‘X Factor UK’ Star Slavko Kalezic Breaks Down Reality TV Barriers
Syco / Thames Reading Time: 3 minutes
Reality TV show competitions have changed over the years. Since shows like American Idol and Dancing With The Star first premiered it took a while to have proper representation on the series. For Idol, the champion would have to fit the mold of what a pop star selected by families at home should look like. Now we see more acceptance with contestants representing the LGBTQIA community being welcomed to compete. Season 30 of Dancing With The Stars just had for the first time a same-sex dance couple compete. For the X Factor UK Season 14, Slavko Kalezic, was a competitor who helped usher in all that a competitor could be.
Slavko Is a Theater Kid
The singer studied at the Academy of Performing Arts at Cetinje, Montenegro. Slavko later became a part of the ensemble of the Montenegrin National Theater. He played various roles in theater and movies. The singer performed at various music events but also at European Pride shows in Tel Aviv, Stockholm, London, and Madrid.
‘X Factor’ Career
Slavko pushed the boundaries during his time on X Factor. The performer was first introduced to viewers when he appeared in the first season of X Factor Adria. With his signature ponytail intact Slavko reached the Judges Houses Round. For his time on both X Factor versions Slavko performed Beyonce’s “End of Time” and Draft Punk’s “Get Lucky.”
Fans of the show will remember Slavko’s intense performance when his ponytail fell off as he covered “Where Have You Been” by Rihanna. Although he was extra hard on himself, viewers still admired the singer’s persistence.
Slavko’s ‘X Factor’ Connection
During Slavko’s audition fans learned that he already had a connection on the show. The singer knew judge Louis Walsh. The two met during Slavko’s time on Eurovision. In 2017 Slavko was confirmed to be internally selected as the Montenegrin entrant. The singer performed his single “Space” for the competition.
Slavko performed during the show in Position 6, “Space” was placed 16th in the first semifinal and was not in the Top 10 entries. Although the singer did not make it to the finals during Eurovision 2017, meeting Walsh helped him grow in his career. The judge was so impressed with Slavko, he invited him to audition for Season 14 of X Factor UK.
Life After the ‘X Factor’
Slavko’s loyal fanbase continued to support him after his time on the hit singing competition show. The producers behind Eurovision also loved the outspoken singer. Slavko was invited in 2018 and 2019 to perform during the show’s festivities. The singer performed remixes of his song “Spaces” and attended the grand finale.
In 2018 Slavko also released his book Moja Istina, which means My Truth. In the book the singer discussed his time on both the X Factor and Eurovision. Slavko produced and performed a one-off show telling the story of the book in a musical multimedia show.
Music Career
Although Slavko only released one full length album, 2014’s San o vječnosti, the singer has continued to put out music. Besides his single “Space” Slavko has released “Moonlit Night” and more recently “Love Letter.” The singer has upcoming theater projects in the works as he continues to sell out shows performing.
