In a recent interview to Dnevni Abaz, Serbian superstar and twice Eurovision entrant Željko Joksimović confirmed he has no plans to perform in the Eurovision stage again.
Two very successful apperances
Željko Joksimović stood on the big Eurovision stage twice in 2004 (representing Serbia and Montenegro) and in 2012. In his first attempt he placed second with his song “Lane Moje” while on the second, he came third with “Nije ljubav stvar“. However, despite the great success he enjoyed at the contest, he seems set on his idea of not returning as a performer. In fact speaking to local media recently, he said:
“I would never again participate in the Eurosong as a performer, that’s settled.”
Željko Joksimović actually already said just after the final of Eurovision 2012. You can see it on the video below from minute 1:29 to minute 1:46.
Singer, songwriter and host
Besides representing his home country twice, Željko Joksimović has been involved at Eurovision as a songwriter and host as well. In fact, following Maria Šerifović’s win in 2007, he hosted the contest in 2008 in Belgrade alongside his (then future) wife Jovana Janković. Furthermore, he composed Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 2006’s entry “Lejla“, Serbia’s 2008 entry “Oro” and most recently, Montenegro’s 2015 entry “Adio“.
Serbia at the Eurovision Song Contest
Serbia debuted as an independent nation at 2007 with “Molitva” by Marija Šerifović which won the competition. In 2008, Serbia had the honor of hosting the competition in Belgrade. Since their debut, Serbia has participated eleven times. Out of their eleven appearances, they have managed to make the final eight times. In 2018, Sanja Ilić and Balkanika represented Serbia with the song “Nova Deca“. In Lisbon, they managed to bring Serbia back to the Grand Final (after failing to qualify in 2017). They finished 19th out of the 43 countries participating in 2018.
Are you disappointed Željko Joksimović will not return to Eurovision for a third time? Did you like his entries at the contest? Who do you think Serbia should send in 2019?
Let us know in the comment section below or on all social media @ESCXTRA