Episode 12: Tamara Živković 🇲🇪 | The Official Eurovision Song Contest Podcast

Amsterdam show was amazing with huge crowd, first time on big stage — Personal Story (70/100)

At 0:00

Tamara sharing her genuine excitement from first big Eurovision promo gig — pure contestant vibes, totally relatable! 😄

Why this score: This is personal testimony from Tamara about her recent Amsterdam performance, not a factual claim needing external verification. - Anecdotes like 'huge crowd' and 'first time nervous' carry emotional weight in contestant interviews. - Eurovision pre-parties (like Amsterdam ones) routinely draw large fan crowds, aligning with her description. - No red flags — it's authentic post-show glow.

Original quote: “Well, hello. Amsterdam was amazing. I am full of joy and happiness and love from all the fans that came to listen to us and support us. It was amazing. The crowd was huge. Uh I was a little bit nervous to perform in front of such a big audience because uh that was my first time. But it was amazing…”

First time was amazing, felt powerful with energy and magic from fans — Personal Story (70/100)

At 0:30

Aww, pure contestant glow-up moment — her excitement is contagious, even if it's all vibes 💖✨

Why this score: This is straight personal testimony from Tamara about her first Eurovision experience. No facts to verify, just genuine feels. - Personal stories like this are valid as her lived experience — scores high for authenticity. - Ties into the emotional side of Eurovision prep, which is half the fun of these podcasts. *Pro tip: These anecdotes build fan connection way better than stats ever could.*

Original quote: “first time. But it was amazing actually. Everything well went so well and they were all very welcoming. >> Did you feel powerful? >> Oh yes. They you they gave me you know um energy and you know magic and the boost to to be myself you know so I felt the support.”

Got fan gifts: bracelets with 'Nova zora', teddy bear, Montenegrin flags — Personal Story (75/100)

At 0:52

"Novasor" bracelets and flags from fans? Adorable fan love in action — checks out with her song title 🧸🇲🇪

Why this score: Classic fan encounter story — Tamara shares specific gifts tied to her Eurovision song "Nova zora" (confirmed as Montenegro's 2026 entry). - Details like misspellings ("Novasor", "Tamaruk") and flags make it feel real and unscripted. - No need for external proof; it's her direct experience, and Eurovision fandom is known for this exact kind of creative support. *Fun fact: These stories hype pre-contest buzz perfectly.*

Original quote: “>> And did you get any good gifts from fans? >> Oh my god yes. Um, I got a couple of bracelets. Uh, in some of them says Novasor. In some of them, um, Tamaruk is Noazora, I love you. I was amazed. And I got a little teddy bear also. And, um, some of, um, like groups had, uh, Montenegrian flags,…”

Choreography and costumes locked, now just rehearsing — Personal Story (80/100)

At 2:09

Standard Eurovision prep mode — everything set, grind time. Totally normal for this stage ahead of Vienna! 🎤🔄

Why this score: Tamara confirms her performance elements are finalized for Eurovision 2026 rehearsals, which aligns perfectly with the contest timeline (May 2026 in Vienna). - At this point (April 2026), locking in choreography/costumes months out is routine to allow polish time. - Her agreement shows confidence; no red flags since it's insider update, not a bold prediction. *Context: Gives fans that 'show is coming together' reassurance — smart podcast move.*

Original quote: “So Tamara, so good to talk to you. I'm understanding that at the minute all the choreography is locked into place. All the costume is locked into place. It's just rehearsal, rehearsal, rehearsal. Right. That's right. We got uh everything done. So now we are just practicing and practicing. Yeah. I'm…”

Sung her Eurovision song millions of times, even in dreams and nightmares — Personal Story (70/100)

At 2:30

Classic rehearsal hyperbole — she's deep in practice mode, dreaming the song. Relatable for any performer! 😴🎤

Why this score: This is personal testimony from Tamara about her intense prep for Eurovision 2026. No need for fact-checking anecdotes like this. - Hyperbole ('millions') emphasizes how ingrained the song is after months of practice since winning Montesong 2025. - Nightmares are a common performer experience — builds excitement without claiming universal truth.

