Young and talented Mia Čejović (21), born in Chicago, experienced what many dream of – she sang in front of tens of thousands of people at the legendary Wrigley Field stadium!
At matches between the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers, as well as at the season opener against the Washington Nationals, Mia performed the American anthem and the song “God Bless America,” leaving the audience breathless.
“The stadium full, emotions in the air, and me on the field – that is a feeling that cannot be described. Like a dream,” says Mia.
A chance encounter that changed everything!
Her big chance did not come as planned – but completely spontaneously!
While she was singing at a local festival, a scout from the Chicago Cubs approached her and offered her the opportunity of a lifetime.
“He asked me if I wanted to sing the anthem. Of course I said YES! I sent a recording and the rest is history,” she says through a smile.
CAREER MOMENT: Mia sings the American anthem in front of 40,000 spectators
Serbian blood, sporting heart!
Mia does not hide it – it all started in the family!
She grew up with football, training, and stories about goals. Her grandfather, parents, and uncles all lived for sports.
“Sports connected us. Weekends were matches, summers were training – that was our life. I will forever be grateful to sport for being such a large part of my relationship with my family and for all the lessons it taught me.”
A particularly emotional moment was when she put on the Serbian jersey and trained in Stara Pazova.
“I almost cried when I put on the jersey for the first time – a moment that is not forgotten. Especially because I experienced it with my whole family, and to my father, who once defended for the national team in the youth categories, it meant even more.”
From the field to the microphone – Two passions, one story
Besides football, Mia played volleyball and basketball, and today she plays club volleyball for Loyola University Chicago, where she records serious results with her team.
But music found a special path to her heart – especially during the pandemic.
TWO GREAT PASSIONS, MUSIC AND SPORT: Čejović at the Chicago Cubs game
“My passion for music reached a turning point in 2020, when the world stopped. In isolation, I found peace at the piano – notes became melodies, thoughts became lyrics, and uncertainty disappeared. That is how, almost unnoticed, more than fifteen of my songs were created.”
The first real step onto the stage was the moment that changed everything.
“My brother and I used to put on mini-performances for the family, but my first real performance was in the spring of 2022. I was nervous, but also excited. That feeling when people are watching completely changes everything – and I realized that I enjoy it. When I performed the first note, the nervousness disappeared and only pure joy remained. Then I knew I wanted more.”
Speak Serbian so the whole world understands you!
Although she lives in America, Serbia is her second home.
“Every summer we go to Belgrade. That is the time when we recharge our batteries – through culture, food, people…”
The Serbian language, customs, and Slavas are an indispensable part of her life.
“My grandfather always says: ‘Speak Serbian so the whole world understands you.'”
TRADITIONAL VALUES: Mia with her family in a sporting environment
Mia sees herself as a blend of America and Serbia – but the roots are clear.
“My values are Serbian. That is the foundation of everything.”
A big dream: From the stage to medicine!
Although she is conquering the stage and sports, Mia has an even greater goal – medicine.
The biology and Spanish language student plans to enroll in medical school and become a doctor.
“That is my biggest dream. I work on it every day.”
A message to the diaspora: Our time is coming!
Mia and her brother, as she says, have a clear mission – to contribute to the Serbian community.
“I believe everyone has their role. Our time is just coming.”
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Source: Chicago Dešavanja Photo: Privatna arhiva