Image: LTV
As national final season continues, this weekend sees the return of Latvia’s national selection Supernova. This year’s Supernova semi-final sees 19 acts competing for a place in next week’s grand final and the chance to represent Latvia in Basel in May. Keep reading to find out more about some of the acts in this weekend’s semi-final!
Citi Zēni
It wouldn’t be a Ones to Watch for this year’s Supernova without a mention of Citi Zēni. The 6-piece band gained viral status back in 2022 when representing Latvia in Turin with their song “Eat Your Salad“ due to a certain lyric within the opening of the song – although omitted from the stage performance, the crowd in Italy had no issues filling in the blanks for the band. Citi Zēni should have no such troubles this year, with their uptempo song “Ramtai“. Eagle-eyed Eurovision fans may notice a change in the band’s line up, with singer and guitarist Roberts Memmēns departing the group, and musician Toms Kursītis, who participated in last year’s Supernova with the band Funkinbiz, taking his place. The change in lineup isn’t the only difference from the band’s previous attempt, with “Ramtai“ being almost entirely in Latvian, something consistent with the rest of the band’s discography.
Listen to Citi Zēni’s Supernova entry here:
The Ludvig
Another of this year’s Supernova favourites is The Ludvig, with the song “Līgo“. The genre-defying track has become an instant favourite with fans, currently being the most viewed song from this year’s contest on the Supernova YouTube channel. The song is nothing short of catchy, with the repetitive lyrics and beat cementing this as a firm earworm this season. Another returnee to the Supernova stage after coming second to Triana Park in 2017, The Ludvig will be hoping to go one better this year and take the Supernova win.
Listen to The Ludvig’s Supernova entry here:
Tautumeitas
Another one to watch in this year’s Supernova is the group Tautumeitas with the song “Bur man laimi”. The ethno-pop folk melodies alongside the strong harmonies of the group knit perfectly together to create an upbeat yet ethereal vibe, combining both the traditional and the futuristic. With notable live festival performance experience such as Eurosonic in The Netherlands, Imaterial in Portugal and the renowned Glastonbury in the UK, the band are not one to shy away from a stage. Could the Eurovision stage be the next big one to check off their list?
Listen to Tautumeitas’ Supernova entry here:
Markus Riva
Previously described by the hosts of Supernova as the “Supernova Super Veteran”, Markus Riva makes his return to the Supernova stage after a year’s absence with the song “Bigger Than This“, which also lends itself to the title of his latest album. Being a well-established artist, having a sound you’re known for all but comes with the territory, and it would be no surprise to say that Markus’ 2025 entry firmly fits that category. “Bigger Than This“ would by no means sound out of place at a Euroclub, due to the nostalgic feel and thumping bass. Could “Bigger Than This“ be the entry to finally help Markus Riva take the Supernova trophy?
Listen to Markus Riva’s Supernova entry here:
KoBra
KoBra are another act to keep an eye out for in this year’s Supernova, with their song “zelts”. KoBra, named after the first letters of the two members Katrīna Kovaļuka and Krišjānis Brasliņš last names, met at Latvijas Mākslas akadēmija (the Latvian Academy of Arts), where they decided to form the band. The song, boasting great harmonies and a chilled-yet-dramatic tone, comes as a change of pace to a lot of the other entries within this year’s Supernova, which could potentially work in the band’s favour when it comes to standing out amongst the other 18 entries in this year’s contest.
Listen to KoBra’s Supernova entry here:
Justs
Citi Zēni aren’t the only past Eurovision contestants throwing their hats in the ring to fight for the Supernova trophy this year, with Justs once again making his return to the Supernova stage after failing to qualify for the Supernova final in 2023. Justs is hoping to improve on past Supernova luck with the song “Fit Right”. The song carries a very catchy The Weekend-esque instrumental with vocals that could easily elevate the song live. Nearly ten years on from coming 15th at Eurovision 2016 with his song “Heartbeat”, could this be the year that Justs repeats his Supernova success and takes the trophy?
Listen to Justs’ Supernova entry here:
Chris Noah
An artist new to the Supernova line up, yet not new to the world of Eurovision is Chris Noah. After being part of Dons’ team in Malmö last season, and a credited songwriter on Monika Linkytė’s Eurovision 2023 entry “Stay”, which came 11th for Lithuania, Chris Noah has now put himself in the running to represent Latvia in Basel in May with his song “Romance Isn’t Dead”. The song has a chilled, indie-pop meets Harry Styles vibe, which heavily aligns with other songs in Chris Noah’s discography.
Listen to Chris Noah’s Supernova entry here:
Emilija
Another artist new to Supernova but not necessarily the world of music competitions, Emilija is also hoping to take home the Supernova trophy with the song “Heartbeat”. One of many former X Factor contestants in this year’s lineup, Emilija will be hoping to add the Supernova trophy alongside the X Factor winner’s trophy. “Heartbeat” is a motivational, upbeat pop song with a simple yet clear message. Will this win over the Latvian public and gain Emilija a place in next week’s grand final?
Listen to Emilija’s Supernova entry here:
Marta
Marta is another Supernova returnee hoping to take the Supernova trophy with her song “Lovable”, a sweet and joyful pop song all about falling in love. Entering Supernova this year for the opportunity to represent Latvia on the Eurovision stage in a self-confessed bid to gain new listeners further afield than just within Latvia, Marta will be hoping to best her previous Supernova result and make next Saturday’s final, after only making it to the semi-final back in 2016 with her song “Choices”.
Listen to Marta’s Supernova entry here:
The running order for this year’s Supernova semi final is as follows:
Notably absent is Grēta, who was due to participate with the song “Monster”, however this week it was announced that Grēta has had to withdraw from this year’s competition due to illness.
You can preview all of the semi-finalists below, and find all the competing songs on the Supernova YouTube channel.
The Supernova semi-final is this Saturday, 1st February, with 10 acts qualifying for the grand final on Saturday 8th February.
Who are you most looking forward to seeing on the Supernova stage? Let us know!
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