The ballerina who became a sex symbol: the flower won the stage, but also famous male names

Jelena Rozga, one of Croatia's most renowned pop singers, left ballet behind to join the band Magazin in 1996, marking the beginning of her successful music career. Born on August 23, 1977, in Split, Rozga initially pursued ballet, training in Zagreb and performing with the Croatian National Theatre in productions such as The Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and The Golem. Her decision to abandon ballet came after she was offered a spot in Magazin, a prominent Croatian rock band known for its influential sound and cultural impact. Rozga joined Magazin at the age of nearly 19, replacing Danijela Martinović as the group’s vocalist. The band debuted with the song “Suze biserne,” and over the course of almost a decade, Rozga became the voice behind numerous hits, including “Ginem,” “Opijum,” “Minus i plus,” “Dani su bez broja,” and “Ne tiče me se.” She left Magazin in 2006 to pursue a solo career, which marked a new chapter in her artistic journey. Her transition to solo work was not without challenges. Years later, Rozga admitted that her first solo concert was a “real disaster” and that she cried all night afterward. Despite this setback, she continued building her career. After releasing her debut solo album Oprosti mala, she achieved major success with songs such as “Gospe moja” and “Bižuterija,” which became some of the defining tracks of her solo career. Subsequent hits like “Razmažena,” “Dobitna kombinacija,” “Nirvana,” “Okus mentola,” and “Tsunami” solidified her status as one of Croatia’s leading performers. Rozga also made history as the first woman to fill the Split Spaladium Arena, a milestone that underscored her influence in the country’s music scene. Beyond her professional achievements, Rozga has faced health challenges throughout her career. In 2006, thyroid issues were diagnosed, and in 2018, she suffered from tachycardia, during which her heart raced so fast that she feared she might collapse. Both conditions required long-term therapy and medical monitoring. Rozga has spoken openly about how stress and exhaustion can affect her health, highlighting the physical toll of a demanding career in the public eye. Her personal life has also been a subject of public interest. She began a relationship with cellist Stjepan Hauser in 2015, and the couple became engaged. However, they confirmed their breakup in September 2017 after approximately two and a half years together. Rozga stated at the time that the decision was mutual and that both partners would continue on their respective paths. Since 2025, she has been in a relationship with musician Ivan Huljić. Throughout 2026, she repeatedly denied rumors of engagement or an upcoming wedding, emphasizing the importance of privacy in her personal matters. As of 2026, Rozga celebrated 30 years in the music industry, a remarkable achievement considering her enduring presence on stage and in the studio. In June, she performed at the Melodijama Jadrana festival in Split, where she introduced her new song “Ljubi me.” Even after three decades in the business, Rozga continues to release new music and perform regularly, demonstrating her lasting appeal and dedication to her craft. Rozga’s career trajectory, from ballet dancer to rock band member to solo artist, reflects her versatility and resilience. Her ability to adapt and thrive in different musical contexts has cemented her legacy as a pivotal figure in Croatian popular music. As she continues to create and perform, her influence remains deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Croatia.