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Serbia’s Next Eurovision Win: Closer Than You Think?


11 October 2024 at 5:02 PM

By Stefania Iriza



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First Independent Eurovision Winner from the Balkans

Serbia’s journey in the Eurovision Song Contest is one marked by dedication, creativity, and a strong desire to win. Since its debut as an independent country in 2007, Serbia has not only managed to make its mark on the contest but has also become a key player with a unique blend of cultural pride, innovative strategies, and relentless marketing efforts aimed at securing victory. In this blog, we will explore Serbia’s participation in Eurovision, how it has evolved, and the various methods the country has employed to increase its chances of winning the coveted trophy once again.

The Beginning: A Triumphant Debut (2007)

In 2007, Marija Šerifović represented the nation with the song “Molitva,” a powerful ballad that resonated with audiences across Europe. The song’s emotional depth and Marija’s flawless performance led Serbia to win the contest in its very first attempt. This victory put Serbia on the Eurovision map and set high expectations for the country in future contests.

A Constant Presence on TV

Marija Šerifović’s presence on Serbian television has been a highlight of her career, particularly as a judge on Zvezde Granda. With her extensive experience and deep understanding of the music industry, she brings valuable insight and guidance. Her sharp sense of humor and vibrant personality add a unique energy to everything she does, making her a beloved figure on the show.

This tribute came from Andrew Lambrou, Cyprus’ 2023 Eurovision representative, who performed an evocative cover of “Molitva”.

Building on the Success: Experimentation and Diversity

Following Marija Šerifović’s victory, Serbia had the honor of hosting the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest in its capital, Belgrade. The theme for the contest was “Confluence of Sound,” a nod to the diversity of music styles that Eurovision encompasses. The grand event, held at the Belgrade Arena, was an impressive showcase of Serbian hospitality, culture, and talent, with the final watched by over 100 million people across the world. Acts like Jelena Tomašević’s “Oro” in 2008, which finished sixth, showcased Serbia’s love for traditional sounds with a contemporary twist.

Serbia at Eurovision 2010: Milan Stanković and “Ovo je Balkan”

At the time of Eurovision, Milan Stanković was one of Serbia’s most popular young pop stars. His rise to fame began on the reality TV show Zvezde Granda, where he quickly became a fan favorite for his distinctive look, which included his signature blonde hair, and his charismatic performances. His popularity in Serbia made him an obvious choice for Eurovision, and “Ovo je Balkan” was a perfect fit for his unique style.

Serbia competed in the first semi-final on May 25, 2010, and Milan Stanković successfully qualified for the grand final, finishing in 5th place in the semi-final with 72 points. In the grand final, held on May 29, 2010, “Ovo je Balkan” placed 13th out of 25 entries, earning 72 points.

Milan Stanković made a memorable return to the Pesma za Evroviziju stage in 2020 as part of the interval act, where he performed his iconic Eurovision 2010 entry.


Serbia’s Eurovision Evolution: Building on Tradition

A pivotal figure in this journey was Željko Joksimović, who not only co-hosted the 2008 contest but also became one of Serbia’s most iconic Eurovision representatives.

By 2012, Joksimović was once again entrusted with complete creative control over Serbia’s entry. Known for his deep connection to Serbian music and culture, Željko took on the roles of both composer and performer. His 2012 entry, “Nije ljubav stvar,” was designed to showcase both his musical brilliance and Serbia’s rich cultural identity, emphasizing traditional elements while resonating with a contemporary audience.

Željko’s experience and reputation within the Eurovision community made him one of the most highly anticipated performers of 2012. His song, “Nije ljubav stvar,” not only brought Serbia a third-place finish but also reaffirmed his place as one of the most successful and beloved Eurovision artists.

For those who want a glimpse into his thoughts at the time, Željko’s 2012 interview with Eurovision can be watched here, where he talks about his approach to the competition and his love for music.

From “Love is Not a Thing” to “Love is Everywhere”: Serbia’s Eurovision Journey in 2013

In 2013, Serbia delivered a bold departure from its previous entries with “Ljubav je svuda” (Love Is Everywhere), performed by the vibrant pop trio Moje 3. Musically and visually, this entry stood in sharp contrast to the somber tones of 2012’s “Nije ljubav stvar.”

Moje 3’s performance was unforgettable, not only for its catchy and upbeat melody but also for its striking visual presentation. Though “Ljubav je svuda” did not secure a spot in the grand final, its charm and spirited nature made a lasting impression, showcasing Serbia’s willingness to embrace different musical styles and experiment with bolder, more playful aesthetics.

One standout is Nevena Božović, who returned to the Eurovision stage in 2019, this time as a solo artist. She represented Serbia with the powerful ballad “Kruna” (Crown), a song she wrote herself.

