North Macedonia Releases Their 2021 Entry 'Here I Stand' by Vasil

Vasil's long awaited 2021 entry for North Macedonia 'Here I Stand' has been released today.

Vasil announced the song on social media on 12th February, sharing the song title and cover art, but remained tight lipped about the release date.

Vasil said of the song, "In the middle of the chaos and whirlwind of disappointments last year, I wrote 'Here I Stand' in one breath without any specific aim or focus."

"I think it rose out of one of those special and rare moments in life when you are at one with yourself: able to let emotions flow in their purest form without self judgment, freely and sincerely..

"I am deeply honored that I will have the opportunity to represent Macedonia at Eurovision with a song inspired by my personal journey. They say that every human being carries at least one song within themselves. 'Here I Stand' is that song for me. I can hardly wait to perform it for you on the Eurovision stage!

"Thank you all for your love and support. Stay tuned and see you soon."

'Here I Stand' was written by Vasil, Borče Kuzmanovski and Davor Jordanovski. It also features previous members of the Chicago Childrens Choir, which Vasil was a member of in his childhood.

Vasil was set to represent North Macednia with 'You' in the 2020 contest before it was cancelled. It wasn't announced until January this year that the public broadcaster Macedonian Radio Television (MKRTV) had internally selected him for the 2021 contest.

North Macedonia achieved their best result so far in the most recent contest in 2019. Tamara Todevska performed 'Proud' and won the jury vote in the final, but came 7th place over all. Vasil performed on 'Proud' as a backing vocalist.

Will 'Here I Stand' get North Macedonia even higher up the scoreboard?