Zvezde Granda champion Šejla Zonić spoke about labels and folk music criticisms.

Bosnian singer Šejla Zonić evaluated the experiences she has gained and the awards she has won since winning the 'Zvezde Granda' (Stars) competition in 2024. Zonić, who made sincere statements about how her performance during the competition shaped her both artistically and personally, also spoke about the difficulties and opportunities she experienced on the road to success. The individual, who had the opportunity to meet wide audiences thanks to the popular TV program, focused on the responsibilities brought by fame and her artist identity during this process.

One of the most important issues Zonić brought up was the criticisms she received due to her music style. The singer, who stated that she received criticism from some circles for singing folk music or 'narodna muzika', defended the place and meaning of this genre in society. Emphasizing that every branch of art deserves respect, she expressed that making music is a form of expression regardless of genre and that traditional sounds continue to appeal to the public in the modern world as well. She demonstrated her determination to preserve her own voice by standing behind her musical preferences despite the criticisms.

In her statement, the successful singer drew particular attention to the concept of 'labeling', expressing that defining an individual only with the labels they are categorized into is unfair. She argued that a person's talents, character, and potential should not be limited by simple labels attached by others. Zonić clearly revealed that seeing herself only as a 'competition winner' or 'folk singer' does not reflect the multifaceted talents and deep artistic identity she possesses.

These statements consolidated Zonić's place before the public not only as a vocal artist but also as a figure with a cultural stance. Going beyond the successes achieved in the competition environment, she exhibited a solid stance on artist identity and social perception. Her adoption of folk music, supported by her fans, as a country culture, as well as her struggle for individual authenticity, turned her from merely a musician into a representative who makes her voice heard.

As a result, Šejla Zonić's expressions draw a broad framework regarding the issues of 'exclusion' and 'labeling' in the world of fame and art. Zonić, who clearly states her efforts to preserve her own self and values even under the spotlight of fame, seems to have drawn a unique roadmap for her future projects and career. It is clearly understood that her competition experiences have transformed her not only into a star but also into an artist with a stance that questions social perceptions.