Bojan Ilievski tattoos Grand trophy after Zvezde Granda win, speaks on love and loss
Outside the Košutnjak studio in Belgrade, the singer reflected on his unexpected victory, a new tattoo and his mother's death in 2021.
Bojan Ilievski, this year’s winner of the regional singing contest Zvezde Granda, continues to build his career after the competition. Photographers caught the Macedonian singer in Belgrade outside the Košutnjak studio, where he spoke candidly about the moment that changed his life.
Standing near the studio entrance, Ilievski described how winning the show surprised him and marked a clear turning point. "The feeling is wonderful; every time I come here I feel calm. The first thing that comes to mind is the moment I won — something I did not expect at all. That was the turning point in my career and life changed dramatically, both professionally and in everyday life, people recognize me at every step," he told the cameras.
Asked about his personal life, Ilievski said he is still looking for the right partner. "At the moment there's nothing spectacular, I'm still searching. I have many friends, so we'll see. It's important to me that the girl understands my profession, accepts me as I am and that we have trust. I am not jealous because I think there's no need for that. I would like her to be a lawyer, to have finished law school, or an artist — to draw, to sing…"
He keeps the win on his skin
To mark the victory, Ilievski shared a video from social media showing a large new tattoo across his arm. The design includes the winner's statuette from Zvezde Granda, a microphone and a powerful line inked as his personal motto: "The only thing in my life that can never be fake and that nobody can take away from me is my love for music."
Behind the symbol of the trophy lies a difficult history. After the tragic loss of both parents, Ilievski faced heavy personal trials, including struggles with addiction, and credits music, his mentor Gjorgje David and his grandmother for helping him recover and pursue his dream.
In an emotional interview for the show "Kafe muabeti" he recalled the last moments with his mother in Slovenia in 2021 and the promise he made her to never give up singing. The moment his grandmother went on stage moved many — even regional star Ceca Raznatovic was reportedly in tears — and became part of the narrative of his rise.
Photo: press material from the event
