The Second Night of Croatian Eurovision Dreams

As the excitement from the first semi-final still resonates, Dora 2026 returns on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 20:05 CET for its second semi-final. Another 12 talented artists will take the stage at HRT Studios in Zagreb, each hoping to secure one of the 8 available spots in Sunday's Grand Final. With the competition heating up, this Friday the 13th promises to be anything but unlucky for Croatian music fans.

The format remains thrilling and democratic: Croatian viewers hold all the power through public televoting, deciding which acts will join the 8 qualifiers from Semi-Final 1 in the ultimate showdown. As HRT celebrates its centennial year of broadcasting excellence, Dora 2026 continues to showcase why Croatia remains one of Eurovision's most passionate participating nations.

Meet the Semi-Final 2 Contestants

Ritam Noir – "Profumi di mare" (Scents of the sea)

Opening the evening, Ritam Noir brings Mediterranean vibes with "Profumi di mare" (Scents of the sea). Sung in Italian, this entry evokes Croatia's stunning Adriatic coastline and the cultural connections between Croatian and Italian coastal communities. The romantic imagery and melodic composition promise to transport viewers to sun-drenched shores.

Irma – "Ni traga" (No trace)

Singer Irma delivers emotional depth with "Ni traga" (No trace), a Croatian-language ballad exploring themes of loss and memory. Her powerful vocal performance is expected to create one of the evening's most moving moments, showcasing the storytelling tradition in Croatian music.

Gabrijel Ivić – "Light Up"

Gabrijel Ivić aims to illuminate the stage with "Light Up," an uplifting English-language entry designed to energize the audience. The song's positive message and contemporary production make it a strong contender for qualification.

ZEVIN – "My Mind"

Artist ZEVIN explores introspective themes with "My Mind," an English-language track that delves into mental and emotional landscapes. The performance promises modern staging and relatable lyrics that could resonate with younger viewers.

Ivan Sever – "Crying Eyes"

With a title that speaks to universal heartbreak, Ivan Sever performs "Crying Eyes." This emotional English-language ballad showcases his vocal range and ability to convey raw emotion, potentially creating a standout moment in the competition.

Lana Mandarić – "Tama" (Darkness)

Lana Mandarić brings dramatic intensity with "Tama" (Darkness), a Croatian-language entry that explores shadowy themes. The contrast between light and dark, both musically and visually, could make this one of the evening's most memorable performances.

Stela Rade – "Nema te" (You're gone)

Singer Stela Rade performs "Nema te" (You're gone), a poignant Croatian ballad about absence and longing. Her emotive delivery and the song's melancholic beauty represent the best of Balkan ballad traditions.

Devin – "Over Me"

Devin brings contemporary pop sensibilities with "Over Me," an English-language track about moving forward and personal growth. The upbeat tempo and catchy hooks make this an accessible entry with broad appeal.

Kandžija – "3 ujutro" (3 a.m.)

With a title referencing the late-night hours, Kandžija performs "3 ujutro" (3 a.m.), capturing the unique atmosphere of those quiet, contemplative moments before dawn. This Croatian-language entry promises an intimate, atmospheric performance.

Marko Kutlić – "Neotuđivo" (Inalienable)

Marko Kutlić tackles profound themes with "Neotuđivo" (Inalienable), a Croatian-language entry exploring concepts of inherent rights and human dignity. The philosophical depth combined with strong musicality makes this a thought-provoking contribution to the competition.

Sergej – "Scream"

Artist Sergej brings raw energy with "Scream," an English-language entry that promises powerful vocals and intense staging. The title suggests an explosive performance that could shake the HRT Studios.

Lara Demarin – "MANTRA"

Closing Semi-Final 2, Lara Demarin performs "MANTRA," a hypnotic entry that combines repetitive musical elements with contemporary production. The spiritual undertones and modern sound could provide a striking finale to the evening.

HRT Studios: A Broadcasting Landmark

The HRT Studios in Zagreb represent the heart of Croatian television production. Located in the nation's capital, these facilities have hosted countless landmark broadcasts throughout Croatia's independent history. The decision to hold Dora 2026 here carries special significance as HRT marks 100 years of radio broadcasting and 70 years of television in Croatia.

The studios' technical capabilities allow for sophisticated production values that rival any European broadcaster. From multi-camera setups to advanced lighting rigs and LED screens, the HRT Studios can transform each three-minute song into a visual spectacle. The controlled environment also ensures perfect audio quality, allowing each artist's voice to shine without the unpredictability of larger arena venues.

Zagreb itself brings energy to the competition as Croatia's largest city and cultural center. While Dora has historically been associated with the coastal resort town of Opatija, the return to Zagreb connects the competition to the country's media and entertainment industry hub, where many of the competing artists have developed their careers.

