Elita 9: Pecenica eliminated despite doubled votes, one-million fine

Ilija Pecenica is no longer in the house. The Elita 9 contestant was eliminated on Sunday, May 18, 2026, even after he had won the previous week’s competition prize: doubled audience votes.

Host Darko Tanasijevic announced the result in the studio. The elimination came in spite of a perk meant to boost Pecenica’s position with twice the audience votes of any of the other final candidates.

Host declines to read the percentage

On live air, Tanasijevic decided not to disclose the exact percentage of votes Pecenica received. The reason, as he explained, was to avoid influencing further contests inside the White House.

There is no controversy in the studio over the procedure, but I do not want to read out the exact percentage of votes, so as not to influence further developments or the views of the remaining contestants.

The elimination aired in Pink television’s prime-time slot. Reactions from the other contestants were broadcast the following day in the program’s continuation.

A one-million-dinar fine

Pecenica had earlier been hit with a fine of one million dinars by the production. The penalty was issued over suspicion that he had brought information about events outside the reality show into the White House.

The ban on outside information is one of the basic rules to which all Elita contestants are subject. Previous seasons have recorded several similar penalties, usually in the final stretch.

In comments after the elimination, given to host Dusica Jakovljevic, Pecenica described the atmosphere in the house ahead of the finale.

There is great tension and chaos in the house, everyone is fighting for their position.

The singer also stressed that his relationships with the other contestants had stayed consistent from the start of the season through to elimination.

July 18 finale revealed by Kacavenda

The date of the Elita 9 finale was first made public by contestant Milena Kacavenda. During a black-table argument, Kacavenda, in a clash with Asmin Durdzic, disclosed the previously unofficial information.

You will take Maja’s beatings here until July 18, and after that she will kick you out, when this is over.

Pink television’s production has not released a statement to confirm or deny the date. The season began last September with 53 contestants.

What to expect before the finale

In the weeks leading up to the finale, nominations are expected to intensify. The format suggests the following stages:

• weekly nominations and eliminations
• special episodes with returnees from earlier seasons
• couples competitions
• a final audience vote

Immediately after his elimination, Pecenica said he is continuing his music career. Specific plans, the singer said, will be released over the coming weeks.

Who do you see as the biggest threat to Maja Marinkovic in the final audience vote distribution?