Croatia's Eurovision Journey Begins Tonight

The first semi-final of Dora 2026 kicks off Croatia's quest to find its next Eurovision representative on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 20:05 CET. Held at the iconic HRT Studios in Zagreb, this opening night features 12 talented acts competing for 8 coveted spots in the Grand Final. As Croatia celebrates HRT's 100th anniversary of radio and 70th anniversary of television, Dora 2026 promises to be a spectacular showcase of Croatian musical talent.

This year marks a significant return to Zagreb for Dora, with the national selection being held in the capital's state-of-the-art broadcasting facilities. The competition format is straightforward yet thrilling: public televoting will determine which 8 acts advance to the Grand Final on February 15, giving viewers complete control over their favorites' destiny.

The Competing Acts

Lima Len – "Raketa" (Rocket)

Lima Len opens the competition with the high-energy track "Raketa" (Rocket). This dynamic performance promises to launch the evening with explosive energy, setting the tone for an unforgettable night of music. The song's title suggests an upward trajectory, perfectly symbolizing Croatia's Eurovision ambitions.

Jasmina Makota – "Higher"

Singer Jasmina Makota takes the stage with "Higher," an English-language entry that aims to elevate Croatian music on the international stage. Her powerful vocals and emotive delivery make this a strong contender for qualification.

Ananda – "Dora"

In a meta twist, Ananda performs a song titled "Dora," paying homage to the very competition she's competing in. This self-referential entry celebrates Croatia's rich Eurovision selection history and could resonate deeply with fans of the national final.

Tony Sky – "O ne!" (Oh no!)

Tony Sky brings theatrical flair with "O ne!" (Oh no!), a Croatian-language entry that promises dramatic moments and memorable staging. The exclamatory title hints at an emotionally charged performance.

Fran Uccellini – "Ako bolje bude sutra" (If it's better tomorrow)

With a hopeful message, Fran Uccellini performs "Ako bolje bude sutra" (If it's better tomorrow). This introspective ballad offers a moment of reflection amid the evening's high-energy performances, showcasing the diversity of Croatian songwriting.

Ema Bubić – "Vrijeme za nas" (Time for us)

Ema Bubić delivers "Vrijeme za nas" (Time for us), a romantic entry that speaks to universal themes of love and connection. Her performance is expected to create an intimate atmosphere in the HRT Studios.

Noelle – "Uninterrupted"

Artist Noelle presents "Uninterrupted," an English-language track that promises seamless vocals and polished production. The title suggests a continuous flow of emotion and melody.

Alen Đuras – "From Ashes to Flame"

Alen Đuras brings a powerful narrative with "From Ashes to Flame," an anthem of resilience and rebirth. This English-language entry could provide one of the evening's most dramatic moments.

Fenksta – "Memento Mori"

With the Latin phrase meaning "remember you must die," Fenksta offers a philosophical entry with "Memento Mori." This thought-provoking performance promises to stand out with its unique conceptual approach.

Cold Snap – "Mucho Macho"

Group Cold Snap injects humor and energy with "Mucho Macho," a playful entry that combines Spanish flair with contemporary pop sensibilities. Their performance is expected to be one of the evening's most entertaining moments.

ToMa – "Ledina" (Meadow)

ToMa takes a more naturalistic approach with "Ledina" (Meadow), evoking imagery of Croatian landscapes. This entry celebrates the country's natural beauty through music.

LELEK – "Andromeda"

Closing the semi-final, LELEK performs "Andromeda," a cosmic-themed entry that reaches for the stars. Named after the galaxy, this performance promises to be visually spectacular and musically ambitious.

The Venue: HRT Studios Zagreb

The HRT Studios in Zagreb serve as the perfect backdrop for Dora 2026. As the headquarters of Croatian Radio Television (Hrvatska radiotelevizija), these studios have been the birthplace of countless iconic Croatian television moments. Dora last took place in Zagreb in 2024, after many years of being held in the coastal city of Opatija. The return to the capital coincides with HRT's milestone anniversaries, making this year's Dora particularly special.

