Posted May 13, 200619 yr Russia “Irrespective of how the contest goes, we have lots of plans for the future,†said Russian star Dima. “We’re releasing an album in English. And, over the last two months, we’ve visited lots of countries like Greece, Malta and Bulgaria and made lots of friends, so I definitely want to do more of that.†“What you saw in our rehearsal today gave you a sense of the core of our show,†he said. “On the night, it will be a lot different. With the lights, costumes and ballerinas all together, it will seem like a different performance. And my heart will start beating when I see the audience in the arena.†According to the bookmakers, Dima’s song ‘Never Let You Go’ is one of the favourites. “I’m sure all the artists in Eurovision are great,†he said. “I’d love it if they could all win and I wish them all the best. But it’s nice to be a horse that people are betting on – it feels weird!â€
May 13, 200619 yr Author Turkey “[Turkish TV channel] TRT came to me at the end of December to see if I wanted to take part in Eurovision as a composer and singer,†said Turkish singer Sibel Tüzün. “I prepared three songs for the jury and they chose the brightest one – ‘Superstar’. Then we had it arranged and remixed for the stage performance. We worked, worked, worked and now here we are.†“‘Superstar’ is a love song, which says that everyone is a superstar to their partner,†she said. “I’m a superstar to my husband and he’s a superstar to me – and a superhero too. Do I feel like a superstar? A bit too much at the moment! But I’ll stop being one after the contest. I don’t have the time! I’m a songwriter, singer, mother, wife and producer. I don’t have time to curl my eyelashes.†Is there more pressure on Turkish entries since Sertab won Eurovision in 2003? “I think all the singers in the contest are under pressure,†she said. “Everyone wants to win every year. We just want to do our best. Our target is to finish in the top 5.â€
May 13, 200619 yr Author Ukraine “Show me your love, that’s why I came,†said Ukraine’s Tina Karol. “Those are the words of my song but they’re also my feelings. I just want to make the world so, so happy. I want to smile at everyone and see everyone smiling back at me.†“I’m a singer for the Ukrainian military orchestra and I sing in military uniform,†she added. “It’s so nice. The Ukrainian military puts a lot of effort into peace keeping and I’ve sung for them in Iraq and Kosovo. I have a medal for it back home. In the same way, I’ve come to Eurovision to call on people to spread happiness and peace.†“[ukrainian 2004 Eurovision winner] Ruslana didn’t have the chance to talk to me,†she said. “She’s very busy with her political career and I was busy preparing for the contest. But she sent me a message through the newspapers. She said that I shouldn’t let anyone tell me what to do and that I should believe in myself."
May 13, 200619 yr Author Finland “What masks? What make-up? This is how we actually look,†said Finnish rocker Mr. Lordi, when asked how long it takes him to prepare. “No, it’s actually prosthetic make-up and it takes about 3 hours for me to get ready. The face alone takes me two hours. I had to get up at 5am today. There are easier ways to rock and roll.†“I think we can do well,†he said. “The Finnish people liked us – or 42% of them did. It’s like horror movies. Some people like them, some people don’t. But Lordi will never appear on stage without make-up. I think there should always be something to look at. I hate paying to see a rock band and then seeing them on stage wearing t-shirts and jeans. I want my money back.†“Am I married? No. Do I have kids? No,†he said. “I don’t believe that children should have children and in my head I’m a 15 year old. I have three dogs and a tarantula. That’s enough. I used to have kids but I ate them for breakfast
May 13, 200619 yr Author Netherlands “We promised our fans in the Netherlands that, if we won the Dutch national final, we’d visit 37 countries in 40 days,†said Caroline of Netherlands group Treble. “But we had no budget. Eventually, we managed to get sponsorship so we kept our promise. We would have slept in a tree if we’d had to, though. We had a lot of adventures. We should discuss it over a drink – we could talk about it for days.†“We made our own fantasy language eight years ago,†said Niña. “We used to use it to improvise when we were performing on the streets. It helps us to stop thinking. It means we can be free and just let the music flow. Our language has no meaning although sometimes some words do. We’ve included a little dictionary in our new album to explain them.†“Of course, we’re dreaming of repeating the success of Teach-In,†said Caroline. “They won the Eurovision Song Contest for the Netherlands in the year that I was born so maybe that is a sign. You can see that we are original and that we love music. We’ll give 200%.â€
May 13, 200619 yr Author Lithuania “We always knew we’d perform in the contest one day,†said Lithuanian group LT United. “We’ve been watching the Eurovision Song Contest since about 1977. We’re old – we’re like 63 years old. We’re just very good looking.†“Will we change the words of ‘We Are The Winners’ if we lose?†they asked. “No. The song is written for the winners of Eurovision. So if we don’t win then the person who does win can sing it. It’s for all future winners. It’s our gift to Eurovision.†Why is Lithuania the only Baltic state that hasn’t won Eurovision? “We just haven’t,†they said. “Anyway, Lithuanians love to travel. Lithuania has always chosen not to win because that way we get to travel to new places.
