Dami Army take note: this is the female soloist to beat in 2016. Croatia’s entry this year is a real contender to the title and could deliver the Mediterranean traveller hotspot its first ever Eurovision win. Nina Kraljić is the inaugural winner of The Voice Croatia and has become a mini sensation across the Balkans.
"Lighthouse" is beautiful and dramatic mid-tempo entry infused with traditional instruments. Kraljić’s voice is unique and on the right side of interesting and this entry will pick up a stack of votes across the Mediterranean countries. Expect a top 5 finish.
Watch Nina Kraljić's official video for 'Lighthouse':
Four Questions with Nina Kraljić
What are the most interesting aspects about your entry?
The extraordinary set of events lead to my participation in Eurovision. Firstly, winning The Voice, then releasing a single that won three nomination for a prestigious Croatian music award Porin, and finally being chosen to represent Croatia at Eurovision – everything happened in just one year.
What are the most impressive facts about you?
- I like to play videogames on my Playstation
- I have two tattoos, dedicated to people that mean a lot to me
- I figured out how to approach music when I quit music for two years and dedicated myself to other stuff
- I left my home when I was 14 because of music and education and kept moving for nine years
- I am not a fan of partying the way my generation does it - I prefer spending time at home, with my loved ones or solo in my own world
- I am obsessed with writing, calligraphy and colours.
Do you have a (lucky) routine before you go on stage?
The most important for me is to get a good rest the night before the performance. I avoid too many rehearsals, I believe that continuous repetition of the same song results in the loss of magic that is present when you sing the song for the first time. Singers often say that the first performance of a song is sometimes the best because it carries a special emotion of the unexpected. My goal is to keep that feeling, to turn off the brain and turn on the heart.
Why is the Eurovision Song Contest important for you?
I have been following Eurovision since I was little, and in a certain way, this is a dream come true. The Eurovision Song Contest will, regardless of the changes brought on as time passes, remain the most recognised singing competitions in the world.
