Road to Basel: Latvia
Road to Basel: Latvia! As the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel approaches, we continue our daily spotlight on this year’s contestants. Today, we focus on Latvia.
photo: LTV/Vents Āboltiņš
Tautumeitas
Tautumeitas is a Latvian folk and world music band that was formed in 2015. The group is made up of six vocalists and instrumentalists: Asnate Rancāne, Aurēlija Rancāne, Annemarija Moiseja, Laura Marta Līcīte, Gabriēla Zvaigznīte, and Kate Slišāne. Since their formation, they have become known for blending traditional Latvian folk elements with contemporary sounds. As a result, their music offers a fresh take on cultural heritage.
Over the years, Tautumeitas has released several albums. Their self-titled debut album came out in 2018, marking an important step in their artistic journey. Later, in 2022, they followed up with the album Skrejceļš, further developing their unique sound.
In addition to their own work, the group has also collaborated with other artists. For example, in 2017, they joined forces with the Latvian bagpipe and drum ensemble Auļi on the album Lai māsiņa rotājās!, combining powerful vocals with rich instrumental textures. Through both their recordings and collaborations, Tautumeitas continues to explore and expand the boundaries of Latvian folk music.
“Bur man laimi” (What does AI say?)
Their Eurovision entry, “Bur man laimi” (translated as “Bring me happiness”), is a folk song written by group members Asnate Rancāne, Aurēlija Rancāne, Elvis Lintiņš, Laura Līcīte, and Gabriēla Zvaigznīte. Released on 4 December 2024, the song is performed entirely in Latvian and showcases the group’s signature blend of traditional and modern musical elements. “Bur man laimi” is the first song written entirely in Latvian to represent the country at Eurovision since 2004.
National Selection Process
Latvia’s national broadcaster, LTV, organized Supernova 2025 to select its Eurovision entry. The competition consisted of a semi-final on 1 February 2025 and a final on 8 February 2025. Tautumeitas advanced from the semi-final and ultimately won the final with “Bur man laimi.” The final results were determined by a combination of jury and public votes. In the final, Tautumeitas received 8 points from the jury and 10 points from the public televote, totaling 18 points, which secured their victory.
This is the full result of the final:
- Tautumeitas, “Bur man laimi“
- Emilija, “Heartbeat“
- Citi Zēni, “Ramtai“
- The Ludvig, “Līgo“
- Chris Noah, “Romance Isn’t Dead“
- Bel Tempo x Legzdina, “The Water“
- Palú, “Delusional“
- Marcus Riva, “Bigger Than This“
- Sinerģija, “Bound By The Light“
- Tepat, “Sadzejot“
Latvia in the Eurovision Song Contest
Latvia has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 24 times since its debut in 2000. Immediately, the country was succesful, with a 3rd place for Brainstorm‘s “My Star”. The country achieved its best result in 2002 when Marie N won the contest with “I Wanna.” After several years of not qualifying for the final, Latvia returned to the Grand Final in 2024 with Dons‘ “Hollow,” which placed 16th.
A Random Latvian Entry
Reflecting on Latvia’s Eurovision history, random.org chose the 2017 entry. It was Triana Park with the song “Line”. It was the 6th time that the band took part in the national final, so it was 6th time lucky for them!
Betting Odds
As of now, Tautumeitas’ “Bur man laimi” is on a 32nd place to win the Eurovision Song Contest. They are 14th in line to win the 2nd semifinal. A tough time for the ladies, but wasn’t Dons an unexpected finalist last year too? Maybe Tautumeitas can repeat that success this year!
We eagerly await the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel and look forward to witnessing Tautumeitas’ performance on the grand stage.
