Rebeka Iva Martinčević moved Supertalent with her family story

Twenty-one-year-old singer Rebeka Iva Martinčević moved the audience and the jury on Croatia's Supertalent, but behind her calm smile and clear voice stands a difficult family story: she grew up caring for seven brothers and three sisters.

Martinčević earned a pass to the next round with a performance many described as emotional and mature. The show airs on Nova TV and for her it represented a chance to leave a painful past behind and pursue music full time.

From childhood responsibilities to the stage

She says she inherited her love of music from her father, who is a professional singer, and that performing on Supertalent was also deeply personal. Martinčević told the show's cameras that her childhood changed dramatically when she was still a child.

“My life is like some TV series. Mom left when I was 12 years old and I practically from that age already had to be both mother and sister to my brothers and sisters, and also to be there for my father as much as I could. She left at a time when I needed her the most. While other children were playing outside, I spent most of the time at home. It wasn't fair, but no matter how hard it is, I still manage and find my peace,” Martinčević said.

Her audition visibly affected the panel: judge Martina Tomčić admitted she was brought to tears and said she felt goosebumps, while Maja Šuput and other members praised Martinčević's simplicity, life-won maturity and empathy, calling her an inspiration for viewers across the region.

Photo: press material from the event