario Battifiaca feat. Robert Ferlin – “Vodu piti trizan biti“
  • Stefany Žužić – “Sretnih dana dat’ će Bog“
  • Saša Lozar – “Ne plačem zbog nje“
  • Let 3 – “Baba Roga“
  • Lana Mandarić – “More“

The second semi-final of Dora 2024 will take place tomorrow evening, when we will know the eight remaining finalists.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!

Croatia: Slimane and Raiven are the special guests of “Dora 2024”!

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Just a few hours ago, the national broadcaster of Croatia, HRT, made publicly known that Slimane and Raiven will be the special guests of “Dora 2024“, being the representative of France and of Slovenia respectively.

Thus, during the first semi final of “Dora 2024”, Slimane will be the guest artist who is going to performe his song “Mon Amour“, which will represent France in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest and Raiven will be the second’s semi final guest artist, who will perform her song “Veronika” which is the official Slovenian entry for Eurovision 2024, in Malmö, in May.

Furthermore, no matter their qualification or not for the Final of “Dora 2024”, the famous Croatian band Let 3, that represented Croatia in Eurovision 2023, will eitherway be the guests of the Final, while even more surprises are yet to be revealed.

Let’s remember here that both of “Dora 2024” semi finals are set to be held in two nights in a row, since the First Semi Final is going to take place on the 22nd of February, while the Second on the 23rd. The Grand Final of “Dora 2024” is going to take place on Sunday the 25th of February.

The main hosts of the Nights will be Duško Ćurlić, Maja Ciglenečki and Anja Cerar.

Croatia: Dora 2024 voting rules are changing!

The running orders for the two Semi Finals are the following:

First Semi-Final on February the 22nd:

  1. Noelle – Baby, Baby
  2. Mario Battifiaca feat. Robert Ferlin – Vodu piti trizan biti
  3. Stefany Žužić – Sretnih dana dat’ će Bog
  4. MISHA – One Day
  5. Erna – How Do You Love Me
  6. eugen – Tišine
  7. Vinko – Lying Eyes
  8. Barbara Munjas – Nepobjediva
  9. Let 3 – Baba Roga
  10. Lana Mandarić – More
  11. Pavel – TO THE MOON
  12. Saša Lozar – Ne plačem zbog nje

Second Semi Final on February the 23rd

  1. Lu Dedić – Plavi leptir
  2. James Night – NEBO PLAČE
  3. Lara Demarin – Ne vjerujem ti
  4. Alen Đuras – A Tamburitza Lullaby
  5. The Splitters – Od kad te sanjam
  6. Boris Štok – Can We Talk
  7. Baby Lasagna – RIM TIM TAGI DIM
  8. ET – Pametnom dosta
  9. Vatra – Slatke suze, gorka ljubav
  10. Damir Kedžo – Voljena ženo
  11. Natalie Balmix – Dijamanti
  12. MARCELA – Gasoline

Until then, take a look at last year’s Croatian participation in Eurovision with Let 3, singing “Mama ŠČ, who are also canditates for this year’s participation of Croatia as well:

Source: HRT

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for even more news regarding Croatia’s participation in Eurovision 2024!

Croatia: Let 3 lead singer falls sick!

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Lead singer from Let 3 Zoran Prodanović Prlja has fallen sick recently.  The band qualified in the First Semi-Final of Eurovision 2023 this Tuesday.

The bassist of Let 3, Damir Martinović Mrle talked about this situation during an interview with HRT 1.  During the programme Kod nas doma, Martinović Mrle revealed the lead singer has fallen sick right after the First Semifinal:

“We have been in those spaces for days where we have rehearsals and performances that are constantly under air conditioning and ventilation and when a person stays there for 10, 12 hours, then it is a little problematic because it affects some people’s throats. And when it affects the singers’ throats, then it’s not good.  He caught that last night. You could feel it in that vocal, I don’t know how much the audience felt it, but this morning he woke up sick, his nose and throat are blocked, he can hardly speak, so now he is lying in bed and let’s hope that he can recover in two days.”

