Suzana Jovanovic Skips Zvezde Granda Final, Sljivic Hands Trophy

Suzana Jovanovic was supposed to present the trophy to the winner of the Zvezde Granda final on the evening of June 20, 2026, but she never appeared on stage. In her place, the award was handed to the winner personally by Grand Production director Goran Sljivic, who immediately explained why his colleague was absent.

According to Goran Sljivic, Suzana Jovanovic had been invited to take part in the gala finale but pulled out because of family obligations. Sljivic also revealed the reason the audience received with sympathy, the singer recently became a grandmother and chose to put her family first. As a result, the role of finale host fell to the production director himself.

Sljivic made no secret of his pleasure at Jovanovic’s return to the scene and announced that audiences can expect her performances again. Still, he admitted that her participation in the jury this season had not been planned because of scheduling, while leaving the door open for future cooperation.

Why did Sljivic have to hand over the trophy himself?

The Zvezde Granda final has for years been the moment when the biggest names of the domestic music scene gather, and presenting the trophy to the winner is one of the most symbolically important parts of the entire season. When the person announced for that role is absent, the organizers have to react quickly, so it made sense for the production director to step in.

Goran Sljivic used the occasion to address the audience and, alongside congratulating the winner, to share part of the emotion tied to running the production. He stressed that what he misses most in his daily work is the collaboration with the late Sasa Popovic, the man whose name was for decades inseparable from Grand. Those words gave the finale an added, personal note.

What does Suzana Jovanovic’s return mean for fans?

The announcement that Suzana Jovanovic is returning to performing was met with interest, since she is a singer the public remembers well from the 1990s and early 2000s. Her absence from the final, though noticeable, came with a warm explanation, and few will hold it against her when the reason is family and a new grandchild.

For now it is not known exactly when her announced performances begin, nor whether she will take on a more formal role at Grand Production in the future. What is certain is that her absence from the final, paradoxically, reminded the audience how much they love her and how closely they follow every step she takes on stage.

So, would you like to see Suzana Jovanovic back in the Zvezde Granda jury?