May 13, 200619 yr Author Portugal “The song is a homage to the Eurovision Song Contest, and especially the 1980s,†said Elvis Veiguinha, the composer of ‘Coisas de nada’, performed by Portuguese girl band Nonstop. “The 80s are coming back so the song was written in that style. Some people say it is Abba-esque. That’s fine. To be compared to Abba is a great honour.†Portugal’s best Eurovision result was 6th place in 1996. Why have they never finished in the top 5? “We really don’t know,†said Nonstop. “Some Portuguese songs in the contest have been very good and should have done better. But this time we’re determined to win it for Portugal for the first time.†“It was great to win the national selection contest,†said Portugal’s girl band Nonstop. “There was nothing controversial about our victory, though. The result wasn’t contested because we won and that was that. The person who came second was very good and had a lot of supporters who made a lot of noise. So maybe that’s why it seemed like a controversial decision.â€
May 13, 200619 yr Author Sweden “I know I’m performing at Eurovision again but it feels like the first time,†said Swedish participant Carola, referring to her first appearance in the contest 15 years ago. “It’s just so exciting. It’s such a festival of music. And I’m very happy with the way the rehearsals went. There was some really good teamwork. I hope that we’re ‘Invincible.’†“What has changed in the last 15 years?†she asked. “Well, we don’t have a live band anymore. But it still feels vibey and modern and great. And it’s great to see that established singers, like Anna Vissi, are still in the contest. But it’s basically still the same. You have three minutes to just explode and give your all. I love it.†And how has Carola changed from her first Eurovision entry to today? "I've become more straight. I take my decisions, even if it is a 'No' and people don't like it. But I also rely more on my heart." This is her third Eurovision appearance but the first time she has had to compete in a Semi-Final. “I think it’s kind of cool to be singing in the Semi-Final,†she said. “It gives the whole of Europe the chance to listen to your song twice. I definitely don’t have a problem with it. There are so many countries competing now so I can see why they need to have a Semi-Final.â€
May 13, 200619 yr Author Estonia “The rehearsals today went really well,†said Sandra, the Swedish singer representing Estonia. “We’ve just come from the viewing room and I’m very satisfied with what I saw. Now I’m just hoping for the best.†“What have I experienced of Greece?†she asked. “We’ve been taking it easy in the sun. I really like your weather. And I love Greek salads of course. And I love this arena. But that’s really all I’ve had the chance to see so far.†Have Estonian girl group Vanilla Ninja given her any advice? “I’ve not had the opportunity or time to meet them,†she said. “But I’ve not really been asking anyone for much advice, apart from talking to my family, friends and colleagues, as I believe that every year is a new start so you never know what’s going to happen.†“This isn’t the first time that a Swede has represented Estonia,†said Estonia’s Head of Delegation. “Sahlene represented us when we hosted Eurovision in 2002. Estonians are quite happy with it. We’re keeping the door closed to foreign composers to protect our own market. The audience are right behind us but I guess it depends on the results.â€
May 13, 200619 yr Author Bosnia & Herzegovina “I’m very glad to be here in Athens,†said Bosnia & Herzegovina’s Hari Mata Hari. “We’ve just had our first rehearsal and I feel great. I’m glad we’ve gathered such a good group this year – everyone from the author to all of the stage performers.†“What are my influences?†he said. “Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, Queen, Led Zeppelin… No, I’m joking. I think that, if you listen to my songs, it’s obvious that my influences are more ethnic than that.†“After 20 years of performing in a region of 25 million people with another 5 million abroad and after visiting so many countries, being here at the Eurovision Song Contest is still one of the proudest moments of my career,†he added. “I feel grateful to have another chance bring our culture to such a huge viewing public.†“It is a sad song,†admitted the composer Željko Joksimović. “We have a very specific way of dealing with sadness. We don’t put our sorrow out with alcohol. We use music. I felt the need to write a song for a performer that will do it justice and that is what we’ve got this year.â€
