Featured image: Sarah Louise Bennett/EBU
Croatia’s representatives LELEK secured a place in the Eurovision 2026 grand final after performing in the first semi-final evening of the competition in Vienna.
Their song “Andromeda”, which previously won Dora 2026, attracted significant attention from Eurovision audiences thanks to its combination of ethno elements, modern pop production and a visually striking performance inspired by Croatian tradition.
Following the semi-final, LELEK’s performance became one of the most watched performances of the night across social media and YouTube, with many Eurovision fans commenting that Croatia once again stood out with a culturally recognisable performance.
The song “Andromeda” is inspired by the historical symbols and traditions of Croatian Catholic women during the Ottoman period, which sparked further discussion among Eurovision audiences and media.
Croatia’s performance also caused controversy after Israeli broadcaster KAN posted a social media comment that LELEK publicly condemned as mocking the cultural symbolism and message behind the song.
“We are disturbed by the comments made by the Israeli broadcaster KAN, in which our culture and the sacrifices made by oppressed Catholic women were mocked. It is especially disturbing to ridicule women singing about female pain and suffering while showing such a complete lack of empathy and respect for the suffering of others”, LELEK wrote on social media after the semi-final.
Croatia has now qualified for the Eurovision grand final for the second consecutive year, following last year’s success of Baby Lasagna and “Rim Tim Tagi Dim”, which achieved Croatia’s best Eurovision result since Croatia became independent.
Who are LELEK?
LELEK is a Croatian all-female folk-pop group formed in Zagreb in 2024. The band combines modern pop production with traditional Croatian and Balkan folk influences, which quickly helped them stand out on the Croatian music scene and later at Dora, Croatia’s national Eurovision selection.
The current lineup consists of Inka Večerina Perušić, Judita Štorga, Korina Olivia Rogić, Lara Brtan and Marina Ramljak.
After competing at Dora 2025 with the song “The Soul of My Soul”, LELEK returned a year later with “Andromeda”, winning Dora 2026 and becoming Croatia’s representatives at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.
LELEK “Andromeda” Lyrics Meaning
According to the members of LELEK, “Andromeda” explores the strength and irreplaceable role of women in society.
The song was inspired by the history of Croatian Catholic women from Bosnia and Herzegovina who, faced with the threat of slavery and forced conversion during the Ottoman period, tattooed crosses onto their bodies as a permanent symbol of identity and resistance.
The group described the song as more than just a historical reference or tribute to past generations. As they explained, “This song is not only a reminder of their sacrifice and courage, but also a universal warning to modern society, which often forgets the price of freedom, dignity and equality.”
LELEK also said that “Andromeda also carries a message encouraging us to learn from historical wounds, recognise our own chains and create a fairer and more humane future.”
In Greek mythology, Andromeda was a princess who was chained to a rock and sacrificed to a sea monster before eventually being rescued by the hero Perseus. She is often seen as a symbol of sacrifice, suffering, resilience and eventual liberation after hardship. The Andromeda constellation in the northern sky was named after her.
What Do the Tattoos in “Andromeda” Symbolise?
Part of the symbolism behind “Andromeda” is connected to a historical tattooing tradition practised among some Croatian Catholic communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia during the Ottoman period.
Young women would tattoo small crosses and traditional symbols onto their hands, arms and bodies as visible signs of faith, identity and belonging.
The custom, known locally as sicanje or bocanje, is today remembered as an important part of cultural heritage in parts of the region.
According to local tradition, the tattoos were also believed to help protect young women from forced assimilation and conversion during Ottoman rule.
In “Andromeda”, LELEK uses this symbolism to explore themes of female strength, sacrifice, identity and historical memory.
“Andromeda” lyrics and English translation
Below are the original lyrics of “Andromeda” by Croatian Eurovision finalists LELEK, alongside an English translation.
“Andromeda” Original lyrics
Dok pališ svijeću pitaj svoju baku
Zašto je kćeri rađala u strahu
Zašto su mnogi odabrali groblje
Nisu naše majke iznjedrile roblje
Mnoge su suze protekle k’o rijeka
Zašto se piše povijest ispočetka?
Sinovi naši nisu podanici
Da l’ vas noću bude iz kolijevke krici?
Uzmi me sebi kraljice Zemljo
Tvoja je duša, njima sam tijelo
Vodi me do zvijezda
Porušenih gnijezda
Tamo gdje uz krike
Isprate vojnike
Vodi me do zvijezda
Daleko od pogleda
Andromeda
Sve urezane ožiljke do kosti
Ni jedna majka neće vam oprostit
Na stolu srama, zlato sa đerdana
Dok peru ruke krvlju naših rana
Izdajice x4
Uzmi me sebi
Kraljice Zemljo
Tvoja je duša
Njima sam tijelo
Vodi me do zvijezda
Porušenih gnijezda
Tamo gdje uz krike
Isprate vojnike
Vodi me do zvijezda
Daleko od pogleda
Andromeda
Vodi me do zvijezda
Porušenih gnijezda
Tamo gdje uz klike
Isprate vojnike
Vodi me do zvijezda
Daleko od pogleda
Andromeda
Andromeda x6
“Andromeda” English Translation
When you light a candle,
ask your grandmother
Why she gave birth to daughters in fear.
Why did so many choose the grave?
Our mothers did not give birth to slaves.
So many tears have flowed like rivers.
Why is history written all over again?
Our sons are not subjects nor servants.
Do their cradle-cries still haunt you at night?
Take me as yours, Queen of this land.
My soul is yours,
To them I am just flesh.
Lead me to the stars,
To shattered nests afar,
Where soldiers are sent away
With screams that echo and stay.
Lead me to the stars,
Far from watching eyes
Andromeda.
All the scars carved to the bone,
No mother will forgive what you’ve done.
On the table of shame lies gold from torn necklaces,
While you wash your hands in the blood of our wounds.
Traitors x4
Take me as yours, Queen of this land.
My soul is yours, To them I am just flesh.
Lead me to the stars, To shattered nests afar,
Where soldiers are sent away
With screams that echo and stay.
Lead me to the stars,
Far from watching eyes
Andromeda.
Lead me to the stars,
To shattered nests afar,
Where soldiers are sent away
With screams that echo and stay.
Lead me to the stars,
Far from watching eyes
Andromeda.
Andromeda x6