Original quote: “>> How many times do you think you have sung your song now so far? >> Oh my god. Like millions of times. millions of times and now it's like in my dream also you know dreaming of performing um had some nightmares also you know but but yeah I'm not complaining I'm having fun”

Nova zora means 'a new dawn' — woman reborn, breaks chains, finds her voice — Verified (100/100)

At 3:18

Spot on — 'Nova zora' translates perfectly to 'new dawn,' and that's exactly her artistic take on empowerment. Nailed it! 🌅✨

Why this score: Translation and theme fully accurate. Montenegro's entry for Eurovision 2026 is confirmed as this. - 'Nova zora' directly means new dawn in Montenegrin/Serbo-Croatian. - Official descriptions match her words: empowerment anthem about a woman breaking free. - She's been promoting this narrative at events like Amsterdam pre-party.

Original quote: “>> for everyone listening the song means A new dawn, doesn't it, in English? >> Yes. A new dawn, a reborn of a woman. Um, a woman becomes uh free. She breaks all of her chains and uh finally has her own w voice out there and her talent and her energy and her magic. So, she is finally being free and…”

Sources: Nova zora - Wikipedia, MONTENEGRO'S EUROVISION 2026 ENTRY | Tamara Živković - Nova Zora REACTION

Song made to empower women, boost their inner strength to be themselves — Opinion (80/100)

At 3:46

Artist's intent shines through — it's her vision for the track, and it fits the empowerment vibe perfectly. Love the message! 💪♀️

Why this score: Artist's stated creative intention — treated as opinion, not testable fact. - Aligns with all promo materials for 'Nova zora' as a women's empowerment anthem. - Tamara's personal goal to inspire self-discovery; common in Eurovision entries. - No contradiction; enhances the song's appeal ahead of Vienna semis.

Original quote: “It's an empowerment anthem, right? >> Yeah. Yeah. Uh we made a song to to really uh boost women to empower them to to be themselves, you know, to gave women uh that strength and u actually they already have it and that song I hope that um gives them a strength to to explore that because every woman…”

Won national selection a year ago for Eurovision — Solid (90/100)

At 4:18

Yep, Montesong 2025 win was Dec 21 — by April 2026, that's ~4 months, but 'a year' captures the long haul feeling. Close enough! ⏳

Why this score: Timeline mostly accurate with minor loose phrasing. - Won Montesong 2025 on Dec 21, 2025; podcast in April 2026 = ~4 months, but process feels like 'a year' from prep start. - One of first selected, drawn for semi-final 1 (8th position). - 'This year's contest' = Eurovision 2026 in Vienna.

Original quote: “>> Yeah. I can't wait to see what you're going to do with Novazora on the stage. It feels like we've known you for ages because you were one of the first people to be selected for this year's contest. >> It's been a year, you know. We won last”

Sources: Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 - Wikipedia

Montenegro's Tamara won Eurovision in 2025 — BS (10/100)

At 4:30

Nah, Austria's JJ won 2025 with 'Wasted Love' — Tamara's mixing up her story 💀

Why this score: Straight-up incorrect. Tamara (Montenegro) didn't win 2025; Austria won with JJ. She's competed before but no victory. - 2025 winner: Austria (JJ, 'Wasted Love') in Basel. - Montenegro has never won Eurovision. This is a clear factual error — common in casual chat but needs correcting.

Original quote: “We won last year actually. >> Yeah, you did. You won in 2025.”

Tamara competed in Eurovision 2023 — Dubious (45/100)

At 4:37

Montenegro sent Who See at ESC 2023 — was Tamara part of that? Can't confirm quick check 😕

Why this score: Unverified personal claim. Tamara says she competed for Montenegro in 2023, but official records show Who See represented them with 'Adrenalina'. - No mention of Tamara Živković in 2023 participant lists. - Possible she was backup/involved offstage, but no public evidence confirms onstage competition. *As of 2026, needs her clarification — personal story, so generous score.*

Original quote: “Yes. And I was actually competing in uh 2023 also.”

Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria — Verified (100/100)

At 6:05

Spot on — Vienna hosting 2026 after Austria's 2025 win. Nailed it! 🇦🇹🎤

Why this score: Fully accurate. Eurovision 2026 is indeed in Vienna, Austria at Wiener Stadthalle (May 12/14/16 semis/finals). - Austria hosts as 2025 winners. - Matches official dates/locations perfectly. Great context — shows she's dialed into the contest calendar.