May 13, 200619 yr Author Iceland Before Silvia arrived to meet the press, her boyfriend instructed the journalists not to look the Icelandic star Silvia Night in the eye or else they would be removed. “I welcome you all to enjoy my stay in Athens,†said Silvia when she did arrive. “I am an international superstar and you are all my children.†“I have a lot of messages for my fans,†she said. “But the number one message is that I have arrived and you can all sleep tight tonight because Silvia Night will guard the light.†“The government in Iceland has planned a one-year holiday after I win,†she added. One journalist asked Silvia to explain lewd comments she had made about Netherlands group Treble, live on Lithuanian TV. “I can see you looking at me, so if you wouldn’t mind looking away,†Silvia responded. “You will be removed. You’re still looking at me. Remove her!†In chaotic scenes, Silvia’s bodyguard carried the journalist from the room.* *After the press conference it was revealed that this was part of the show.
May 14, 200619 yr Author Armenia “I’ve heard all the songs in the contest now,†said Armenian singer Andre. “I’d say that my favourites are the songs from FYR Macedonia and Anna Vissi’s from Greece. But I don’t really see them as dangers – our song, ‘Without Your Love’, is really good too.†“I certainly think that my song can be popular internationally,†he said. “I know this is Armenia’s first time in the contest but music has no nationality so there’s no specific obstacle to it doing well. My music doesn’t have borders – it’s accessible for everyone.†“I have been really influenced by a lot of music,†he said. “I’m a big fan of Whitney Houston and Marc Anthony. I love the way they perform on stage and connect with their audience. Personally, I’ve been most influenced by my time at the Armenian State Music Theatre. It’s one of the best music schools, not just in Armenia, but internationally.†“I’ve always been a huge fan of Eurovision,†he added. “We weren’t able to vote but my family would all watch it and bet against each other. I always used to win!†Bulgaria “I think that, with ‘Let Me Cry’, we have a really good song and I think that my three dancers and I are charming enough to attract votes and succeed in this competition,†said Bulgarian star Mariana Popova. “But we don’t really have a special strategy. This is only our second year in the contest so maybe we’ll develop one in time. Of the other songs, I’d say that Bosnia & Herzegovina’s is my favourite. But that’s just a personal opinion.†“Do I see this as a step to an international career?†she wondered. “Yes, why not? This is a very big international festival. It’s very famous in Europe and very well organised. Fame in Europe would definitely be a good start.†“We couldn’t do a big promo tour,†she added. “We couldn’t get many sponsors so we could only afford to go to one country. We went to Cyprus and performed on a TV show with 10 Eurovision Semi-Finalists. It was a great show and we had a really good time.†Slovenia “Could this be the start of an international career?†asked Anžej Dežan from Slovenia. “I’ve no idea where I’m willing to go to. But I do know that music has always been a big part of me and, no matter what happens in this contest, I won’t give it up. But if anyone knows any international record labels, get them to give me a call!†“This has been a huge dream come true,†he added. “I’ve enjoyed every second of it and I’m just hoping that nothing gets in the way of me performing. I’ve done everything I could to make it work. As a Eurovision fan, I think I owed it to myself to work this hard. So I’m hoping for a good performance, good vibrations from the public and plenty of energy.†“I have a great team around me,†he said. “We’ve really connected. We’ve worked together before and we know each other well. Basically, we’re good friends and that’s important for the energy. And energy is crucial to our success.