Earlier in the national final season, it was announced that Kaliopi would be returning to the Eurovision stage once again to participate for FYR Macedonia. In a special show held by the broadcaster MKRTV, the video clip was premiered for her competing song, titled Dona.
Her entry was composed by Romeo Grill, and the lyrics written by Kaliopi herself. The song is described as an uplifting ballad, full of emotion.
Kaliopi says, ‘When I heard the powerful melody that Romeo Grill had composed, I was swept away and knew that I had to write lyrics to breathe even more life into our song. When we recorded Dona we knew we had a special song. And great songs like this are usually used to bring important messages to everyone. Dona is the essence of the song. Dona that cares for us, Dona that gives us strength, and Dona that unites us. And what’s most important for each one of us is that at some place at a certain time in our lives there was and always will be one Dona! My heart and voice through my song wants millions of diverse people across Europe to #ComeTogether’
Kaliopi has had a long history with Eurovision, beginning in 1996 where she was awarded to represent her nation with the song Sano Ti, however was eliminated in a non-televised qualifying round. She then returned in 2012 with the song Crno I belo, and came 13th in the final. That performance made her a fan favourite, so many were delighted to hear she would return in 2016 with the song Dona, sung in the Macedonian language.
Listen to the song down below, and if Dona is your new favourite Eurovision entry, make sure to vote in our poll, which you can find here.
