He’s Croatia’s Eurovision 2020 star.
And earlier in May, Damir Kedžo covered Marija Serifović’s Eurovision winning song Molitva (2007).
For the greater part of Molitva, Damir is accompanied by his instrumentalists. He relies on his fruity vocals, while the instrumentalists give it a rough rock-ish touch we don’t see in the original version.
His backing vocalists from Dora join them in the final minute, just as Marija’s do in the original performance.
Damir goes through high notes with ease and, to make it more personal to him, he performs it in masculine gender – as of course opposed to feminine gender the 2007 winner sings in.
Speaking of the reasons he covered both songs, Damir said:
“[There were] many fans wanting a cover of Molitva. I was so happy you did want it because I loooove this song and I love Marija Serifovic. Your wish is my command. So here it is. Love you guys! Thanks for watching. Damir.”
The power of Molitva over the years
This is however not the first time that a Eurovision contestant covered Molitva. Probably the most known example is when Russia’s Eurovision 2017 and 2018 Yulia Samoylova wowed the juries of Faktor A talent show with her take-on in Russian language in 2013. Sanja Vucic, Serbia’s most recent Eurovision contestant, covered it in 2017 during the Eurovision Live Concert in Setubal, Portugal. “Je Ne Sais Quoi” hitmaker Hera Bjork has also performed the bilingual version several times.
The beautiful message goes beyond borders and age groups – Croatia’s Eurovision 2019 singer Roko performed it with the singer herself, while Slovenia’s Junior Eurovision 2014 act Ula Lozar gave it her touch prior the release of her JESC bid.
Marija performed it again earlier this year at Beovizija’s grand final.
We relived Marija’s winning moment during #eurovisionagain, when we revisited Helsinki 2007 installment – and we were not alone – the Balkan superstar watched it herself.
And now ? #17 #EurovisionAgain @Eurovision
— Marija Serifovic (@futomaki) April 25, 2020
What do you think of Kedzo’s cover? Which cover do you prefer? Did you want Marija to win in 2007? Let us know in the comments!
One of the best winning songs ever. True masterpiece
Damir has such precise control of his vocals. Bravo.
Another good combo of this song by 4 ESC performers: Sanja Vucic and Bojana Stamenov from Serbia, Knez from Montenegro and Jaques Houdek from Croatia! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL88r6TrmFw
Molitva is still one of my favorite ESC winning songs. The melody is so powerful that even if you don’t understand the lyrics, it has great impact on you. That is what music is all about. And of course, Marija made this song extra special.