 

The Croatian Head of Delegation for Croatia, Mr. Tomislav Štengl has also commented on these recent news.  He is however more positive that Prlja will get a quick recovery:

“Everyone had a bit of a cold but Prlja might have got it a little worse. I think everything will be fine for Friday and Saturday.  The atmosphere is great. Everyone congratulates us, everyone is delighted.”

Last Semi-Final marked the first time Croatia qualifies for a Grand Final since 2017 and the first time Croatia qualifies with a song in Croatian since 2008.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for more news about Croatia in Eurovision 2023

Source: HRT

Eurovision 2023: Second Rehearsal of Croatia!

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Today is the fourth day of rehearsals, the day when the countries participating in the First Semi Final will take over the stage for their second rehearsal at M&S Bank Arena, in Liverpool!

Next up on stage for their second rehearsal is Croatia and Let 3 with the song “Mama ŠČ!“.

Who are Let 3?

Let 3 come from Rijeka, the birthplace of Croatia’s punk scene, where they quickly gained a reputation for merging energetic performances with live art, social commentary, over-the-top theatrics, and outlandish costumes.
Frontman Zoran Prodanović (Prlja) started out in the band Umjetnici Ulice, before joining with bass guitarist Damir Martinović (Mrle) to form Let 2 in 1986 (which eventually evolved into Let 3 when they added a new member).

This established and much-loved group have released 10 albums, one of which, Nečuveno (Unheard), quickly sold out despite the record being completely blank.

In Croatia the band are known for their provocative performances and are no strangers to shocking audiences by performing in the nude… we’ve no doubt Croatian broadcaster HRT are carefully going through the Eurovision rulebook with the boys right now.

The Rehearsal

It’s 2nd rehearsal time for Croatia’s Let 3, and it looks no less bonkers on the big screen than it did in the arena. It’s just…bigger. And brighter. Let 3 kick off with their trademark extravagant costumes, mind-bending graphics and high fashion hat/dress combos, and then for the final chorus they all strip down to their underwear and wave huge missiles.

Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU

The colours are more psychedelic. The removal of clothing is in high definition. They have an extensive track record of getting naked on stage, but they’ve kept it classy for a Sunday afternoon.

Chloe Hashemi / EBU

Let 3’s performance ends with the missiles emitting a shower of sparks over a group of men dancing in platform heels, vests and underpants.

Source: eurovision.tv
Photos: Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU, Corinne Cumming / EBU

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Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun for all the latest developments regarding the Swedish entry in Eurovision 2023!

Eurovision 2023: Croatia’s First Rehearsal!

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The seventh country on the rehearsals schedule is Croatia with the eccentric entry “Mama ŠČ!” of the group Let 3

Everything about Let 3:

Let 3 come from Rijeka, the birthplace of Croatia’s punk scene, where they quickly gained a reputation for merging energetic performances with live art, social commentary, over-the-top theatrics, and outlandish costumes.
Frontman Zoran Prodanović (Prlja) started out in the band Umjetnici Ulice, before joining with bass guitarist Damir Martinović (Mrle) to form Let 2 in 1986 (which eventually evolved into Let 3 when they added a new member).

This established and much-loved group have released 10 albums, one of which, Nečuveno (Unheard), quickly sold out despite the record being completely blank.

In Croatia the band are known for their provocative performances and are no strangers to shocking audiences by performing in the nude… we’ve no doubt Croatian broadcaster HRT are carefully going through the Eurovision rulebook with the boys right now.

The Rehearsal

Let 3 kick off with their trademark extravagant costumes, mind-bending graphics and high fashion hat/dress combos, and then for the final chorus they all strip down to their underwear and wave huge missiles. They have an extensive track record of getting naked on stage, but they’ve kept it classy for a Sunday afternoon. There are also fireworks in the final run-through. Let 3’s performance ends with the missiles emitting a shower of sparks over a group of men dancing in platform heels, vests and underpants. Not sure the Liverpool arena has ever seen anything quite like that.

