Dolce Hera is competing at Montesong 2025 with one of the most artistically distinctive entries of this year’s selection. Known for her strong rhythmic identity and conceptual approach to music, the Montenegrin artist sees performance as a space where sound, movement and visual storytelling meet.
After drawing attention at Montesong 2024 with an unconventional staging that challenged traditional expectations of a song contest performance, Dolce Hera returns this year with ‘Casanova 91’. Sung in Italian and entirely produced in Montenegro, the song carries a powerful message that fully reveals itself on stage, through a carefully designed artistic performance.
Approaching the competition with confidence rather than pressure, Dolce Hera sees this participation as an opportunity for artistic growth and connection with the audience. Below, you can read our first interview with the artist for Hashtag Eurovision.
I'm honestly surprised by the amount of love I got after last year's Montesong.
Dear Dolce Hera, on behalf of Hashtag Eurovision, thank you for accepting answering a few questions.
Pedro Araújo: For those who don’t know you, how do you describe Dolce Hera artistically?
Dolce Hera: Dolce Hera is a pop artist with a specific artistic expression. On the one hand, I'm a singer- songwriter, while as a drummer I don't leave the drumming parts of my music to anyone else! Drums are the pulse of my music. What I do is perhaps best described as pop art theater.
PA: Besides singing, you played the drums in a band and you have directed at least two of your music videos. Do you see all these artistic expressions as complementary or are there any that stand out? Why?
DH: In fact, there are three videos that I directed for myself, to which we can add last year's and this year's performance at Montesong. I enjoy this role because for me music is an opportunity to dive into other senses too.
PA: Are there any artists or music genres that have influenced your work? Who / which?
DH: I grew up on a harder sound, rock and punk rock. As a drummer, I was born through such a sound, so my playing style is certainly specific thanks to the music I grew up listening to.
PA: Speaking of other artists, you have artists such as Nina Žižić and Vladana Vučinić, who are well known for the public who follows international singing competitions, collaborating in some of your songs. Have you asked them for some advice or tips concerning their own experience?
DH: First of all, I want to say that both of them are great artists and working with them was really enriching for my solo music project. Especially because in this solo musical journey of mine, I travel through musical genres. They brought their world to the songs that I offered them for collaboration. Their Eurovision experience stimulated me to dream about it. They are truly inspiring.
PA: Do you prefer smaller, more intimate stages or bigger venues?
DH: It's hard to decide, because both have their own charm. I am attracted to the idea of performing in theaters because that dimension seems perfect for an art performance like the one I do. It is also magical because of the close connection with the audience. On the other hand, I performed on big stages, festivals and the energy that can be felt then is absolutely incredible. For me, live performance is generally the absolute greatest pleasure.
PA: How do you deal with stress / pressure before entering the stage?
DH: The key is preparation. Good preparation brings peace and enjoyment in the process. I am a perfectionist and I have accepted it as a trait. Knowing myself, I try to always organize my work in a way that will bring me peace and enable me to enjoy the performance.
PA: You are participating in Montesong for the second year in a row. What made you participate in 2024 and what made you decide to come back?
DH: I'm honestly surprised by the amount of love I got after last year's Montesong. I mean music lovers from all over the world. Presenting an unconventional performance and being widely accepted as you are, because of your authenticity, is a great stimulus for me. That idea that people appreciate an artistic approach to music and the courage to insist on it.
PA: Has anything changed in you artistically speaking in this period of time?
DH: I have a very clear artistic identity and I like to focus on projects that bring me artistic growth. In this sense, I decided to participate again at Montesong, because I have a song that allows me to grow. I'm also referring here to the process of preparation, creative design, and overall collaboration with other artists, which are stimulating for me.
PA: Do you feel more confident or more pressure on your comeback?
DH: Absolutely more confident. The fact that the audience was open to such an unconventional performance last year makes me feel welcome at this competition. I know there is an audience for me.
PA: What is the message behind the song Casanova 91?
DH: Casanova 91 is difficult to describe without revealing the performance. It has a deep message that arises from the question to whom would we direct the words of the chorus? Is there a person who deserves such unconditional love and giving?
PA: Why did you decide to sing your song in Italian?
DH: I wrote the song in Italian a long time ago. We kept it aside for some big occasion and scene, knowing that it is ideal for some bigger project, for powerful staging. When we found out that this year's Montesong competition was open to applications with songs in all languages of the world, my co-authors and producers and I immediately knew it was time for this song.
PA: Do you think the public sees you today differently compared to your experience in 2024?
DH: Last year I played around with intentional off key singing in the verses to create a conceptual counter position with the brilliant drum break. The performance sent deep messages. The message that sometimes we ourselves are the ones who put a rope around our own neck that does not allow our voice to be heard, burdening ourselves with imposed concepts in society.
Then the message that we are at our best when we free ourselves from self-imposed limiting concepts, like I freed myself from my jute dress. The fact that the most diverse audience from all over the world loved my artistic work through such a brave performance, really allows me to feel like I am already performing for my audience.
PA: In general terms, what do you expect your public to retain from your songs and
performances?
DH: Honestly, my music always carries a positive message and my goal is to inspire other people towards positive things. I hope that my music will be able to live on in the way that the music of great artists has helped me personally to overcome many moments in my life, just by being there. Music is a powerful way to guide us towards good.
PA: What is your main goal with this second participation in Montesong?
DH: Winning would be an absolute dream because Eurovision is something that inspires me a lot and I feel that such an experience would allow me to send a particularly important message. That Montenegro has such talented music authors, producers and performers who can be part of the world music scene. The song I am bringing to Montesong is 100% made in Montenegro. I am very proud of that. On the other hand, winning does not burden me, because I am not a competitive type of person. It is important to me to have a successful performance that will be an opportunity for additional connection with my audience.
PA: Can we expect some new projects any soon? Anything you’d like and can share with us?
DH: I've been working on my upcoming album for a long time now!
PA: Is there anything about you and your art you would like us to know? Any questions I should have asked but I didn’t? This is your space 🙂
DH: I want to invite you to watch Montesong live! I am happy to share with you that I will
perform at the 10th!
This year it will be open for international voting during the festival at this link vote.rtcg.me (max 20 votes per person). I hope you will love my performance and if so, vote No. 10.
You will be able to watch Live:
• on RTCG 1 TV channel,
• the official YouTube channel of the festival,
• via the MNE Play app (the official RTCG app),
• Eurovision Song Contest YouTube Channel
Thank you for all your wonderful support!
PA: What message would you like to leave for the readers/followers of Hashtag Eurovision? And for your fans?
DH: I wish you a successful New Year 2026 and I hope you will have the opportunity to come to my concerts! Watch Montesong and vote number 10! I love you!
