Franka Batelic was internally selected to represent Croatia at the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest, with the song “Crazy”. As she is finishing the final details for her performance in Lisbon, she decided to make an acoustic cover of a Eurovision song that left the biggest impression on her when she saw it – Marco Mengoni’s “L’Essenziale”.
Franka said that Marco’s performance of “L’Essenziale” from Eurovision 2013 gives her goosebumps every time she hears the song, and even when she plays the melody of it. In a very touching message titled ‘Recording midnight lullabies’, Franka stated the following:
I remember watching Marco’s performance with my dad, and how we were both blown away and inspired by his elegance and an interpretation both bold, powerful and simple at the same time. In that moment I knew that if I ever had the chance to stand on that Eurovision stage, that would be the way to do it.
And now, five years later, I’m here. And I know my dad would’ve been proud beyond words. So I’ll do my best to do it OUR way, how we always dreamed of doing it.
Marco Mengoni, you are incredible and I hope you’re gonna like my performance in Lisbon as much as I liked yours. Saluti da Croazia!
Check out Franka’s acoustic version of Marco Mengoni’s “L’Essenziale” right here:
Franka is going to take part in the first semi final in Lisbon on the 8th of May, and she will be the 12th artist to perform in the running order. Give a listen to her entry “Crazy” right here:
