Slavko Kalezić represented his home country, Montenegro, with the song 'Space' in the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest. We caught up with the theatre, film and TV star as he waited to find out if he had made it to the live shows of the X Factor in the UK.
Slavko was one of the more colourful performers in the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest. His famous hairpiece created much discussion online during the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest and the same was true when he appeared on the X Factor in the UK. In the video for his Eurovision song, Space, the long ponytail was even used as a lasoo! "Of course it is not my real hair but it is made from real hair. It was the idea of stylist, she is amazing and very dedicated to me," he told us back in May.
Looking back at Eurovision
Whilst Montengro missed out on a place in the Grand Final this year, Slavko remained upbeat and stayed on in Kyiv to support his fellow artists and was given a hero's welcome when he appeared at the press centre following his performance.
Slavko has fond memories of Eurovision: "Delivering my love and art in front of thousands people in the arena and millions viewer was such a great honour," he said. "I touched millions of hearts and earned a lot of respect for my talent and hard work. I was performing on the stage, alone, and showed my universe. I am still deeply emotional and I am truly thankful," he added.
Who is Slavko?
Slavko Kalezić was born in 1985, in Podgorica, Montenegro. He started higher education in 2004 at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Montenegro and graduated in 2007. He specialised in dance and singing and in 2009 started a masters in acting where he perfected movement as an important tool in 21st century theatre.
Since 2008 Slavko has been a permanent member of the acting ensemble of the Montenegrin National Theatre. He cherishes the arts and in addition to theatre, he has had success in film and television. Over the summer Slavko has continued to perform and appeared at various international festivals prior to making his UK television debut.
Slavko's X Factor journey
It was at Eurovision that Slavko captured the attention of music manager Louis Walsh, who persuaded him to audition for the X Factor. The singer sailed through to the so-called 'Six Chair Challenge' and reached the Judge's Houses phase with Nicole Scherzinger. Unfortunately for Slavko, Nicole didn't take him through to the live shows and it looked like his X Factor journey was coming to an end... until he was brought back as a wildcard!
Since the weekend the public have been voting for a wildcard for the live shows. Will Slavko make it through? We will soon find out!
