Serbia’s Eurovision 2026 representatives, Lavina, held their first rehearsal in Vienna with the song “Kraj Mene.” Stay tuned for all updates from Austria.
The ground in Vienna shook as the Serbian band Lavina took to the Eurovision stage for their first rehearsal, proving they are not just here to sing, but to conquer. Performing the song “Kraj Mene” (in English: “By My Side”), the Serbian entry presented a much wilder and more upgraded version than the one seen in the national selection. Closing the line-up as song number 15 in the first semi-final, it appears the band members plan to leave the audience in shock just moments before the voting opens.
Serbia’s First Rehearsal: more details
The members of Lavina maintained their signature dark aesthetic but raised the visual bar to the level of an epic fantasy film. The black costumes were adorned with fur and massive metallic elements, while the new shoulder armor for the lead singer was designed to carry two swords simultaneously. The physical weight of the scenery and attire did not stop the band from displaying an explosive energy that was felt in every corner of the hall in Vienna from the very first seconds.
The Sword at the Heart of the Competition
The iconic sword used by Lavina during the national selection returns for the Eurovision performance in a larger and stronger version, driven deep into a rock that serves as a small stage and a microphone stand for the lead singer, Luka. The band members created a display of power and impressive stage presence around him, with long nails drawing the cameras into the organized chaos.
A Multi-Sensory Attack of Fire and Vocals
The climax of the performance arrived with a multi-sensory attack of heavy pyrotechnics, making those present in the hall feel the heat of the flames on their faces. Giant flares erupted exactly at the moment a chilling “growl” was heard through the microphone, creating an effect of unprecedented energetic explosion for this season. With such a conclusion to the competitive evening, it seems Serbia leaves no room for doubt regarding its intentions to reach very high on the scoreboard in 2026.
Will the European audience be ready for the intensity of Lavina, or will the flames of Serbia burn the qualification chances of the other contestants?
Serbia at Eurovision 2026
“Kraj mene” (in English: “By My Side”) is the song that will be performed by the singer Lavina, which will represent Serbia as song number 15 in the first semi final on May 12th, in Vienna, Austria. The song was written by the band members Luka Aranđelović, Pavle Aranđelović, Andrija Cvetanović, Bojan Ilić, Nikola Petrović and Pavle Samardžić, alongsode Ivan Jegdić. The song is performed entirely in Serbian.
Currently, Serbia is ranked 23rd in the betting tables ahead of Eurovision 2026.
Eurovision 2026: This will be Serbia’s 18th 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”.
