Sestre

Sestre is a Slovenian drag act best known for representing Slovenia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2002. The trio,  Miss Marlena (Tomaž Mihelič), Daphne (Srečko Blas), and Emperatrizz (Damjan Levec, gained international fame with their song “Samo ljubezen”. They were the first drag group ever to perform on the Eurovision stage, making history and becoming LGBTQ+ pioneers in Slovenian pop culture. 

Early Years and Formation

Sestre formed in 2000, originally under the name Suspender Sisters, as a classic drag queen show act. The three performers had backgrounds in entertainment and fashion, bringing their charisma and talent together on stage. Tomaž Mihelič (stage name Marlenna) emerged as the lead singer and a creative force of the group. Damjan Levec took on the persona of Emperatrizz, and Srečko Blas performed as Daphne. All three sisters embraced vintage glamour and close harmonies, inspired by retro cabin-crew style and cabaret performances. In local clubs and events, they honed their act with lively songs and choreography. By the early 2000s, Sestre had become a notable act in Slovenia’s drag and music scene, known for their matching outfits, playful personas, and strong vocals.

Eurovision Song Contest 2002

In February 2002, Sestre entered EMA 2002, Slovenia’s national song competition for Eurovision. They won the pre-selection contest, beating more established pop artists, and earned the ticket to represent Slovenia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2002. Their Eurovision entry “Samo ljubezen” was a catchy pop tune with a positive message of “only love”. The group performed in glamorous red-and-pink flight attendant costumes, complete with high heels and polished retro styling. Their appearance marked a milestone: it was the first time an entire ensemble performed in full drag at Eurovision. This bold presence set off conversations about diversity and acceptance in Slovenia, and Sestre’s visibility was a significant moment for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media.

On the night of the Eurovision final, Sestre placed a respectable 13th in the contest. Although they did not win, Sestre were among the bookmaker’s pre-contest favorites and left a memorable impression on viewers. Their fearless performance and upbeat song gained them fans across Europe.

Debut Album and National Success

Following Eurovision, Sestre capitalized on their fame with new music and concerts. In October 2002 they released their debut album “Souvenir”, produced in collaboration with Slovenian pop star Magnifico and lyricist Barbara Pešut. The album featured songs in Slovene and included versions in multiple languages (English, Spanish, French, and German) to reach a broader audience. “Souvenir” was a commercial success in Slovenia. It topped the Slovenian music charts for five weeks. 

In December 2002, Sestre held their first major solo concert in Ljubljana’s Union Hall, which was a sold-out event and a triumph for the group. They continued to make television appearances and perform at festivals, always delivering their signature blend of retro glamour and feel-good pop. 

Hiatus and Comeback with a New Member

After a whirlwind couple of years, the group members decided to take a break from Sestre’s activities following their initial success. Each member pursued individual interests for a while. For example, Srečko (Daphne) focused on a career in design and landscaping. Tomaž (Marlenna) remained active in media and fashion. For several years, Sestre were largely absent from the music scene, leaving fans nostalgic for their lively performances.

However, the story didn’t end there. In 2015, Sestre staged a comeback and returned to the stage with fresh energy. Notably, the lineup had a slight change: original member Srečko Blas (Daphne) did not rejoin due to other commitments, and a new member stepped into the group. Miha Kavčič, a young performer known from a reality TV show, donned the drag persona Michelle to become the third “sister” alongside Marlena and Emperatrizz. According to Marlena, Michelle learned the routines and songs almost overnight, bringing a “new energy” to the trio.

Sestre’s comeback kicked off with an invitation to perform at the Eurovision Gala Night in Luxembourg in 2015, where they wowed international fans after years away from the limelight. This was followed by a mini tour across Europe, including shows at Eurovision-themed events in London and Cologne. On December 25, 2015, Sestre made a high-profile return to the Slovenian stage as special guests at Magnifico’s Christmas concert in Ljubljana. The concert hall was packed, and the crowd’s excitement proved that Sestre’s star power remained strong. 

Recent Activities

In the late 2010s, Sestre continued to entertain audiences and even expanded into new media. They frequently performed at Eurovision fan events and pride celebrations. In 2018, for example, Sestre appeared in Vienna alongside Montenegrin Eurovision artist Slavko Kalezić, delighting fans with their timeless hit and glamorous presence. The following year, the trio achieved another milestone: they recorded a new single titled “Barjak” (“The Banner”). This song was written by their longtime collaborator Magnifico, the same composer behind “Samo ljubezen”. Sestre debuted “Barjak” with a special performance in the popular Serbian television drama Senke nad Balkanom (Shadows over the Balkans) in 2019, fitting their 1930s cabaret style into the show’s historical setting. This return to the screen introduced Sestre to a new generation of viewers and demonstrated their versatility as entertainers.