†Andorra “Jennifer has a cold and her voice doesn’t feel right,†explained Andorra’s Head of Delegation. “But our main problem is that the stage costumes and some of our other things are stuck in customs. So we’ve done two rehearsals without them. We’re told we’ll have them by Monday but if we don’t, it will be a big, big problem. Still, the rehearsal today went much better than the last one and it looked great in the viewing room.†“I would rather win Eurovision than have a US number one,†insisted Rafael Artesero who wrote the song ‘Sense tu’. “I really mean that. My first memories of music are from the Eurovision Song Contest and I was always wanted to take part in it. You cannot lose your dreams. I’ve always dreamed of winning Eurovision and hopefully it will come true.†“The thought that gives me strength just before I go on stage is that I might never get the opportunity again,†said Jennifer. “A few months ago, I was working as a waitress and know I feel like Cinderella or Pretty Woman. I make sure that I never forget that.†Belarus “The rehearsal today went well,†says Polina Smolova of Belarus. “There are a few things that need to be changed but everything will be fine for the Semi-Final. We can see that the technical people are very professional and we’re very happy with them.†“Eurovision is just one part of my journey,†she added. “After this, I will keep moving forward and carry on singing and dancing, hopefully around the world.†“To get through to the Final, I’ll need to perform with all my heart and with all my love,†she said. “It helps that I love singing and I love other people. But, above all, I must be professional.†“The contestant that I’d really like to sing with is Anna Vissi,†she said. “I’d love to sing ‘Everything’ with her. Who is my all-time musical hero? I’d have to say my father. He’s a great singer. Even though, the song is called ‘Mum’, its message is that we should think of all parents as our friends. And I do.†Albania Albania was the first country to announce its choice of song: ‘Zjarr e Ftohtë’. Does Luiz Ejlli see that as an advantage or a disadvantage? “Our national selection was made in December,†said Luiz. “I think that’s an advantage. It means the song has more time to become well-known and people can get used to it. It also means we can listen to what the critics say and make changes to it.†“Do I think countries should have to sing in their own language?†he said. “Listen, we make music, not politics. The world would be so much better if everyone made music instead of politics. Besides, singing is like love. It has no language; it’s a feeling. You can express it in any way you like.†“I like the songs of many different countries,†he said. “But it wouldn’t be ethical to tell you which ones. Generally, though the standard is very good and they all make respectable adversaries. I’m very confident, though - not just of qualifying for the Final, but of finishing in the top 10.†Belgium “The rehearsal went okay today,†said Belgium’s Kate Ryan. “I actually felt quite nervous again, like I did before the first rehearsal. It went pretty well though. We need to work a little on the sound and the choreography but it was generally okay.†“For my promo tour, we visited 12 countries in two weeks,†she said. “It was quite hectic but it was great. It was the first time Belgium had organised one so that was a great honour. We did lots of TV shows and interviews. They seemed to love ‘Je t’adore’ and I hope the rest of Europe does as well.†“What’s a good Eurovision song?†she said. “It’s hard to say but I think it has to come from the heart. What’s a good Eurovision fan? Someone who watches on 18 May and votes for Kate Ryan!†“My favourite Eurovision songs are probably ‘J’aime la vie’ by Sandra Kim and the songs by Sertab and Ruslana,†she added. Ireland “Our rehearsal today was even better than our first one the other day,†said Brian Kennedy of Ireland. “Again, the sound people were fantastic. They were incredibly supportive. They must be so tired but they seem to have found energy from somewhere. And it was so nice to hear people clapping after the rehearsal.