As we gear up for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, the excitement continues to build towards the grand musical celebration set to take place in Basel, Switzerland on May 13, 15, and 17.
Countries across Europe are finalizing their selections, with national finals deciding who will step onto the St. Jakobshalle stage, competing for the coveted glass microphone trophy.
Croatia once again placed its trust in Dora 2025, one of Eurovision’s most prestigious national selections, following the country’s remarkable success in 2024 with Baby Lasagna.
Returning to Opatija, Dora’s semifinals and grand final narrowed down 24 hopefuls to 16 finalists. Ultimately, Marko Bošnjak triumphed with his song “Poison Cake”, earning his ticket to Eurovision 2025 and the chance to succeed Baby Lasagna in representing Croatia.
But who is Marko Bošnjak? How did he rise to the spotlight? What can we expect from Croatia’s Eurovision 2025 entry? Let’s get to know the artist aiming to secure Croatia’s first Eurovision victory with “Poison Cake”.
Get to know Marko Bošnjak: The voice of a new generation
Marko Bošnjak was born on January 11, 2004, in Mostar, one of the main cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
From an early age, Marko showed a passion for music. His journey began in his local church choir, where a nun recognized his extraordinary vocal talent, setting him on a path toward a musical career.
After finishing elementary school in Prozor-Rama, he moved to Croatia to continue his education, enrolling at the School of Graphics, Design, and Media Production in Zagreb. Balancing studies with music, he credits his success to supportive teachers and excellent time management.
In recent years, Marko has emerged as one of the standout voices of Croatia’s new musical generation, blending pop influences with both national and international sounds. At just 21 years old, he’s already earned accolades, including the prestigious Porin Award for Best New Artist.
Marko describes his music as emotional, honest, and introspective, winning fans across the Balkans eager to follow his evolving career.
His breakthrough: Winning Serbia’s “Pinkove Zvezdice”
Marko’s big break came in 2015, when he joined the second season of “Pinkove Zvezdice” (Little Stars of Pink), a popular Serbian talent show aired on RTV Pink.
At just 12 years old, he amazed audiences with his “angelic voice”, receiving unanimous praise from a star-studded jury including Milan Stanković, Jelena Tomašević, and Hari Varešanović.
His standout performances included “One Night Only” (Jennifer Hudson), “Kao Moja Mati” (Zdravko Čolić), and “Don’t You Remember” (Adele), culminating in a clear victory at the live finale in Šimanovci.
He later represented North Macedonia at Zlatno Slavejče, the country’s oldest children’s music festival, with the song “Nie Decata”. His covers of Balkan and international hits garnered millions of YouTube views, solidifying his reputation.
From Dora 2022 runner-up to Eurovision 2025 star
Marko made his Dora debut in 2022, nearly winning with his powerful ballad “Moli Za Nas”, securing 2nd place with 179 points—just behind Mia Dimšić’s “Guilty Pleasure”. Critics hailed his sound as part of a fresh artistic wave in Croatian pop.
He continued performing at prestigious events like the Splitski Festival and releasing acclaimed singles such as “Pjesma Za Kraj”, “Spokojan”, “Nema”, and “Pusti Me”. His music explores deep emotions through a unique blend of modern pop and ethnic elements, earning nominations for awards like Cesarica and Golden Studio.
A new chapter: From Berlin to the Dora 2025 victory
In 2023, Marko moved to Berlin to study Music Business at BIMM Institute, immersing himself in the city’s vibrant, international music scene. Participating in jam sessions at iconic venues, he honed his artistic and improvisational skills.
He returned to Croatia with renewed focus, balancing part-time jobs with his music career until fully dedicating himself to his craft.
In Dora 2025, Marko returned stronger than ever. Competing with “Poison Cake”, he captured the hearts of juries, winning 1st place with 130 points, becoming Croatia’s representative for Eurovision 2025 in Basel.
What is “Poison Cake” about?
“Poison Cake” tells a dark, fairy-tale-inspired story of revenge, justice, and empowerment, drawing influences from classics like “Snow White” and “Hansel and Gretel”.
Marko co-wrote the song with Bas Wissink, Ben Pyne, Emma Gale, and Filip Majdak, with production by Aquarius Records. Accompanied on stage by four dancers, the performance merges theatrical storytelling with modern pop production, symbolized by the metaphor of a “poisonous cake”—something sweet yet deadly.
Marko describes the song as an exploration of duality and transformation, reflecting how something beautiful can hide danger underneath.
“The song is energetic and unexpected for me as a musician. It’s multidimensional, allowing everyone to experience it in their own way.” — Marko Bošnjak
Watch the official “Poison Cake” music video
The official video premiered on February 21, directed by Rose Art and Sergio Cinghiale. With cinematic visualsblending symbolism and fantasy, it features a two-meter-long Indian python named Abdul, representing transformation and danger.
With striking imagery of enchanted forests, magic mirrors, and witches, the video visualizes the dark fairytale aestheticof the song.
Lyrics: Marko Bošnjak – “Poison Cake”
Wondering what “Poison Cake” lyrics mean? Looking for the official lyrics? Here’s where you can find them.
It’s cool now in the kitchen
That happens when you’re bitten
I’m stirring and stirring
Deliciously pouring
And I know you’re gonna love this
A better kind of justice
I don’t want it burning
One last thing, a sprinkle of my sweet revenge
One last thing, a sprinkle of my sweet revenge
Made you something that I know you’ll like
Chocolate-covered sugar and spice
Tasty, tasty, yum, yum, tasty
Candy colours, oh so nice
Take a bite of my poison cake, yum!
Poison cake
Poison cake
Poison cake
Poison cake
Take a bite of my poison cake
Been cooking in my cauldron late
You’re never ever gonna stay awake
You’re going down, down, down
You thought I was a servant slave
But I am just a serpent snake
You better genuflect and pray
You better genuflect and pray
Tingles of poison are hitting your veins
What have you done?
Your words are slurring as you fall down
One last thing, a sprinkle of my sweet revenge
One last thing, a sprinkle of my sweet revenge
Made you something that I know you’ll like
Chocolate-covered sugar and spice
Tasty, tasty, yum, yum, tasty
Candy colours, oh so nice
Take a bite of my poison cake
Poison cake
Poison cake
Poison cake
It’s not my fault, I got carried away
I lost control when I started to bake
A dash of death is bitter to swallow
Don’t be scared, you’ll be buried tomorrow
Poison
Poison cake
Poison cake
Poison cake
Poison cake
Poison cake
Poison cake
Poison cake
Poison cake
Croatia’s journey at Eurovision
Croatia debuted at Eurovision in 1993 and has participated 31 times up to Basel 2025. The country’s best result came in 2024, when Baby Lasagna’s “Rim Tim Tagi Dim” finished 2nd with 547 points, making Eurovision history for Croatia.
Other notable results include 4th place finishes in 1996 (Maja Blagdan) and 1999 (Doris Dragović). Since the return of the Dora national final in 2019, Croatia has consistently showcased new musical talent on the Eurovision stage.