North Macedonia set for Eurovision 2027 return which could open the door for an Aussie artist
- Dale Roberts
- May 21
- 3 min read
North Macedonia appears set to return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027, with the nation's broadcaster confirming plans to be back on the Eurovision stage for the first time in five years.
The news could also boost the chances of an Australian artist with Macedonian heritage who has already begun discussions about representing the country.
At a public session of North Macedonian broadcaster MRT's Program Council, MRT director general Zoran Ristoski confirmed the broadcaster intends to participate in Eurovision 2027.
According to local media outlet Lider, Ristoski said he had held meetings with representatives of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and was confident North Macedonia would send a representative to the contest in Sofia next year.
He also revealed MRT has received support from the EBU in promoting Macedonian cultural values and expects more favourable conditions to assist the broadcaster's Eurovision return.
Ristoski added that the era of non-transparent Eurovision selections was over, pointing to the broadcaster's already announced public selection process for Junior Eurovision 2026 as evidence of a new approach.
North Macedonia's Eurovision absence
North Macedonia last competed at Eurovision in 2022 when Andrea represented the nation with Circles in Turin.
The country withdrew from Eurovision following financial pressures, with MRT citing rising participation costs and budget constraints.
North Macedonia's best Eurovision result came in 2019 when Tamara Todevska finished seventh with Proud, earning the country's highest-ever placing at the contest.
A return in 2027 would mark the nation's first appearance in five years and increase the number of participating countries after several recent withdrawals.
Australian singer already eyeing the role
The broadcaster's return could be significant for Australian singer Bobi Andonov, who has publicly expressed interest in representing North Macedonia at Eurovision.
As Aussievision reported in July, information released by MRT revealed Andonov had met with broadcaster representatives to pitch his candidacy for a future Eurovision campaign.
The Melbourne-born artist, whose parents are from the North Macedonian city of Strumica, reportedly presented details of his artistic vision, promotional strategy and even proposed music video plans.
Speaking to publication Sloboden Pechat, Andonov explained why representing North Macedonia appealed to him.
"No matter where music has taken me, whether in America, Australia or Europe, I have never forgotten my home."
"Macedonia is in my blood. As an artist, I have grown a lot and now I feel ready to bring something strong back to the country that raised me. Eurovision seems to me like the perfect opportunity to connect with the people and give something valuable."
Following reports of his discussions with MRT, Andonov suggested a Eurovision bid was now more likely for 2027 than 2026.
"Eurovision 2026 would've been amazing, but after speaking with MRT, it looks like everything's moving towards 2027 - and honestly, it feels right. This gives me time to build it properly and make it unforgettable."
Who is Bobi Andonov?
Born in Melbourne in 1994, Andonov first gained attention as a child performer before representing FYR Macedonia at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2008.
He won the country's national selection with Prati Mi SMS and went on to finish fifth at Junior Eurovision in Cyprus, matching North Macedonia's best result at the contest at the time.
His career later expanded internationally.
In 2010 he reached the grand final of Australia's Got Talent after winning his semi-final public vote.
He subsequently developed a successful songwriting career, co-writing tracks for artists including Afrojack, Joel Fletcher and The X Factor Australia winner Cyrus Villanueva.
After relocating to the United States in 2015, Andonov continued working as a singer, songwriter and producer while building an international audience.
Eurovision 2027 is set to be held in Bulgaria after the nation won the 2026 Contest in Vienna last week.
This is exciting news for Eurovision fans! I wonder which Aussie artist might represent North Macedonia in 2027. It's always great to see new talent on the stage. For more Eurovision updates, check out scritchy scratchy.
Great to see North Macedonia back in 2027, and an Aussie artist would be a fantastic twist. Fingers crossed the selection process is smooth—hopefully no dramas that require netflix customer service just to sort out the broadcast!