It feels like a nursery rhyme or a lullaby, but with tractors, kissing and war.

Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU

Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU

 

Below you can watch a small clip from Coratia’s first rehearsal from TikTok:

@eurovision Oh mama! Let 3 have revved up into Liverpool 🚜🇭🇷 #Eurovision2023 #Eurovision @Let 3 Mrle ♬ original sound – Eurovision

The second rehearsal of Croatia takes place on Wednesday 3/5 and we will be able to have a better view of what Let 3 will be presenting on stage.

Follow us on all social media, so you do not miss a moment of what will happen in Liverpool:

Finland: Käärija reacts to Eurovision 2023 songs!

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Käärijä has reacted to some of the songs competing in Eurovision 2023.

In the video uploaded by the official UMK Youtube account, the Finnish representative reacts to the songs from Austria, Sweden, United Kingdom, Germany, Croatia, France, Spain and Greece.

Although Käärijä’s comments about his fellow competitors were positive in general he has some favorite songs from this group which he would give 12 points.  According to Käärijä, the songs from Austria, Sweden, Germany and Greece are his personal favoruites from this group.

You can watch Käärijä’s reaction in this video:

And you can also watch our reaction by the Eurovisionfun team to Käärijä’s Eurovision song Cha Cha Cha

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for more news about Finland in Eurovision 2023!

London Eurovision Party 2023: Watch all the live performances!

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Yesterday, 16th of April, London held the last pre-party for this year’s Eurovision season.

London Eurovision Party 2023 was held in Here at Outernet and presented by Nicki French(UK 2000) and Paddy O’ Connell(former Eurovision commentator for the BBC).

22 Eurovision participants sang in London and you can watch their live performances below:

  • Australia – Voyager

There is a big difference between the studio version and their live performance. It’s a rock performance and it shows that band songs are meant for live performances. It is indeed difficult to make any predictions, but I wouldn’t be surprised in case it does well with the televoting, even if Australia is usually a jury favorite.

  • Austria – Teya & Salena

A much loved entry by Eurovision fans and it is worth it. The vocals are good, the chemistry between the duo is splendid, the weird dancing is present and the crowd is loving it. Austria has managed to beat the odds so far, contrary to those who thought that Who the Hell is Edgar was going to be a fan-flop, similarly to last year’s Halo. Now, we will only have to see how it works in Liverpool stage!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlf8Sb5RaUQ

  • Azerbaijan – TuralXTuran

A beautiful song for sure and regardless the final result, I’m really glad that Azerbaijan finally sent a song that was written by Azerbaijani people. Although, that doesn’t seem to be enough and their performances do not have a large appeal. Probably we will not see them perform in the Grand Final.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLvPB2-2LAc

  • Croatia – Let 3

The most controversial entry of Eurovision 2023. Controversial is also the whole career of Let 3. Although, everyone thought that they wouldn’t make it to the Final, their live performances prove the opposite. The crowd is having fun and singing with them and their eccentricity will sure be noticed. It looks like Croatia made the right choice!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHnz8Y4SmHI

  • Czechia – Vesna

A fan favorite to win at first, but at the moment it does not give winning vibes. It was a better performance than usual but it will be a long way for Czechia in order to achieve their result. Their vocals were better but staging still looks messy and chaotic and it does not put across the message of the song. There is still time!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZdTtoA6IcI

  • Denmark – Reiley

A much better performance than usual but it remains a song that has small potential when live performed. Reiley being famous on TikTok might be helpful for his entry, so I can’t exclude any possibility.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ng571hW6Ro

  • Estonia – Alika

A beautiful song and impressive vocals. That’s it! It’s another cliché Eurovision ballad, not good enough for Alika’s vocal abilities.