The studios offer state-of-the-art production facilities, allowing for elaborate staging, lighting, and visual effects that can compete with any European national selection. The intimate studio setting creates a unique atmosphere where artists can connect directly with the television audience while delivering polished, broadcast-quality performances.

How the Voting Works

Semi-Final 1 operates on a pure public televoting system. Croatian viewers will have the power to decide which 8 of the 12 acts advance to the Grand Final. Voting opens during the show and closes shortly after the final performance. While Croatian juries have been assembled for the competition, their votes in the semi-finals will only be used as a backup in case of technical issues with the televote.

This democratic approach ensures that the acts who connect most strongly with the Croatian public will move forward in the competition. The top 8 vote-getters will join the 8 qualifiers from Semi-Final 2 to create a 16-act Grand Final on February 15.

Watch Dora 2026 Live

Croatian viewers can watch Dora 2026 Semi-Final 1 live on HRT1, Croatia's flagship television channel. The show will also stream live on HRTi, HRT's digital platform, allowing viewers to watch on computers, tablets, and smartphones. Additionally, the official Dora HRT YouTube channel will provide live coverage, making the show accessible to international Eurovision fans.

The broadcast begins at 20:05 CET (Central European Time), with pre-show coverage expected to start shortly before. The show will be hosted by a team of four presenters: Barbara Kolar, Duško Ćurlić, Iva Šulentić, and Ivan Vukušić, who will guide viewers through the evening's performances and voting process.

Dora's Eurovision Legacy

Dora has been Croatia's Eurovision national selection since the country's independence, launching the careers of numerous artists and delivering memorable Eurovision moments. From Severina to Jacques Houdek to Let 3, Dora has consistently showcased the diversity and creativity of Croatian music. The competition has evolved over the years, adapting its format while maintaining its core mission: finding the best possible representative for Eurovision.

Croatia's best Eurovision result came in 1999 when Doris Dragović finished 4th with "Marija Magdalena." More recently, the country has embraced more experimental entries, with Let 3's "Mama ŠČ!" in 2023 becoming a viral sensation and fan favorite despite not qualifying from the semi-final.

This year, Croatia aims to return to the Eurovision Grand Final in Vienna, representing the country at the 70th edition of the world's largest music competition. The winner of Dora 2026 will carry the hopes of a nation when they take the stage at the Wiener Stadthalle in May.

Join the Excitement

Whether you're watching from Croatia or anywhere in the world, Dora 2026 Semi-Final 1 promises an evening of exceptional music, stunning performances, and the thrill of live competition. With 12 diverse acts vying for 8 spots, every vote counts. Tune in tonight at 20:05 CET to witness the beginning of Croatia's Eurovision 2026 journey and help decide which artists will move one step closer to representing the nation in Vienna.

For more information about Dora 2026, visit the official HRT website and follow the competition on social media. The road to Vienna starts here!

Event Results

This event concluded on February 12, 2026. Below are the official results based on 100% public televoting.

Qualifiers to the Grand Final

The following eight acts advanced to the Dora 2026 Grand Final on February 15, 2026:

Lima Len – "Raketa" (Rocket)
Ananda – "Dora"
Ema Bubić – "Vrijeme za nas" (Time for us)
Noelle – "Uninterrupted"
Alen Đuras – "From Ashes to Flame"
Cold Snap – "Mucho Macho"
ToMa – "Ledina" (Meadow)
LELEK – "Andromeda"

Eliminated

The following acts did not qualify from Semi-Final 1:

Jasmina Makota – "Higher"
Tony Sky – "O ne!" (Oh no!)
Fran Uccellini – "Ako bolje bude sutra" (If it's better tomorrow)
Fenksta – "Memento Mori"

What's Next?

The Dora 2026 journey continues! Visit the Events Calendar to see the upcoming events:

The winner of Dora 2026 will represent Croatia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna, Austria.