Rada Manojlović Recalls the Help That Changed Her Early Career

Rada Manojlović Recalls the Help That Changed Her Early Career
Rada Manojlović has recalled the support she received from Saša Popović and his wife, Suzana Jovanović, at the beginning of her career, when she was competing in Zvezde Granda and struggling financially. The account resurfaced after attention surrounding a documentary about Popović, the late Grand director.

Manojlović said the couple noticed that she arrived at competitions in inexpensive or limited clothing. Popović then told her that Jovanović would pick her up and take her shopping. According to Manojlović, Jovanović “grabbed me by the hand” and led her through several floors and boutiques, allowing her to choose clothes and shoes.

She specifically remembered a pair of sandals that cost €200 in 2007—a price she compared with roughly €800 to €1,000 today. At the time, she said, even €20 represented a significant amount of money for her.

The story was also reported as an example of the personal assistance Manojlović received before becoming a successful singer. Both accounts emphasize her lasting gratitude toward the couple, rather than presenting the shopping trip as ordinary professional support.

Manojlović has separately said that her sister now helps with her styling and that fans frequently send her jewelry, clothing and other gifts. She joked that fans had given her more presents than her former partners. After gaining recognition through Grand, she went on to become one of the region’s most sought-after performers, according to the second report.