  • Finland – Käärijä

We can all understand the hype. Exactly like any of his performances, he gives once more the 100% of his personality and energy. The crowd goes crazy and here we have if not the winner, a top 3 contender.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeBDb3QoKss

  • Iceland – Diljá

Strong vocals and stage presence as Diljá is an energetic performer. Although, the song doesn’t seem enough for Diljá either.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5GrD6IRMfc

  • Ireland – Wild Youth

A good band performance, full of energy. On the other hand, the song does not stand out for their qualification. It’s not anything new, it’s something done before but it’s not done well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c03adZUY3I

  • Lithuania – Monika Linkytė

Monika brought the London Community Gospel Choir for her performance in London Eurovision Party. A vocal powerhouse. The song slowly receives more support and it’s all because of Monika herself. Stay is going to be loved by the juries and we can’t exclude the possibility of the public voting for her. She has a personality and you can’t skip over it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FplK-xqYZ90

  • Malta – The Busker

Good vocals and great energy on stage. Looks like they are having fun. Frontman’s moves resemble exactly what the song is all about, feeling socially anxious in parties. I really like this entry, but unfortunately it doesn’t stand out and it’s not enough for Malta’s ticket to the Final.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZF3ucUwzok

  • Moldova – Pasha Parfeni

A really energetic performance of Pasha. The crowd is enjoying it and is probably sending him straight to the Final.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVM4HO6991Q

  • Norway – Alessandra

Vocally speaking she gets better and better each time. Personally, I don’t mind any voice cracks of Alessandra. She has a really strong entry, her presence is imposing and her view of pre-parties like actual parties, is actually obvious when performing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPRsTpDEV3A

  • Portugal – Mimicat

Although I’m not a big fan of this year’s Portuguese entry and looks weird to me, Mimicat is vocally flawless and I’m waiting for a better performance on Liverpool to disprove me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COErIMq3AFo

  • Romania – Theodor Andrei

You will either like it or not. I don’t like it. Vocally he’s good but none of his performances, although far better than the one in Romania’s NF, seems convincing, just messy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwR26PjTJI8

  • San Marino – Piqued Jacks

In any means, not a bad song. The lead singer is vocally on point. The whole package, although, is not enough.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nep9c326_x4

  • Serbia – Luke Black

I still don’t get the song. It’s not my favorite entry but it is quirky, eccentric and special. He still looks awkward to me when referring to his stage presence. I’m waiting for his performance in Liverpool!

  • Slovenia – Joker Out

I love that song! Although, the studio version was not that promising at first, the charisma of every single one of the band’s members is to die for. They are stylish, humorous and committed to what they do. I hope to see that energy in Liverpool and Slovenia finally getting awarded with a good result.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwZIzxI7who

  • Sweden – Loreen

The real queen of this year’s Eurovision. She teaches every Eurovision winner about when and how to return back. Vocally flawless and she seems to be connected with the crowd. Although, the led platform is missing, her strong personality is here and elevates the song. Personally, I want to see her crowned as a winner again!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCYrO5vspeM

  • Spain – Blanca Paloma

Whether you like her entry or not, one thing is for sure. No one can deny Blanca’s flawless vocals and how expressive she is. Although, I can’t fully understand the song, because it has many references to Spanish culture, every time I watch her performances, her emotions really touch me. RTVE is here to win, although I don’t think it will be come true. A great entry, one of my favorites, and it is a good example on what should follow the next year after a great Eurovision result.

  • United Kingdom – Mae Muller

MAE I LOVE U!!!I can’t be completely honest with her. Vocally wise, her best performance. What it is indeed challenging is not exactly her vocals but how it will be staged. It needs some dancing, but mostly sass and attitude. These are Mae’s weapons, indeed. She seems to enjoy it and no matter the comments, crowd loves her. It’s the most mainstream pop song of this year’s Eurovision, there’s no way it will not be placed high!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJYqmM3g5qk

Which were your favorite performances? Write in the comments!

Stay tuned on EurovisionFun for more news about Eurovision 2023!

Croatia: Let 3 wins first Icelandic Eurovision Preview Show!

