Although Derenda originally wanted to become a preschool teacher and work part-time in a nursery school for a year, she continued to sing with the band and traveled throughout Europe.

At the Slovene Pop Contest 1999 (Slovenska popevka) Nuša received the award for best singer, and at the MMS festival (Melodies of the Sea and the Sun) the second prize from the audience with the song "Boginja" (The Goddess; written by Urša and Matjaž Vlašič, and Boštjan Grabnar).

Nuša Derenda sang the song "Ne kliči me" (Don't Call Me) and won the audience prize for the second time.

In November 2000, the first HIT Festival was held, and Nuša Derenda won with the song "Ni mi žal" (I'm Not Sorry).

Also that year, she received the Zlati petelin (Golden Rooster) award for the song "Ni mi žal" (I'm Not Sorry).

2002 was marked by victory at Slovenska popevka (Slovene Pop Contest) with the song "Pesek v oči" (Deception).

In 2003, Nuša again attended the HIT Festival – the third in succession – and won with the song "V ogenj zdaj obleci me" (Dress Me With Fire).

The Mediterranean Song Contest is an international music festival, founded by the END PRODUCTION company, led by Serhat Hacipasalioglu.