The second semi-final of Croatian national selection for Eurovision Song Contest 2025, Dora is set to take place on 28th of February.

One of the twelve artists competing is a returnee to the show and a singer who is obsessed with Pokemon cards and games. Marin Jurić Čivro took a moment to share with us what are his thoughts ahead of the contest.

Hello Marin, you are returning back to Dora after performing at the contest back in 2020 with “Naivno”. What inspired you to return and how does it feel to be back at the contest?
This seemed like a great opportunity to continue where I left last time so here I am today again

Can you tell us a bit about “Gorjelo je” how did it came to life and what does the song mean for you?
“Gorjelo je” is a love song about an imaginary boy which regrets because he did not put any effort when it was needed. It was created in a recreative and ritual running of Ivan Dečak who said to me: “It just came to me from beginning to the end”.

On the creation of the song you cooperated with Ivan Dečak (Vatra) who was your mentor at season one of The Voice Croatia back in 2015, how was the collaboration?
That is the relationship which we have built for years. We know each other from my first cover band, I am always learning something from him and working feels easy and carefree. 

Can you reveal us a bit what kind of a performance we could expect?
The performance itself should be really simple. We just need to think of the choreography but we wait for that until we reach Opatija and hit the stage.

Who do you see as your biggest competitor at Dora 2025?
Each of them is good in their own way, there are some really difficult songs and lovely vocals. I can not wait for everything to start and hear them all live. I have my fingers crossed for everyone and I hope that we will have lots of fun instead of being competitive.

Last time you told us that you don’t follow media and TV actively so you have not been up to date with Eurovision Song Contest has something changed since especially after your country reached 2nd place last year? Do you have any favourites from Dora or Eurovision?
The situation has changed at least regarding the TV. I often watch some TV shows and some channels. For now I do not have any favourites of Dora and for this year the decision for it will be made based on the rehearsals and how the participants manage to perform live.

Which of the games you have recently played is your favourite?
I really like Pokemon TCG. I play it even when I am not at home. I really enjoy playing Bloodborne, God of War Rangnarok, Mortal Shell Enhanced edition, WRC Generations (Rally).

What do you do when you are not creating music and singing? Any hobbies?
I actively collect Pokemon cards, there is a lot of scrolling on the internet. I like to spend my time in a relaxing atmosphere. Sometimes with the video games, sometimes with pets, friends.

What are your plans after Dora 2025?
I plan to release either an EP or an album. But I do not pressure myself as I plan to do it without any deadlines or rush. I hope that I will collect some good songs and rock on further.

Thank you so much for your time Marin. We wish you the best of luck at Dora 2025. Do you want to share something else or you maybe have a message for readers of escbubble?
Thank you for the interview and I would also like to thank to everyone who send me the support before the show. Have your fingers crossed for me and I really hope that I won’t disappoint you.

You can also check Marin’s entry for Dora 2025, “Gorjelo je” below:

In the case Marin’s entry is your favourite of Dora 2025 semi final 2 don’t forget to vote for it in our poll below: