Vasil Garvanliev is back to represent North Macedonia at Eurovision 2021. He was set to represent North Macedonia in 2020 with the song 'You' before the contest was cancelled.
The Macedonian public broadcaster, Macedonian Radio Television (MKRTV), have confirmed Vasil as their representative, having been selected internally.
Vasil has actually taken part in Eurovision before. In 2019 in Tel Aviv he was a backing vocalist for Tamara Todevska’s Jury winning entry ‘Proud’, which finished in 7th place in the Grand Final.
He has had a long musical career, where from age 7 he performed in popular children’s music festivals throughout North Macedonia. Then after a move to the United States he joined the Chicago Children’s Choir. He returned to North Macedonia in 2018 releasing many successful singles and even selling out his first solo concert in November 2019.
Vasil has been keeping busy over the past few months. He's been working on his new album, Vasil Sudbina, which will be released in 2021.
About his return he said in a statement on eurovision.tv:
"Rarely in life do we get not just one, but 3 chances to make our dream come true. In 2019 I proudly stood behind Tamara Todevska, in 2020 I dedicated everything to YOU - but Covid said no! In 2021 I am using my personal journey and story to place my heart in your hands through my voice”
"Never stop believing, dreaming and fighting for what you stand for in life. Dreams do come true!"
Vasil’s song entry for Eurovision 2021 will be selected internally and announced soon. MKRTV has opened a submission for the song which ends on 27 January.
North Macedonia first debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest as the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in 1998, until their name change in 2019. Over the last 22 years they have reached the final nine times, every time reaching the top 20, and in 2019 they received their best Grand Final placing at 7th place, with Tamara Todevska’s ‘Proud’.