Marko Bošnjak

Marko Bošnjak, born on January 11, 2004, in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a Bosnian-Croatian pop singer who gained prominence after winning the second season of the Serbian talent show Pinkove Zvezdice in 2016. 

Bošnjak’s musical journey began in his childhood, singing in a church choir where his vocal talent was first recognized. Following his victory on Pinkove Zvezdice, he continued to build his career by participating in various music festivals and competitions.

In 2022, at the age of 18, Bošnjak competed in Croatia’s national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, known as Dora, with the song “Moli za nas,” securing second place. The following year, he was honored with the Porin award for Best New Artist. 

Bošnjak continued to release music, including singles like “Spokojan” and “Nema” in 2023. In 2025, he returned to Dora with the song “Poison Cake,” co-written with Bas Wissink, Ben Pyne, Emma Gale, and Filip Majdak. Despite placing fourth in the public televote, his strong performance with the juries secured him the overall victory, earning him the opportunity to represent Croatia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel, Switzerland. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it to the final there.

“Poison Cake” is a theatrical pop ballad that delves into themes of justice and empowerment. Bošnjak’s performance was noted for its emotional depth and striking visuals, contributing to the song’s success on Croatian music charts.

Beyond his musical achievements, Bošnjak is recognized as the first openly gay musician in Croatia. His openness about his sexuality has been both groundbreaking and met with challenges, including instances of homophobic backlash following his Dora victory. Bošnjak has addressed these issues publicly, emphasizing his pride in his identity and advocating for acceptance and equality. 

Bošnjak cites a diverse range of musical influences, including Lana Del Rey, Erykah Badu, SZA, Lola Young, and Solange, and has expressed a desire to collaborate with Lorde. His fashion sense is inspired by icons like David Bowie and Freddie Mercury, reflecting his belief in fashion as a powerful form of self-expression.