The Power of Public Vote

In Semi-Final 2, as in the first semi-final, Croatian viewers have complete control through televoting. The 8 acts receiving the most public votes will advance to the Grand Final, joining the 8 qualifiers from Thursday's show. This creates a 16-act final that represents the cream of Croatian musical talent.

Voting opens during the broadcast and remains active until shortly after the final performance. Viewers can cast their votes via phone or SMS, with each vote carrying equal weight. The transparency and simplicity of this system ensure that the acts who genuinely connect with the Croatian public move forward.

While professional juries have been assembled for Dora 2026, their role in the semi-finals is limited to serving as a backup voting mechanism in case of technical difficulties with the televote. This approach prioritizes public opinion while maintaining a safety net for the competition's integrity.

How to Watch Live

Dora 2026 Semi-Final 2 broadcasts live on HRT1, Croatia's primary television channel, starting at 20:05 CET. Viewers can also stream the show live via HRTi, HRT's digital streaming platform, which offers viewing on multiple devices including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.

International Eurovision fans can tune in through the official Dora HRT YouTube channel, which provides free live streaming to audiences worldwide. This global accessibility has helped Dora build an international following, with Eurovision fans from across Europe and beyond tuning in to discover new Croatian talent.

The show will be presented by the charismatic hosting team of Barbara Kolar, Duško Ćurlić, Iva Šulentić, and Ivan Vukušić. This quartet brings a mix of experience and fresh energy, with Kolar and Ćurlić returning from previous Dora editions, while Šulentić makes her first Dora hosting appearance since 2019, and Vukušić debuts as a Dora presenter.

Croatia's Eurovision Story

Since debuting at Eurovision in 1993, Croatia has participated in the contest with pride and passion, though success has sometimes been elusive. The country's best result remains Doris Dragović's 4th place finish in 1999 with "Marija Magdalena," a powerful ballad that showcased Croatian vocal prowess on the international stage.

In recent years, Croatia has embraced more diverse and experimental entries. Let 3's provocative "Mama ŠČ!" in 2023 became a cultural phenomenon, generating millions of views and sparking conversations about artistic freedom and political commentary in Eurovision. While the entry didn't qualify from the semi-final in Liverpool, it demonstrated Croatia's willingness to take creative risks.

Other memorable Croatian entries include Franka's "Crazy" (2018), Nina Kraljić's "Lighthouse" (2016), and Mia Dimšić's "Guilty Pleasure" (2022). Each represented different facets of Croatian music, from pop to ballads to contemporary sounds.

The winner of Dora 2026 will represent Croatia at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria, marking the contest's 70th edition. This milestone year adds extra significance to the Croatian selection, as the chosen artist will be part of Eurovision history at one of Europe's most prestigious venues, the Wiener Stadthalle.

Don't Miss the Action

Friday, February 13, 2026, may be considered unlucky by some, but for 12 Croatian artists, it represents the opportunity of a lifetime. With 8 Grand Final spots available and public voting determining the outcome, every performance matters and every vote counts. The diversity of styles—from Italian-language romanticism to introspective English pop to powerful Croatian ballads—ensures that there's something for every music lover.

Tune in at 20:05 CET to witness the second chapter of Croatia's Eurovision 2026 journey. Whether you're a devoted Eurovision fan, a supporter of Croatian music, or simply someone who appreciates great live performances, Dora 2026 Semi-Final 2 promises an unforgettable evening of entertainment.

Visit the official HRT website for more information about Dora 2026, and join the conversation on social media as Croatia selects its next Eurovision hopeful. The road to Vienna continues tonight!

Event Results

This event concluded on February 13, 2026. Below are the official results.

🎉 Qualifiers to the Grand Final

The following eight acts advanced to the Grand Final based on public televoting:

Sergej – "Scream"
Devin – "Over Me"
Stela Rade – "Nema te"
Marko Kutlić – "Neotuđivo"
Lara Demarin – "Mantra"
Irma – "Ni traga"
Ritam Noir – "Profumi di mare"
Lana Mandarić – "Tama"

Eliminated

The following four acts did not qualify for the Grand Final:

Gabrijel Ivić – "Light Up"
Zevin – "My Mind"
Ivan Sever – "Crying Eyes"
Kandžija – "3 ujutro"

What's Next?

The Grand Final lineup is now complete! All 16 qualifiers (8 from each semi-final) will compete on February 15, 2026 to determine Croatia's representative for Eurovision 2026.

Visit the Dora 2026 Grand Final countdown page to see when Croatia will choose its Eurovision 2026 entry.

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