Bojan Ilievski premieres new single, embraced by Ceca and Djordje in Belgrade
The Grand winner unveiled a tattoo, embraced mentors on stage and sang at a Sava Centar concert honoring Toma Zdravkovic.
Bojan Ilievski, the Macedonian winner of Zvezdite na Grand, drew attention in Belgrade with two emotional public appearances this week: a return to the Grand stage to premiere his new single and a guest performance at a large commemorative concert in Sava Centar.
On the television show he stepped back onto the stage not as a contestant but as the show's champion and introduced his new song "Oprašhtam" to loud applause. After the performance he praised his former mentor and long-time supporter, saying that the experience of working with Djordje David removed his nerves.
"Considering how much I worked with Djordje David during the competition, I didn't have stage fright then, and I don't now. I have to hug him, he is a man who performs miracles!" Bojan said with a smile. Djordje David immediately climbed on stage and embraced his former candidate.
Bojan also showed off a new tattoo on his arm dedicated to his victory in the show, saying the title will follow him through his career and life. He later addressed his first mentor, Ceca Raznatovic, directly.
"I want to say something about my first mentor, Ceca. I am probably very grateful to you. Ceca was the first person who opened the doors and the way for me in this competition. Thank you, Ceco, from the heart!" he told her — and Ceca responded by coming down to the stage to hug him.
Tribute concert and cemetery visit
A few days before the TV appearance, Ilievski took part in a packed memorial concert at Sava Centar marking the 35th anniversary of the death of Toma Zdravkovic. Before the concert, together with singer Jovana Tipšin, he visited the Central Cemetery in Belgrade to express condolences to Toma's wife Goca and daughter Žaklina and to light a candle.
"It is a great honour to be a guest at a concert in tribute to a legend like Toma Zdravkovic, shoulder to shoulder with all the great singers of the scene. For me there is not a gig or performance without one of his songs, and I especially love 'Danka'. He is a true artist who continues to live through his songs," Ilievski told reporters. On the Sava Centar stage he performed the classic "Sećavaš li se, Sanja," receiving a standing ovation from the audience.
Photographers at the Belgrade events also noticed that Ilievski arrived accompanied by an attractive young woman, capturing images that sparked renewed speculation about his private life.
Photo: press material from the event
