Jelena Tomašević dominated youth competitions, but Marija Šerifović triumphed at Eurovision – tracing the rivalry that began in the classroom and became an unforgettable musical duel.

A Humble Beginning Turns into a Turbulent Relationship

Marija Šerifović, the 2007 Eurovision winner with “Molitva” (Prayer), and Jelena Tomašević, Serbia’s 2008 Eurovision representative with “Oro“, are two of Serbia’s leading stars carrying a complex and charged history that began in the hallways of their high school in Kragujevac. What started as an innocent friendship between two talented students evolved into a competitive journey that continues to resonate powerfully today. For each of them, these years not only defined their musical careers but also created a rivalry that colored their world. This rivalry, which persisted through competitions, stages, and events, reveals a deep story of pain, jealousy, and moments of humiliation – alongside rare instances of mutual respect.As high school students, Marija and Jelena found themselves sharing the stage in countless musical competitions. Both young women stood out for their talent, but Marija, a year younger, often remained in the shadow of Jelena’s victories. “Even then,” Marija describes, “we were friends, but we also had a rivalry. Jelena was always ‘the star’ – the one who won all the competitions.” The feelings weren’t simple for her. “Every time, another competition and another time I lose to her. I would try to keep smiling, but inside? Inside I felt pain and humiliation,” she shared on the Serbian TV show “Shock Talk”.

Marija’s Promise: “It’s Over – Now I’m Taking the Stage”

Years passed, and both continued on their musical career paths. But then, in 2007, the big turning point came – Marija won Eurovision, bringing Serbia’s first and exciting victory with the song “Molitva” (Prayer). This victory was not just a personal success, but also a sharp statement to all who saw her only as the “second talent”. Marija finally felt she had emerged from the shadows, and with greater force than expected – she not only managed to surpass Jelena but became a global name.”It was my moment,” she shares, “a moment that proved to myself and the world – that it was my turn to win.”

Jelena Fires Back: “I’m Proud of Her, but Jealousy Was Always There”

Jelena, who followed her friend and rival’s success, had to deal with mixed feelings towards Marija. “I always saw her special talent, but I also saw the anger she carried with her,” she describes. “She had a determination not seen in everyone, and in the same breath, there was also jealousy. She wanted to win, no matter what”. Jelena speaks respectfully of Marija’s path, but she also feels the tension that still hovers between them. She notes, “I may have been the first in class, the one who won the competitions, but who conquered Europe was Marija. That honor belongs to her, but the rivalry? It will never end.”

Words Revealing the Pain Behind the Smiles

Over the years, despite their successes, Marija and Jelena found themselves again and again on the same path – two of Serbia’s biggest music stars, each with her own fan base. Marija, in an unusual interview, shared for the first time about her true feelings: “I smiled, but in my heart I felt different. Every time she won, it was like a reminder of my failure.” She adds that even today, despite all she has achieved, she carries these feelings with her. And yet, she notes that “I admire Jelena, we were really yin and yang in our school, totally.”

End of the Story or a New Beginning?

The story of Marija Šerifović and Jelena Tomašević is more than just a musical rivalry – it’s a shared journey of two women who conquered the musical world with courage, passion, and rare talent. From high school days to the grand stages of Europe, they walked together yet apart, carried by extraordinary talent and feelings that were sometimes conflicting but always honest. Although successes and failures built walls, their friendship was strong enough to break them down again and again. Marija and Jelena continue to be a source of inspiration not only to their audience but also to each other, with shared memories, deep love, and respect.

Serbia in Eurovision 2024

Source: Svet-scandal.rs, Pulsonline.rs.

Eurovision 2025: This will be Serbia’s 17th participation in Eurovision. Serbia joined the contest in 2007 and achieved its best result in the same year when singer Marija Šerifović won first place with the song “Molitva”.