Jelena Karleuša is a Serbian singer, songwriter, and media personality, widely regarded as one of the most prominent figures in the Balkan music scene.
She launched 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 twelve studio albums, establishing herself as a pop and turbo-folk icon.
She has hosted two landmark solo concerts in Belgrade: the All About Diva Show at the Belgrade Arena in 2010 and the Viva La Diva Show at Ušće Park in 2013, both known for their high-production value.
Profile
- Full Name: Jelena Karleuša
- Stage Name: Jelena Karleusa
- Born: 17 August 1978
- Age: 46 years old
- Birthplace: Belgrade, SR Serbia, SFR Yugoslavia
- Nationality: Serbian
- Occupation: Serbian singer, songwriter, and media personality
- Height: 1.8 m
- Parent: 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 Slovenian-born journalist and radio host, and Dragan Karleuša, a Belgrade-born police captain. She is an only child and has no siblings.
Karleuša attended Zemun Gymnasium before graduating from the New Belgrade High School of Tourism. She also pursued music in her youth, attending music school where she played the flute. Karleuša is of Serbian ethnicity, though her religious beliefs are not publicly known.
Career
Jelena Karleuša, a Serbian singer and media personality, began her career at 16 with her debut album in 1995, financed with support from Dragana Mirković. Her second album, Ženite se, momci, followed in 1996, leading to a series of releases including Veštice, vile (1997) and Jelena (1998). Working with lyricist Marina Tucaković, Karleuša produced some of her most iconic hits.
In 1999, she released Gili, gili under Grand Production, selling 250,000 copies. Her next albums, Za svoje godine (2001) and Samo za tvoje oči (2002), showcased collaborations with Greek producers, though plans for an English EP never materialized.
In 2004, Karleuša competed in Beovizija for Eurovision with the song “Moli me” but did not advance. The following year, she released Magija under City Records, and in 2008, JK Revolution, which sold 280,000 copies. Her 2009 compilation The Diamond Collection featured hits like “Insomnia,” which sampled a Bollywood track.
She gained further prominence with her first major solo concert, All About Diva Show, in 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 judging panel of Zvezde Granda in 2015, boosting her media presence. That year, she gained international attention by accusing Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé of copying her style, which sparked global media coverage.
She performed in Istanbul in 2016 after her husband’s team, Beşiktaş J.K., won the championship. In 2017, she released duets with Aca Lukas and Azis, performed live on Zvezde Granda.
In 2023, Karleuša faced a major setback when her YouTube channel was deleted over alleged copyright infringement of Marina Tucaković’s work. However, she rebounded in 2024 with the release of her Alpha and Omega album, featuring collaborations 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 her Alpha and Omega Tour in Skopje, North Macedonia. Her career has been marked by media attention and controversies, earning her the title “Lady Gaga of Serbia” for her polarizing persona. With over 2.4 million Instagram followers, Karleuša is Serbia’s second most-followed individual.
Known for her outspoken views on sociopolitical issues, she remains a trailblazer in music and fashion. Her bold style, public disputes, and unapologetic personality continue to attract both praise and criticism, solidifying 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
Radio Television of Serbia (RTS) Awards:
- Best Pop Artist
- Best Album of the Year
- Best Song of the Year
Other Awards and Accolades:
- Oscar of Popularity
- Numerous wins at the Music Awards Ceremony
Social Media
- Instagram handle: @karleusastar
- Facebook handle: Jelena Karleusa
Personal Life
Jelena Karleuša has been married twice. Her first marriage was to Bojan Karić, the nephew of businessman Bogoljub Karić, in September 2004. However, the marriage lasted only four months, and they divorced in March 2005. Karleuša’s second marriage was to footballer Duško Tošić on June 28, 2008.
Together, they have two daughters, Atina and Nika. After years of separation and rumors of domestic issues, the couple confirmed their divorce in September 2024, with the legal paperwork finalized in December 2024.
Discography
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 is primarily derived from her successful music career, television appearances, and various business ventures, including her fashion line and perfume collection.
Her significant influence as a singer and media personality in Serbia and the Balkans has played a key role in her financial success.
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