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Iceland is currently broadcasting their Eurovision Preview show Alla leið.   It is a tradition in many of the public broadcasters around Europe to review the competing acts for Eurovision and rating them.  Iceland is one of these countries and yesterday we could watch the first night of Alla leið 2023.

A panel consisting on four jurors review the songs competing for Eurovision 2023.  At the end of the first show Let 3 received the most points from the panel.  Portugal and Norway came in second and third place respectively.

Here you can see the full scoreboard for the first night of Alla leið 2023:

  Judge 1 Judge 2 Judge 2 Judge 2 Total
🇭🇷 Croatia – Let 3 – “Mama ŠČ!” 12 8 12 10 42  points
🇵🇹 Portugal – Mimicat – “Ai coração” 8 7 6 8 31 points
🇳🇴 Norway – Alessandra – Queen of the Kings 6 7 6 8 27 points
🇱🇻 Latvia – Sudden Lights – “Aijā” 2 12 8 4 26 points
🇮🇪 Ireland – Wild Youth – “We Are One” 6 4 5 7 22 points
🇲🇹 Malta – The Busker – “Dance (Our Own Party)” 3 6 5 7 21 points
🇷🇸 Serbia – Luke Black – “Samo mi se spava” 7 5 6 3 21 points

Next week, the Icelandic panel will review the acts performing in the second half of the First Semi-final

Source: RUV

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for more news about Let 3’s journey in Eurovision 2023

 

 

 

Poland: The Polish Eurovision Party 2023 is today!

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Today, for the second year in a row, the Polish Eurovision Party 2023 will take place in Warsaw. The hosts of the evening will be Poli Genova (Bulgaria 2011 & 2016) and Konrad Zemlik (the organizer of the event).

At this year’s Polish pre-party, twenty-five artists will appear, who are participating in this year’s Eurovision or have participated in the past.

The Eurovision 2023 entrants who will perform tonight are:

  • Albina & Familija Kelmendi – Albania
  • Alika – Estonia
  • Diljá – Iceland
  • Joker Out – Slovenia
  • Let 3 – Croatia
  • Mae Muller – United Kingdom
  • Monika Linkytė – Lithuania
  • Pasha Parfeni – Moldova
  • Piqued Jacks – San Marino
  • Reiley – Denmark
  • Sudden Lights – Latvia
  • The Busker – Malta
  • Vesna – Czechia
  • Wild Youth – Ireland

The remaining sixteen artists who will accompany this year’s participants are:

  • Anne-Marie David – Winner of Eurovision 1973 with Luxembourg
  • Eye Cue – North Macedonia 2018
  • Felivers – Tu bije serce Europy 2023 (Polish National Final)
  • Filip Baloš – Pesma za Evroviziju ’23 (Serbian National Final)
  • Gromee – Poland 2018
  • Inis Neziri – Festivali i Këngës 56 & 59 (Albanian National Final)
  • Krystian Ochman – Poland 2022
  • Kuba Szmajkowski – Tu bije serce Europy 2022 & 2023
  • Lindsay Dracass – United Kingdom 2001
  • Melovin – Ukraine 2018
  • Oceana – Unser Song für Dänemark
  • Poli Genova – Bulgaria 2011 & 2016
  • Senhit – San Marino 2011, 2020 & 2021
  • Slavko – Montenegro 2017
  • Sunstroke Project – Moldova 2010, 2017
  • Viki Gabor – Winner of Junior Eurovision 2019 with Poland

 

Stay tuned EurovisionFun for all the news regarding Eurovision!

Croatia: Watch the official music video of “Mama ŠČ”!

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Today, the music video of the Croatian group Let 3, that will represent the country in this year’s Eurovision, was released. With the song “Mama ŠČ”, Let 3 will compete at Liverpool after winning the Croatian National final Dora 2023.

You can watch the official music video down bellow: 

We want to remind you that Croatia will perform at the first half of the semi final at 9th of May 2023, claiming one of the ten spots for the Grand Final in May!

Stay tuned on EurovisionFun for all the news regarding Croatia’s participation in Eurovision 2023!