Doris Dragović

Doris Dragović is a Croatian pop singer. Her career spans over four decades. She rose to international fame by representing Yugoslavia and later Croatia at the Eurovision Song Contest. Over the years, Dragović became one of Croatia’s best-loved singers with numerous hit songs. Her signature tracks, such as “Željo moja” and “Marija Magdalena,” remain popular classics. Even today, she continues to influence the Croatian pop music scene.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Dorotea Dragović was born on 16 April 1961 in Split, then part of Yugoslavia. Her parents nicknamed her “Doris” during childhood. Growing up in the coastal city, she attended local music festivals. She looked up to Croatian singers like Arsen Dedić, Gabi Novak, and Tereza Kesovija. These influences ignited her passion for singing at a young age. In 1982, at around age 21, Dragović began her professional career as the lead vocalist of the pop band More. This early 1980s band experience gave her a first taste of fame on the Yugoslav pop scene.

Eurovision Breakthroughs

In 1986, Dragović transitioned to a solo career and represented Yugoslavia at the Eurovision Song Contest with the ballad “Željo moja,” finishing 11th in the final. This international exposure boosted her profile at home. Over a decade later, she returned to Eurovision in 1999 to represent Croatia. Her dramatic song “Marija Magdalena” won the national Dora competition and placed fourth in the Eurovision final with 118 points. It was Croatia’s best Eurovision result up to that time. Dragović’s performance, featuring a striking costume change, earned praise from international audiences.

Solo Albums and Continued Success

Beyond Eurovision, Dragović built a strong solo career in Yugoslavia and later Croatia. She released a string of pop albums from the late 1980s onward, producing many popular hits. In the 1990s she adapted to Croatia’s new music scene after independence, winning top prizes at festivals like Melodije Hrvatskog Jadrana in 1995 and the Split Festival in 1996. By 1999, her work spanned over 15 albums, including the hit record Krajem vijeka (1999) which featured “Marija Magdalena.” Her consistent presence on radio and television made her a household name across the region.

In the 2000s, Dragović continued to record new music while focusing on live performances. She released studio albums such as Lice (2000), Malo mi za sriću triba (2002), and Ja vjerujem (2009). She also recorded live albums from major concerts, showcasing her enduring vocal appeal. As a result, Dragović remained a concert draw decades into her career. In November 2023, she performed two sold-out shows at Zagreb’s Arena, delighting fans with a mix of classic hits and new songs. She followed up with open-air concerts in Pula and Trogir in 2024, proving her lasting popularity on stage.

Personal Life and Milestones

In her personal life, Dragović married former water polo player Mario Budimir in 1990. The couple welcomed a son, Borna, later that year. Dragović has largely kept her family life away from the spotlight. Dragović also shows strong hometown pride as an avid supporter of the Hajduk Split football club. Fans nicknamed her the “Queen of Torcida” in the 1990s for her enthusiasm.

Legacy and Recent Activities

Dragović has firmly established herself as a pop icon in Croatia. She ranks among the country’s most recognizable music stars. Her emotive ballads and Dalmatian pop style have influenced younger Croatian artists. Even after four decades, she continues to draw large audiences. In recent years, Dragović has staged major concerts, including packed arena shows, to celebrate her career. In 2025, a compilation album titled 25 Greatest Hits celebrated her enduring popularity. Today, Doris Dragović remains active in music, occasionally releasing new songs and performing at festivals.