In the spotlight: Kalush Orchestra

Road to Vienna: Croatia We cannot wait for the Eurovision Song Contest inVienna. Therefore, we take a closer look at one of the contestants each day. Today, we highlight Croatia.    Lelek: Croatia’s Ethno-Pop Sensation Lelek is a Croatian folk-pop group formed in 2024 in Zagreb. The five-member female ensemble blends traditional Croatian and Slavic music with modern pop production. They quickly gained attention online with covers of folk songs, highlighting their rich harmonies and cultural identity. Their debut single “Tanani Nani” introduced their signature ethno-pop sound—combining folklore elements with contemporary style—and established their mission to preserve heritage through modern music. Breakthrough at Dora 2025 Lelek rose to national prominence during Dora 2025, Croatia’s Eurovision selection. Their performance of “The Soul of My Soul” impressed both juries and audiences, earning them a fourth-place finish in the final. Although they didn’t win, the group gained widespread recognition and proved their potential, winning over fans with their emotional delivery and distinctive aesthetic. Expanding Success and Collaborations Following Dora 2025, Lelek continued building momentum with new releases, including “Zašto mi otimaš Dom”. Their music consistently blends historical themes with modern pop influences. A key milestone was their collaboration with Matija Cvek on “Pristajem”, which reached No. 4 on Croatian airplay charts. They also performed at major events like the Red Bull Symphonic concert, showcasing their sound alongside a live orchestra and expanding their artistic reach. Dora 2026 Victory and Eurovision Journey In 2026, Lelek returned stronger than ever to Dora 2026 with their song “Andromeda”. The powerful ethno-pop track, featuring cinematic production and themes of resilience and identity, won the competition with a commanding score. Andromeda: A Powerful Song About War and Identity Andromeda explores the deep impact of war, focusing on generational trauma and how violence affects families and communities over time. The song connects personal stories—mothers, children, and ancestry—to larger themes of conflict, displacement, and survival. It shows how history is not distant, but something people continue to live through. A Message of Resistance and Human Dignity At its core, the track is a statement about resistance and human dignity. It criticizes systems of power that treat individuals as expendable, especially during war or political unrest. By combining emotional storytelling with social commentary, the song highlights the human cost behind conflict. Spiritual and Cosmic Symbolism The song uses cosmic imagery to add depth and contrast. Themes of space and transcendence reflect a desire to escape suffering and find meaning beyond violence. This creates a sense of hope and emotional release within an otherwise heavy narrative. Croatia in the Eurovision Song Contest Croatia has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest since 1993, following its independence from Yugoslavia. The country’s best result came in 2024 when Baby Lasagna’s “Rim Tim Tagi Dim” achieved second place in the Grand Final. Over the years, Croatia has showcased a variety of musical styles, reflecting its rich cultural heritage and commitment to the competition. The bookmakers Currently sitting in 18th place with the bookmakers, Croatia’s chances may seem modest, with a spot in the final appearing to be the most realistic goal. But in a contest known for its unpredictability, anything can happen—could Lelek defy expectations and deliver one of the biggest surprises of the year?