The theme of the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest was “Celebrate Diversity.” Even though Burceska didn't make it to the finals, the Macedonian representative caused a sensation — twice.
The first was her introductory video, in which she revealed that she was pregnant with shots showing her receiving an ultrasound and shopping for baby clothes.
The move by then-unmarried Burceska incited controversy in her home country. Macedonian society has backslid from a fairly liberal to quite patriarchal place in the last decades, due to the influence of right-wing populism.
The second surprise came in the Eurovision Green Room, when performers are offered a chance to comment while waiting for the results of their performance. Burceska's boyfriend used the occasion to propose marriage to her on camera:
Although Burcevska didn't receive enough votes to move on to the finals, she seemingly garnered more attention by international media than any other previous Macedonian contestant. At home, some accused the pregnancy reveal and public marriage proposal of being a publicity stunt.
Unlike many of the Macedonian representatives in the past, her song “Dance Alone” received positive reviews from most domestic music critics, who praised its composition, her performance and the music video. It now plays on regular rotation in local radio stations.
Following the song contest, Burceska married in August, and took part in a UNICEF campaign, “Childhood Without Obstacles,” in September.
Her baby girl, named Dona, was born on October 11. The news spread via social media after Burceska's father announced on his Facebook profile that he had become a grandfather. Congratulations poured in:
