This year, Slovenia celebrates its 30th anniversary in the Eurovision Song Contest. Since its debut in 1993, the country has sent numerous memorable and beloved entries, though victory has remained elusive. Slovenia’s best result to date was 7th place in 1995 with “Prisluhi mi”  by Darja Švajger.

In this year’s national final, EMA, comedian and television star Klemen Slakonja won over audiences with his deeply personal song “How Much Time Do We Have Left?”—securing his place in Basel.

Born in 1985 in Brežice, near the Croatian border, Klemen developed a passion for parody during his school years, refining his talent to become one of Slovenia’s most recognized entertainers. His breakthrough came with his spot-on parody of Vladimir Putin with over 58 million views. A versatile performer, he is an actor, singer, comedian, television host, and musician. From 2010 to 2018, he was part of the Ljubljana Slovene National Theatre Drama, having studied at the Academy of Theatre, Radio, Film, and Television. He has been hosting the Slovenian national final EMA four times.

Klemen is widely known in Slovenia for his comedy sketches, often presented as musical performances, and for hosting various television shows—including Slovenia’s Eurovision coverage. He has impersonated a vast array of celebrities, from Shakira and Lady Gaga to James Blunt, Ricky Martin, Jamie Oliver, the Pope, Donald Trump, and Angela Merkel. He has also parodied every Slovenian Eurovision artist, along with all Eurovision winners since 2000.

Here is a selection of his parodies:

• Slovenian entries
• Eurovision singers since 2000
• Putin
• Trump
• Angela Merkel
• Ricky Martin

This year, Klemen is set to take his musical career to the next level by recording his first solo album in London.

Song:  How Much Time Do We Have Left
Writer(s): Klemen Slakonja
Composer(s): Klemen Slakonja
Broadcaster: RTV SLO

Klemen wrote “How Much Time Do We Have Left?” for his partner shortly after she was diagnosed with an incurable disease. This deeply personal ballad struck an emotional chord with the audience, earning him a well-deserved victory.

Our baby boy was crawling in the living room
You read a diagnosis
It said that you'd be dying soon
It was a sunny day
Through the window, there were people going on their ways
Our little child had the biggest smile
While we couldn't do nothing but cry

With its raw sincerity, calmness, and emotional depth, the song is sure to resonate with both the juries and the public. Its heartfelt message sets it apart from the competition. During the live performance in Slovenia, Klemen was suspended upside down—a striking visual meant to symbolize the passage of time, like an hourglass slowly running out.