Igor Cukrov

Igor Cukrov born (June 6 1984) is a Croatian singer, musician and television personality. He came to media attention as one of sixteen contestants of the talentshow Operacija trijumf, Balkan version of Endemol's Star Academy. Igor Cukrov represented Croatia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 alongside Andrea Šušnjara with the song Lijepa Tena, written by Tonči Huljić. The song qualified to the final from the second semi-final as the jury's selected qualifier. It eventually finished in 18th place with 45 points.

Igor Cukrov performed at the Split Festival where he was awarded a prize for best debutant. Has also gained experience as a tenor of the a Capella Cambi singers.

The Operacija trijumf is the Balkan version of Endemol's talents show Star Academy. It included the young talents from whole former SFR Yugoslavia. The show began on September 29, 2008. Cukrov showcased his singing abilities through a wide repertory, singing opera songs such as Con te partirò of Andrea Bocelli, but also rock songs such as Angie of the Rolling Stones and I Don't Want to Miss a Thing of Aerosmith. The contestants of the Operacija trijumf, including Igor Cukrov, supported Goran Karan at his concert in Belgrade, singing Stand by Me.

Igor Cukrov was expelled on the 13th gala event, losing in telephone voting to Vukašin Brajić. During the show, there were some rumors that the judge Tonči Huljić is very protective about Cukrov, because he was never nominated, until the twelfth gala; Tonči Huljić later stated that expelling Igor Cukrov was an injustice.

After the Operacija trijumf, all the contestants expressed the will to participate at the Eurovision Song Contest 2009. The Croatian OT contestants Cukrov and Ana Bebić immediately qualified for the final event. The song Lijepa Tena was written and composed by famous Croatian musician Tonči Huljić. The Croatian final for the Eurovision Song Contest – Dora – was held on February 28, 2009, and Igor Cukrov won with the total of 30 points. The song competed in the second semi-final where it won qualification for the final as the jury's selected pick. It finished in 18th place.