Nine-time Latvian Eurovision hopeful Markus Riva isn’t ashamed of competing in the country’s national selection repeatedly since 2014. 

Riva made his debut in the competition in 2014, the last iteration under the name Dziesma. Since the show was rebranded as Supernova in 2015, Riva has entered a song in every edition and will appear for a record ninth time this year. 

Speaking exclusively to The Euro Trip ahead of his appearance in the competition’s semi-final on Saturday, Riva joked: “I should get a hobby, for sure.” 

He added: “Every January – because that’s the time when Supernova is happening – I see my friends going on vacations to Thailand and Bali. I’m so jealous because I’m in Riga every year in January which is the greyest part of the year and it’s super depressing. 

“But it’s exciting. Everyone has their own journey, and my journey is like this. It’s fun and I can laugh at myself as well for that. I’m not ashamed that I’m doing that so many times. I know what I want so why would I care about hate?” 

Riva’s contribution to Supernova this year is called Forever, a synth-filled pop song written by himself. 

“I would be super happy to represent my country in this big musical and television event sometime. 

“I’ve been a musician and TV host in this business for more than 20 years, I think it’s a nice experience and platform that you can use.” 

To reach the Eurovision Song Contest Riva will have to better the two second places he secured at Supernova in 2015 and 2019.

Featured image – LTV