Meanwhile, another Moje 3 member, Sara Jo, continued to make her mark on the Eurovision scene. Before her Eurovision journey, Sara had already gained national recognition as a standout contestant on Prvi glas Srbije , where she showcased her exceptional vocal talent.

In 2022, Sara Jo’s fiery performance of “Muškarčina” took her to a close second at Pesma za Evroviziju, just behind Konstrakta. Despite missing the win, she proved herself as one of the competition’s most electrifying artists.

Eurovision 2015 Performance: Result and Legacy

In 2015, Bojana competed in Serbia’s national Eurovision selection, Odbrojavanje za Beč, where she performed “Ceo svet je moj” . The song, composed by Vladimir Graić, the same composer behind Marija Šerifović’s Eurovision-winning “Molitva” in 2007, carried a strong message of self-confidence and empowerment. After winning the national final, the song was translated into English as “Beauty Never Lies,” which became Bojana’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2015.

In the grand final, Bojana Stamenov finished in 10th place, securing 53 points. This was a significant achievement for Serbia, as it marked a return to the Eurovision grand final after failing to qualify in 2013 “Beauty Never Lies” became an anthem of empowerment for many, and Bojana’s performance was praised for its authenticity and emotional depth.

Sanja Vučić: A Dynamic Voice in Serbia’s Eurovision Story

Before her Eurovision fame, Sanja was the powerhouse lead of ZAA, mixing reggae, jazz, and ska into a unique sound. Then came 2016’s “Goodbye (Shelter),” where she wowed Europe with her vocals and intense style. Ever since, she’s been a standout star in Serbia’s music scene!

Although she ultimately finished in 18th place in the grand final, this ranking did not overshadow the impact of her performance. This performance positioned her as a serious musician with the potential to influence not just musically, but also socially, as she continued to evolve in her career after Eurovision

Tijana Bogićević: Serbia’s Eurovision Star with a Voice of Resilience

Tijana’s first brush with Eurovision came in 2009, when she attempted to represent Serbia in the Beovizija national selection with the song Pazi šta radiš.

During that same time, Tijana was gaining popularity as a backing vocalist for prominent Serbian artists. One of her key Eurovision experiences came in 2011, when she performed as a backing vocalist for Nina, Serbia’s Eurovision representative that year.

The Eurovision Stage: 2017 with “In Too Deep”

Tijana Bogićević finally got her chance to represent Serbia in Eurovision 2017 with the song “In Too Deep.” This marked a significant moment in her career, as she was chosen internally by the Serbian national broadcaster RTS. Despite Tijana’s strong performance and the song’s polished production, “In Too Deep” didn’t manage to qualify for the grand final, finishing 11th in the second semi-final—just one spot shy of qualifying.

Nevena Božović: Junior to Senior

Her first taste of fame came when she represented Serbia in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2007, performing the song Piši mi. Nevena was only 13 at the time, and her performance earned her a commendable third-place finish.

Her early success hinted at her potential, and Nevena continued to grow as an artist, honing her skills and building her presence in the Serbian music scene. She gained more attention by participating in Prvi Glas Srbije in 2012, a talent show where she finished as the runner-up.

Eurovision 2019: “Kruna” and Solo Triumph

Her performance at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest was marked by its simplicity and elegance. Standing alone on stage with minimal visual effects, Nevena captivated the audience with the power of her voice and the intensity of the emotions she conveyed through her performance. “Kruna” secured Serbia a spot in the grand final, where Nevena finished 18th overall.

Serbia in 2019: kruna je tvoja Serbia in 2020: kruna je naša

2019’s “Kruna” was all about Nevena’s solo shine, but in 2020, it was all about Serbia taking the crown together. Hurricane came roaring in with “Hasta La Vista,” and Sanja, Ksenija, and Ivana were ready to turn kruna je tvoja into kruna je naša. Their energy was electric, their presence unstoppable—proof that Serbia was gearing up to own the Eurovision stage once again. Though the show was canceled, the buzz around Hurricane only grew stronger, making fans even hungrier for Serbia’s next shot at the crown.

Ksenija Knežević, one of the members, comes from a Eurovision family—her father represented Montenegro in 2015. Hurricane is no stranger to the Eurovision stage. In fact, one of the group members, Sanja Vučić, had already represented Serbia before! Sanja competed as a solo artist in 2016.

A Second Chance: Eurovision 2021

Fans were delighted when Hurricane was given a second chance to represent Serbia in Eurovision 2021 with their new track “Loco Loco.” The trio brought the same high-octane energy to the 2021 contest, showcasing their vocal and dance skills on the international stage. Their performance secured them a spot in the grand final, where they finished in 15th place—an impressive feat in a highly competitive year.

