Lelek

Formation and Traditional Roots

Lelek is a Croatian folk-pop group that formed in September 2024 in Zagreb. It consists of five female vocalists: Inka Večerina Perušić, Judita Štorga, Korina Olivia Rogić, Lara Brtan, and Marina Ramljak. From the beginning, they blended rich Croatian traditional music with modern pop sounds to create a unique style. The group even gained early attention on social media by sharing covers of traditional songs. With this they showcased their haunting harmonies and cultural roots. Their debut single “Tanani Nani” was released in 2024 and attracted a lot of attention in Croatia. This first song introduced Lelek’s ethno-pop sound. That is a mix of folklore motifs and contemporary production. The song highlighted their mission to preserve Slavic musical heritage in a fresh way. Each member’s strong vocal background and artistic flair helped the group develop a magical, almost otherworldly stage presence from the start.

First Steps and Dora 2025

In 2025, Lelek took their first big step onto the national stage. They entered Dora 2025, Croatia’s Eurovision selection contest, with an original song titled “The Soul of My Soul.” The group’s performance in the semi-final captivated viewers with powerful vocals and striking folk-inspired aesthetics, easily qualifying them to the Dora final. During the final, Lelek delivered an emotional show full of harmonies and energy. As a result, they finished in fourth place overall. This strong debut in a competitive field won them many new fans and proved their potential. Their Dora 2025 entry, though not a winner, “won the hearts of the public” and introduced Lelek’s enchanting style to a wider Croatian audience. It was a crucial experience that gave the young group confidence and exposure early in their career.

Growing Popularity and Musical Projects

After their Dora 2025 success, Lelek’s popularity continued to grow. The group released several new songs in 2025, further exploring the blend of ethno and pop. For instance, the single “Zašto mi otimaš Dom” (“Why Are You Taking My Home”) came out in 2025 and continued their tradition of weaving historical and folk themes into contemporary music.

Lelek also teamed up with well-known Croatian pop singer Matija Cvek on the ballad “Pristajem” in mid-2025. This collaboration showcased the group’s versatility and reached a wide audience. “Pristajem” climbed to No. 4 on the Croatian airplay charts. In addition, Lelek participated in live events to broaden their artistic reach. Notably, they appeared at the Red Bull Symphonic concert in Zagreb, where they performed with an orchestra and brought their magical harmonies to an even larger stage. These musical projects and performances outside of TV contests helped Lelek refine their craft, gain professional experience, and solidify their reputation in the Croatian music scene.

Dora 2026 Triumph and Eurovision

By early 2026, Lelek reached a new milestone. They returned to Croatia’s national selection with renewed determination and a powerful song. Competing in Dora 2026, the group presented “Andromeda”, an atmospheric ethno-pop track with dramatic builds and a deep message. Their performance wowed both juries and the public. Lelek emerged as the clear winner of Dora 2026, scoring 173 points. That was a huge lead over the runner-up. Lelek unanimously earned top marks from all voting groups. The song “Andromeda” showcases Lelek’s signature traits: haunting vocals, traditional Slavic elements, and modern cinematic production. Its lyrics touch on generational resilience and cultural identity, reflecting the group’s passion for reinterpreting heritage in a contemporary way. With this victory, Lelek secured the honor of representing Croatia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna. They are set to perform in the first semi-final on 12 May 2026, proudly carrying their nation’s hopes.