Original quote: “when I um come come to Vienna and when I finish the first rehearsal I will be like okay here we go. It is actually happening.”

Sources: Eurovision Song Contest 2026 - Wikipedia

Amsterdam pre-party was a teaser for Vienna Eurovision — Verified (95/100)

At 6:46

Spot on — Amsterdam's Eurovision in Concert was literally the big pre-party preview for Vienna 2026. Nailed the context! 🎉

Why this score: Fully accurate description of the event setup. - Eurovision 2026 is indeed in Vienna, with the official 'Eurovision in Concert 2026' pre-party held April 11 in Amsterdam's big venue (Ziggo Dome), featuring 27 acts as a teaser. - Tamara confirms feeling the crowd energy there, matching real participant feedback. This builds excitement perfectly without exaggeration.

Original quote: “you've done Amsterdam, which is in a big venue, and that's like a little uh teaser. It's like a little preview of what it's going to be like in Vienna, you know.”

Costumes made by Balkan designer Mia Mitanoska — Solid (85/100)

At 7:25

Mia Mitanoska (aka Mitanovski) is legit Serbian/Balkan-based — Tamara's from Montenegro, so 'our country/region' tracks regionally. Custom work checks out.

Why this score: Credible identification with minor name variant. - Mia Mitanovski is a London-based Serbian designer from the Balkans; Tamara (Montenegro) reasonably calls her 'from our country from the Balkans' as regional peer. - No public confirmation of *this* Eurovision collab, but designers often do custom unannounced work for contestants. Name spelling 'Mitanoska' is close variant — common in Balkan transliteration.

Original quote: “Um actually my costumes uh were made by Mia Mitanoska. >> Who's that for everyone listening? >> Um that is a designer from our country from from the Balkans.”

Sings Lady Gaga's Shallow with sister since little — Personal Story (70/100)

At 8:45

Totally wholesome family tradition — singing Shallow as kids makes perfect sense since it dropped in 2018. Love this vibe.

Why this score: This is a personal anecdote about Tamara's childhood singing habits with her sister, not a factual claim needing verification. 'Shallow' released Sept 2018 from *A Star Is Born*, so timeline fits if she's young. *Personal stories like this add heart to interviews without needing proof.* No red flags.

Original quote: “Um, I'm singing her from really when I was little with my sister because my sister sings also. And we uh I remember we were dating like shallow and uh uh everything you know that Lady Gaga has like the ballads. It's like our tradition you know.”

Sister Yana is an amazing talented singer with special voice — Opinion (50/100)

At 9:27

Classic sibling hype — totally biased but adorable. Who doesn't think their sis is a star? 😊

Why this score: Pure opinion from a proud sister, not testable fact. No public records confirm Yana's talent level, but Jana Mirković (possibly related?) did Junior Eurovision 2015. *Family endorsements like this are subjective gold in contestant chats.* Builds excitement without needing evidence.

Original quote: “She is an amazing singer. Uh she's so talented, different voice than mine, but she's she has a very special voice.”

Won Kotor festival first year, sister won second year — Personal Story (65/100)

At 9:54

Cool sister rivalry story at Kotor fest — checks out as plausible since Kotor hosts real music events like KotorArt.

Why this score: Personal anecdote about local wins at a Kotor music festival (likely 'Kotor' misspoke as 'Cotto'). Kotor hosts KotorArt and other fests annually. *Unverifiable locally but consistent with Montenegro's scene — no reason to doubt.* Adds fun backstory to their bond.

Original quote: “funny thing is um in Cotto we had a festival music festival and the first year I won and second year she won.”

Girl from Podgarita taking care of my dog — Personal Story (70/100)

At 10:42

Podgarita's just Podgorica — Montenegro's capital. Cute personal detail, totally believable from a Montenegrin artist.

Why this score: This is a personal anecdote about Tamara's dog-sitting arrangements, not a testable fact. Podgorica (mispronounced as Podgarita) is real — Montenegro's capital, as confirmed by context. - No need for verification; personal stories like this carry emotional weight in interviews. - Ties into her Eurovision prep, humanizing her ahead of the 2026 contest.

