Zvezde Granda: Why Serbia is Losing Its Throne in the Balkans’ Most Popular Music Contest?
Tonight marks the grand finale of the musical spectacle Zvezde Granda, a competition that has ruled the Balkan music scene for decades. But have you noticed something shocking? Serbia, the host country and epicenter of this show, has had only ONE winner in the last ten years! Meanwhile, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Montenegro are filling their trophy shelves, while Serbia seems to have forgotten how to win.
Regional Domination – Is Serbia in the Shadows?
Most winners of Zvezde Granda in recent seasons hail from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mirza Selimović from Tuzla, Haris Berković from Gradačac, Ibro Bublin from Sarajevo, Džejla Ramović from Goražde, and many others have captured the hearts of the audience and jury. Even young talents like Ner Handžić from Tešanj and Mahir Mulalić from Gračanica show that Bosnia has plenty to offer.
On the other hand, Serbia has had only Aleksa Perović from Kraljevo as a winner in the last decade, and that too alongside Riste Risteski from North Macedonia, who won the public vote. But their victory was quickly forgotten, and hits were scarce. Is this a sign that Serbia is losing its musical identity, or that Zvezde Granda is no longer what it used to be?
What Happens to the Winners?
While some winners from Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to fill clubs and build careers, Serbian winners often remain in the shadows. Aleksa Perović, despite recently becoming a father for the third time and sharing emotional moments with the public, has failed to leave a mark on the music scene. Similar fates follow other Serbian contestants.
In contrast, Džejla Ramović has become a public favorite, with her song “Ruine” becoming a hit of the night. Haris Berković was launched to the top of the scene, and his relationship with Rada Manojlović further boosted his popularity. Ner Handžić fills clubs across the diaspora, and Slavica Angelova from North Macedonia is one of the most active young singers in the region.
Does Zvezde Granda Favor Foreign Candidates?
Some claim that Zvezde Granda has become a regional show where Serbia is losing its primacy. Is it due to the quality of candidates or politics and marketing? The question is whether Serbian talents are sufficiently supported or if more attention is given to candidates from other countries.
Conclusion: Where Did the Serbian Star Go?
Zvezde Granda used to be synonymous with the Serbian music scene, but today it seems that era has passed. While Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Montenegro rack up successes, Serbia struggles to find new stars to win over the audience.
Maybe it’s time to ask – is the problem in the system, the jury, or the candidates themselves? Or has the time come for a new era in the Balkans, where the music scene will be more open and diverse?
What do you think? Is Serbia really losing its throne in Zvezde Granda, or is it just an illusion? Drop a comment, share your favorite Zvezde Granda story, or suggest who might be the next to shine in this unpredictable Balkan music sky! Music is for all of us – let the contest prove it!