While Sanja Vučić is well known for her powerhouse vocals, she also had a key role behind the scenes of Hurricane’s 2021 Eurovision entry, “Loco Loco.” In addition to performing, Sanja wrote the song’s lyrics, bringing her own artistic flair and energy to the track. This personal touch made “Loco Loco” not just a group effort, but also a reflection of Sanja’s creative vision.

But her talents don’t stop there! In her PZE24 appearance, Sanja took on Finland’s iconic Eurovision hit “Cha Cha Cha,” bringing her own twist to the energetic performance.

Konstrakta’s Unique Entry: “In Corpore Sano” at Eurovision 2022

Konstrakta’s “In Corpore Sano” quickly became a viral hit following her national selection victory in Serbia’s Pesma za Evroviziju 2022.

Serbia’s entry qualified for the Grand Final, and Konstrakta’s performance did not disappoint. In a competitive year, she achieved an impressive 5th place, making her Serbia’s highest-placing Eurovision act since Željko Joksimović’s 2012 entry “Nije ljubav stvar.”

In the world of Eurovision, where innovation and reinvention are the keys to standing out, Konstrakta once again demonstrated that sometimes doing the same thing — but with a twist — can be the most genius move of all. After her breakout success with “In Corpore Sano” in 2022, Konstrakta returned in 2023, and fans couldn’t help but notice the striking similarities in her performance. What’s even more interesting is that she did this deliberately, dubbing her performance as “new, better.” The result? Pure artistic irony, and we can’t help but love her for it.

I got to see Konstrakta crush it live at EXIT Festival, and wow—“In Corpore Sano” hit even harder in person! The crowd was hooked from the first note. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a masterclass in how to own a stage!

Luke Black’s Eurovision Journey

In 2023, Luke Black was selected to represent Serbia at the Eurovision Song Contest, held in Liverpool, United Kingdom. His song, “Samo mi se spava,” immediately caught attention for its distinctive sound, blending dark pop with hypnotic beats and introspective lyrics.

Luke Black’s staging at Eurovision was equally memorable, featuring an edgy, futuristic aesthetic with dystopian elements. Ultimately, Luke Black placed 24th in the grand final.

Many of Serbia’s Eurovision entries have been written or co-written by the performers themselves. Teya Dora in 2024, Luke Black in 2023, and Nevena Božović in 2019 all penned their own songs, showing the country’s commitment to personal and authentic representation in the contest.

A Nation’s Commitment to Eurovision Success

Teya Dora’s career truly skyrocketed in 2023 with the release of “Džanum,” a track recorded for the popular television series Južni vetar: Na granici. The song became an international viral sensation, particularly on TikTok.

The music video for “Džanum” has amassed over 75 million views on YouTube and over 100 million streams on Spotify, making Teya Dora one of the most-streamed Serbian artists. On May 22, 2023, the song peaked at number four on Spotify’s Daily Viral Songs Global chart, and Teya Dora became the third Serbian artist to surpass a million monthly listeners on the platform.

In December 2023, Teya Dora was announced as a contestant on Pesma za Evroviziju ’24 with her song “Ramonda.” The song, named after the resilient Serbian flower, symbolizes hope and strength, much like Teya Dora’s own musical journey.

In Eurovision’s first semi-final on May 7, 2024, Teya Dora placed 10th out of 15, with 47 points, securing her spot in the grand final. In the final on May 11, 2024, she achieved 17th place out of 25, scoring a total of 54 points. Her performance of “Ramonda” resonated with many, not just for its captivating melody but also for its emotional depth and symbolism.

This image from Pepco perfectly captures the spirit of national pride that surrounded Teya Dora’s Eurovision journey in 2024. The slogan, “Kad izađeš na binu, sijamo od ponosa,” which translates to “When you step on stage, we shine with pride,” beautifully expresses how deeply invested the people of Serbia were in supporting their representative.

I still remember seeing that ad in Serbia—it radiated excitement, pride, and passion. That simple phrase encapsulated the deep bond between Serbia and its artists, leaving a lasting impression on me.

What makes Serbia stand out at Eurovision is the heart and soul it invests in every entry. It’s never just a song—it’s a piece of Serbian culture and spirit. From the heartfelt “Molitva” to high-energy hits like “Loco Loco,” Serbia masterfully blends tradition and modernity, always backing its artists with unwavering love and pride.

Could Serbia’s next big winner be just around the corner? With a rich pool of talented artists and a strong commitment to Eurovision success, it’s not a question of if, but when.


Category: 📽 History


Stefania Iriza

Digital Content Creator