In March 2021, following the release of Garvanliev's music video for Eurovision 2021 a controversy arose. The reason was a piece of art in the venue where the music video was shot that resembled the colors of the Bulgarian flag. Furthermore, Garvanliev has confirmed he holds Bulgarian citizenship, due to his grandmother's origin. Because of the public pressure the video was eventually edited by Garvanliev. Although in the past North Macedonia was presented on Eurovision from people with diverse ethnic backgrounds in this case the Macedonian Radio Television has formed a special commission. It is to decide whether Garvanliev should withdraw from Eurovision Song Contest over claims he had spread "Bulgarian propaganda". The whole case has taken on extreme nationalistic tones. According to Balkan Insight, this is the first time that the Eurovision has seen such an 'ethnically heated dispute'. The background of the conflict is due to the complicated Bulgaria–North Macedonia relations.