Following the Eurovision 2024 competition held in Malmö, Sweden, where 25 countries competed, Baby Lasagna emerged as the runner-up representing Croatia, securing 547 points.
Following the Eurovision 2024 competition held in Malmö, Sweden, where 25 countries competed, Baby Lasagna emerged as the runner-up representing Croatia, securing 547 points.
Post-competition, the Croatian government recognized Baby Lasagna for enhancing Croatia's international visibility and blending ethnic elements with music, portraying the challenges faced by rural life and youth deciding to move to major cities. In acknowledgment, they awarded Baby Lasagna a cash prize of 50,000 Euros.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković lauded Baby Lasagna's achievement as the greatest success by any Croatian representative in the Eurovision Song Contest since Croatia's independence in 1989. He presented the award with congratulations, emphasizing its significance.
However, Baby Lasagna declined to accept the monetary award, expressing a desire to contribute to improving the lives of those in need instead of enriching themselves.
In a statement, Baby Lasagna conveyed:
'I appreciate the Croatian government's gesture of offering a 50,000 Euro cash prize. However, I cannot accept this money. There are many reasons for my decision, but primarily, I believe there are many other individuals and organizations who could benefit greatly from this sum. Therefore, I respectfully request Prime Minister Plenković to donate 25,000 Euros in my name and on behalf of the Croatian government to the Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Institute at Mladen Ćepulić Daily Hospital and the remaining 25,000 Euros to the Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Institute at Zagreb University Hospital Center. Thank you.'