Jelena Karleuša is a Serbian singer, songwriter and media personality, widely considered one of the most prominent figures in the Balkan music scene.
She began her music career at the age of 16 with the release of her debut album in 1995. Over the years, Karleuša has released a total of 12 studio albums, establishing herself as a pop and turbo icon. -folk.
She gave two landmark solo concerts in Belgrade: All about Diva Show at the Belgrade Arena in 2010 and Viva La Diva Show at Ušće Park in 2013, both are known for their high production values.
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- Full name: Jelena Karleuša
- Stage name: Jelena Karleusa
- Date of birth: August 17, 1978
- Age: 46 years old
- Place of birth: Belgrade, SR Serbia, SFR Yugoslavia
- Nationality: Serbian
- Profession: Serbian singer, musician and media personality
- Height: 1.8 m
- Parents: Divna Karleuša and Dragan Karleuša
- Siblings: Unknown
- Spouse: Duško Tošić (m. 2008–2024), Bojan Karić (m. 2004–2005)
- Children: Atina Tosic and Nika Tosic
- Relationship: Divorced
- Net worth: $10 million and $40 million
Early life and education
Jelena Karleuša was born on August 17, 1978 in Belgrade, SR Serbia, SFR Yugoslavia. She is the only child of Divna, a journalist and radio host originally from Slovenia, and Dragan Karleuša, a police captain originally from Belgrade. She is an only child and has no siblings.
Karleuša studied at Zemun Gymnasium before graduating from Belgrade New Tourist High School. She also pursued music in her youth, attending music school where she played the flute. Karleuša is ethnically Serbian, although her religious beliefs are not known to the public.
Career
Jelena Karleuša, a Serbian singer and media personality, began her career at the age of 16 with her debut album in 1995, financed with support from Dragana Mirković. Her second album, Ženite se, momcifollowed in 1996, leading to a series of releases including Veštice, vile (1997) et Jelena (1998). Working with lyricist Marina Tucković, Karleuša created some of his most iconic hits.
In 1999, she released Gili, Gili under Grand Production, sold 250,000 copies. Her next album, Za svoje godine (2001) et Samo za tvoje oči (2002), which featured collaborations with Greek producers, although plans for an English EP never materialized.
In 2004, Karleuša competed in Beovizija for Eurovision with the song “Moli I” but no progress. The following year, she released Magija under City Records, and in 2008, JK Revolutionsold 280,000 copies. Her 2009 compilation Diamond collection Outstanding hits such as “Insomnia,” sampled a Bollywood track.
She became even more famous with her first major solo concert, All about Diva Showin 2010 at the Belgrade Arena, attended by 10,000 fans. Her tenth studio album, Diva (2012), was a commercial success despite delays.
Karleuša joined the jury of Zvezde Granda in 2015, helping her increase her media presence. That year, she attracted international attention when she accused Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé of copying her style, leading to global media coverage.
She performed in Istanbul in 2016 after her husband’s team, Beşiktaş JK, won the championship. In 2017, she released a duet with Aca Lukas and Azis, performing it live on Zvezde Granda.
In 2023, Karleuša faced a major setback when her YouTube channel was deleted for allegedly violating the copyright of Marina Tucković’s work. However, she bounced back in 2024 with the release Alpha and Omega Collaborative album with Milica Pavlović, Devito, Sajsi MC and Mimi Mercedez. She debuted as a model at Paris Fashion Week, walking for Vetements.
On October 19, 2024, Karleuša launched Alpha and Omega Tour in Skopje, North Macedonia. Her career has been marked by media attention and controversy, leading her to be dubbed the “Serbian Lady Gaga” for her polarizing personality. With over 2.4 million followers on Instagram, Karleuša is the second most followed individual in Serbia.
Known for her outspoken views on social and political issues, she remains at the forefront of music and fashion. Her bold style, public controversies and unapologetic personality continue to attract both praise and criticism, cementing her status as a cultural icon in the Balkans.
Awards and nominations
MTV Music Awards:
- Best song of the year
- Best female artist of the year
- Best music video of the year
Serbian Television Station (RTS) Awards:
- Best Pop Artist
- Best album of the year
- Best song of the year
Other awards and honors:
- Oscar is famous
- Countless wins at the Music Awards
Social Media
- Instagram handle: @karleusastar
- Facebook manager: Jelena Karleusa
Personal life
Jelena Karleuša was married twice. Her first marriage was to Bojan Karić, nephew of businessman Bogoljub Karić, in September 2004. However, the marriage only lasted 4 months and they divorced in March 2005. Karleuša’s second was with footballer Duško Tošić on 28 June 2008.
Together, they have two daughters, Atina and Nika. After years of separation and rumors of family problems, the couple confirmed their divorce in September 2024, completing the legal process in December 2024.
Records
Studio albums:
- Ogledalce (1995)
- Ženite se momci (1996)
- Veštice, vile (1997)
- Jelena (1998)
- Gili, Gili (1999)
- Za svoje godine (2001)
- Samo za tvoje oči (2002)
- Magija (2005)
- JK Revolution (2008)
- Diva (2012)
- Alpha (2023)
- Omega (2023)
Net worth
Jelena Karleuša’s net worth is estimated to be between $10 million and $40 million as of 2024. This wealth mainly comes from her successful music career, television appearances, and many business ventures various, including her fashion line and perfume collection.
Her significant influence as a singer and media personality in Serbia and the Balkans has played a major role in her financial success.