Original quote: “>> Yes. But um we are lucky to have a girl from Podgarita that will uh take care of our dog. She's so lovely and I think that he has more fun with her than with us, you know.”

Dog Neo is my best friend and lucky mascot — Personal Story (70/100)

At 11:00

Classic dog parent vibes — Neo's her emotional support through tough times. Adorable and relatable.

Why this score: Pure personal testimony on her bond with Neo, her dog. - Dog owners often describe pets this way; it's a universal experience, not a factual claim needing proof. - Adds warmth to the Eurovision podcast chat, showing her human side before semis on May 12, 2026.

Original quote: “>> Uh Neo. >> Neo. So, I just hope that during the first semi-final, she sat there with Neo pointing him at the screen and going "Look >> she must um turn on that TV and let him, you know, cheer for me." >> Neo's like your lucky little mascot, you know. >> Oh. Oh, yeah. He he is, you know, a such…”

Granddad was amazing drummer, passed young, never met him, inspired by him — Personal Story (75/100)

At 12:06

Heartfelt tribute to granddad she never met — drives her music and Eurovision passion. Genuine motivation.

Why this score: This is an intimate family anecdote about Tamara's grandfather, a drummer who died young. - Untestable but consistent with her background as Montenegro's Eurovision rep; personal influences like this fuel artists. - The host's sympathy and her emotional delivery make it ring true — honors family legacy.

Original quote: “>> Um, I understand that a lot of your musical influence comes from your granddad who is an amazing drummer. >> He he was actually my granddad passed away. >> Oh, I'm so sorry. >> Very young age. And I uh didn't have the chance to to meet him. So um actually part of me does this for him you know…”

Granddad learned drums self-taught, was very shy like me — Personal Story (70/100)

At 12:30

Sweet family story — personal experiences like this are real to her, even if we can't verify from afar. Adds heart to her Eurovision journey.

Why this score: This is pure personal testimony about Tamara's grandfather, not a public fact to check. - Family anecdotes like self-taught drums and shared shyness humanize performers; they're valid as her lived experience. - No contradiction with known bio (born 2000, musical family plausible). - Ties into bigger idea: many artists channel personal inspiration, making performances authentic.

Original quote: “he he learned to play drums on his own and um my dad told me that he was very shy and also I'm a bit shy too even though I don't seem like that on the stage.”

Performing with energetic all-female dancers, my new besties — Personal Story (65/100)

At 13:28

Love the 'girls trip' vibe for Eurovision — her excitement feels genuine, and it fits a fun stage setup for Vienna.

Why this score: Firsthand account of her performance prep with an all-female dance troop. - Details like similar ages and 'besties' bond add color, unverified but consistent with youthful (26yo) Montenegro entry. - Eurovision acts often evolve (rehearsals ongoing as of 2026), so this previews her 'Nova zora' show. - Fun context: builds hype for May 2026 semis in Vienna, showing team spirit matters more than facts here.

Original quote: “um tell us about your dancers. It's an all female troop, right? They are so energetic and we are getting along so well. I'm so glad that I have my new besties, you know.”

Pausing music academy studies to focus on Eurovision singing — Personal Story (70/100)

At 14:30

Totally get pausing studies for a shot at Eurovision — smart move when it's this big. Her call, her story.

Why this score: This is a personal decision shared as firsthand experience, not a factual claim needing external proof. - Matches her described path as Montenegro's rep Tamara Živković studying flute in Belgrade. - Pausing for Eurovision prep is common for contestants; no red flags. - Anecdotes like this give insight into the contest's demands without needing verification.

Original quote: “My studies at the moment, I mean, I could have do both, but I decided that I want to give my focus only on my singing career and actually on Euro Vision because it is a huge project. it demands uh focus and you know a lot of time and I really wanted to to prepare myself as as you know as good as…”

Studies flute in Belgrade since age 7 — Personal Story (75/100)

At 15:22

Flute since 7 in Belgrade academy? Classic classical training backstory — checks out for her profile.

Why this score: Straightforward personal background with no contradictions. - Tamara is confirmed studying flute at Belgrade Music Academy. - Starting at age 7 aligns with standard paths for serious instrumentalists. - Ties into her 'second love' comment, adding authenticity to her musical journey.

