Slovenian singer Raiven has qualified for the final of the 68th Eurovision song contest. She made it through in the first semi-final on 7 May along with Serbia, Portugal, Croatia, Ukraine, Lithuania, Finland, Cyprus, Ireland and Luxembourg.

Raiven, the stage name of Sara Briški Cirman, performed Veronika, a dark song inspired by the historical figure of Veronika Deseniška, a 15th century countess and the first woman in Slovenia to be tried for witchcraft.

The 27-year-old singer, harpist and mezzo-soprano created the song for her upcoming album in which she explores the stories of iconic women from various historic periods.

She wrote both the music and the lyrics herself, and performed on stage in a black-silver see-through mesh bodysuit accompanied by dancers of the Ljubljana National Ballet ensemble.

Raiven was elated after the results came in, describing it as "one of the happiest moments of my life, if not the happiest. I am so grateful."

One of the nine female solos in a field of 15 semi-finalists, Raiven said she was not convinced she would make it to the final. "This was a big surprise for me."

Raiven opted for a minimalist performance, a contrast to the profound message of the song. Asked about that, she said she always trusts her gut feeling.

"When we were shooting the video I knew that I would like to be completely naked on stage and in silver. I didn't know why."

"I think I don't have to add anything. If I did, this would only detract attention away from me and the dancers."

The finalists were determined in an audience-only vote. In the final on 11 May, the points will be allocated by a combination of audience and jury votes.

This is the eighth time that Slovenia has qualified for the grand final since the introduction of the semi-finals in 2004.