Elena Risteska, sometimes known as simply Elena, is a Macedonian singer.
30 Facts About Elena Risteska
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Elena Risteska represented Macedonia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 in Athens with the song "Ninanajna", and finished in 12th place; this was the highest ever finish for the country until Risteska's record was beaten in 2019.
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Elena Risteska took part in the second season of the Serbian version of Your Face Sounds Familiar, where she placed second in the final as Beyonce.
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Elena Risteska was born in Skopje on 27 April 1986 in then SR Macedonia to parents Acko and Desa.
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Elena Risteska showed an interest in the arts at an early age, inheriting her musical interest from her mother but pursuing other hobbies and interests.
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Elena Risteska took part in school activities such as singing in the "Young Imitators" show and becoming a member of the drama club.
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In 1996, Elena Risteska made her television debut during the Mak-Karaoke Show performing the song "Flamingo" on the commercial channel A1.
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Elena Risteska started to sing in the school choir and went to Bulgaria for her first tour with the folk dance club.
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In 2000, Elena Risteska toured Bulgaria with the folk dance club again.
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Elena Risteska rose to fame in North Macedonia by competing and winning the music-based reality television show "Play - Search For A Star".
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Elena Risteska is an occasional songwriter, writing for artists such as 4Play, Lambe Alabakoski, Aleksandra Pileva, Maja Sazdanovska, Robert Bilbilov, Verica Pandilovska, Adnan, Emil and Anja Veterova.
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On 4 March 2006 Elena Risteska won the North Macedonia pre-selection contest for the Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Ninanajna".
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Elena Risteska made a video shot for the song together with the Macedonian production "Tomato".
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In July 2006, Elena Risteska performed "Ne Mogu" at the Suncane Skale festival where she placed 10th overall.
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Elena Risteska traveled to Yerevan, Armenia in September to perform as a guest in Armenia's Eurovision 2006 representative Andre's concert.
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Elena Risteska was well received by the audience, which was expected since her Eurovision song "Ninanajna" was a summer hit and a popular ringtone in Armenia.
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In 2007, Elena Risteska took part in Skopje Fest 2007, the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest.
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Elena Risteska participated in the Radijski Festival on 15 December 2007, performing the song "Kreveta dva".
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Elena Risteska won two awards, one for best interpretation and the other from Radio OSM Pale.
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In 2008, Elena Risteska released her first English single, "Million Dollar Player", with a music video.
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On 19 December 2008, Elena Risteska held her first solo concert in Skopje.
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On 3 November 2009 Elena Risteska released her single "Dosta" which is the first single from Elena Risteska's fourth studio album.
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On 14 March 2010 Elena Risteska released her second single of her fourth studio album named "Sakam Po Dobro Da Te Pamtam".
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Elena Risteska shot her new video in many different places such as Ohrid and other cities in North Macedonia.
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Elena Risteska imitated artists such as Nina Badric, Severina, Jennifer Lopez, and Esma Redzepova.
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Elena Risteska won only in the fifth week, as Jennifer Lopez singing "Booty", but she was chosen by the public to participate in the finals.
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Elena Risteska placed as the runner-up in the finals as Beyonce, singing "End of Time".
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Elena Risteska is best known for her distinct mezzo-soprano vocal range and stage presence.
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Elena Risteska stated in an interview that in her earliest youth, Celine Dion and Whitney Houston were her main influences, but as she grew she found more inspiration in Beyonce Knowles and Christina Aguilera.
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In 2010, Elena Risteska covered "Hit The Road Jack" with Lambe Alabakovski.