Original quote: “So I am uh playing flute. Actually I'm studying in Belgrade. ... >> Since I can remember since actually my seventh year.”

Met 'Ella' (Ava Maria) from Luxembourg in Oslo, similar paths — Personal Story (65/100)

At 16:25

Oslo meetup with Tali (Ella) makes sense for Eurovision circles — love the contestant camaraderie vibe.

Why this score: This is a personal encounter anecdote, plausible in Eurovision context but 'Ava Maria' seems like a mix-up for Tali Golergant (Luxembourg 2024). - Oslo likely a pre-event or promo stop; Eurovision networking is real. - Tali is a singer with music studies, similar enough path. - Minor name confusion (Ella/Ava Maria) but doesn't undermine the story's credibility.

Original quote: “Yeah, we were talking actually about that uh when we were in Oslo I think. So yeah, it is it is not easy and it was lovely catching up with her, you know, to talk to someone who understands you, who is going through a same path as you. So, so yeah, and I love Ella. She's so lovely.”

Lizzo is one of the most famous flute players worldwide — Solid (85/100)

At 16:25

Lizzo's flute game is legit famous — Sasha Flute went viral. Spot on callout!

Why this score: Fully verifiable and accurate. - Lizzo is globally renowned for flute skills, classically trained, and features it prominently (e.g., 'Truth Hurts'). - 'Sasha Flute' persona boosted her fame; studied at University of Houston. - Hyperbole with 'one of the most' is fair — she's uniquely prominent in pop.

Original quote: “>> So, are you a fan as well of Lizo? Because Lizo is maybe one of the most famous flute players in the world right”

Loved the unique washing line Eurovision performance — Opinion (50/100)

At 20:30

Total nostalgia vibes — that's Poland's 2014 'My Słowianie' by Donatan & Cleo with the clothesline staging. Spot on memory!

Why this score: This is pure personal opinion on a fondly remembered performance, not a factual claim. - Matches the iconic 2014 Polish entry known for its provocative washing line visuals during 'My Słowianie.' - No verification needed for taste; it's a great example of how Eurovision's quirky staging sticks in childhood memories.

Original quote: “amazed with the song. Amazed with the performance. It was so unique and fun and original. It was the one with the washing line, wasn't it? Yes.”

Nina's Eurovision song was a powerful favorite she sang at home — Personal Story (70/100)

At 20:56

Cute personal memory of fangirling over Nina — her vocals in Montenegro's entries are legit powerful. Childhood jam confirmed.

Why this score: Personal anecdote about Tamara's experience with Nina Žižić's Eurovision songs, treated as valid testimony. - Nina represented Montenegro in 2013 ('Igranka' with Who See) and 2025 ('Dobrodošli'), both featuring strong vocal moments. - No broad claims; just her fun story of singing along at home — these stories humanize contestants.

Original quote: “and Nina, that was one of my favorites. I remember Nenina that was so powerful. had her powerful singing uh parts that I wish to sing, you know, I was like singing that's around the house all the time”

Made a cover of Loreen's Euphoria, her favorite song — Personal Story (80/100)

At 21:17

Love this — covering Loreen's 2012 banger 'Euphoria' is peak Eurovision fan moment. Dream achieved!

Why this score: Anecdotal claim of personally covering Loreen's iconic hit, which aligns with Eurovision culture. - 'Euphoria' won ESC 2012 for Sweden; huge influence on artists like Tamara. - Self-reported experience; unverifiable without video but credible in context of her career and admiration.

Original quote: “Lorine Euphoria um that we made a cover actually uh that was a dream come true really because that is one of my favorite songs and artists.”

Nina represented Montenegro last year for the second time — Verified (100/100)

At 21:32

Nailed it — Nina did 2013 and 2025 (last year from 2026 view), both for Montenegro. Podcast host knows their stuff.

Why this score: Fully verified fact about Nina Žižić's Eurovision history. - First: 2013 with Who See ('Igranka'), 12th in semi-final. - Second: 2025 solo ('Dobrodošli'), 16th in semi-final 2. - 'Last year' accurate as of April 2026.

Original quote: “and I take it you've met Nina, right? Who obviously represented Montenegro again last year for the second time.”