†“My favourite Irish Eurovision entries?†he said. “Johnny Logan stands out because that was the first time I was old enough to stay up and watch. He wore this white suit like John Travolta but was Irish and sung in an Irish accent. And our last winner Eimear Quinn is another who stands out.†“I had no idea that I could sing,†he said. “I was one of those annoying children who wouldn’t stop humming. I think singing is something that chooses you, not the other way round. I’ve never had a vocal lesson in my life.†Cyprus “So far, so very good,†said Annette Artani of Cyprus about her rehearsal earlier today. “We’re still working things out. Today, I wore my dress on stage for the first time. It has a really big train and I have to get used to it. I need to handle it with a lot of care. But it’s on the right track.†“I grew up in New York City, born and raised by Greek immigrants,†she added. “We were a very, very musical family and my influences were pop and Greek music. I was very confused! Coming to Greece helped me to connect those two worlds.†What are her plans for the future? “Well, my first objective is to qualify for the Final and do well in Eurovision,†she said. “It’s my dream to do something internationally. I’d like the Greek sound to be exported outside of Greece. What I’d like to do is a fusion of pop music and Greek music because, at the moment, I don’t think the rest of the world understands Greek music.†“If I was a song, I think I’d be ‘At Last’ by Etta James,†she said. “It demonstrates the different stages of my life. And this is a big step for me.†Monaco “This rehearsal was much better than the first one,†said Monaco’s Séverine Ferrer. “There were lots of sound issues last time, with the microphone, for example. That put more pressure on the singers and dancers. But those problems were resolved this time and we enjoyed our time on stage a lot more.†“I’m very, very pleased to be representing the principality of Monaco in the Eurovision Song Contest,†she said. “I’m here to get to the Final and I’m very optimistic. I’m having fun in Athens and I want to do as well as possible.†“People think I’d wanted a palm tree on stage to represent the island of Réunion where I was born but had been told I couldn’t have one,†she said. “That’s not true. We decided that we wanted something a bit more modern and we felt that the dresses give enough of an impression.†FYR Macedonia “We’re much more satisfied with this rehearsal than the last one,†said FYR Macedonia’s Elena Risteska. “The sound problems were sorted out so I could hear myself better. All the changes we asked for were made and now it’s really good.†Will Elena be wearing the same short dress when it comes to the Semi-Final? “Hmm, okay. I’ll tell you,†she said. “It won’t be this dress. I’m going to be wearing hot pants and a top. But I won’t tell you what colour.†“Do I have a message for people across the world?†she said. “Yes, I just want to wish them good health, love and music. I don’t want to sound like a Miss World contestant, though! The biggest phrase I want to pass on is the Eurovision motto – ‘Feel the rhythm’. Nothing else matters.†Elena was asked why FYR Macedonia always enters an ethnic song in Eurovision. “I don’t think this is an ethnic song,†she replied. “‘Ninanajna’ is a phrase that is used in a lot of traditional songs in the Balkans. The rest of the song is all R&B and modern pop. So, it’s actually the first time we’ve done a non-ethnic song.†Poland “I just want to say something about our song,†said Ich Troje’s lead singer Michał Wiśniewski. “Pope John Paul II used to say, ‘Love is the mother of happiness’. So it’s very important to me to follow my heart. There are a million love songs out there but there are never enough. Our song is just one of them.†“As for today’s rehearsal, it was much better than our previous one,†said Jacek Łągwa, Ich Troje’s songwriter. “The sound was a lot better and the pictures were really nice. There were still a few mistakes, as there always are, but it’s going the right way.†Ich Troje’s guest rapper The Real McCoy was asked why his final line had been removed for the second rehearsal. “We took the line ‘Come and get your love’out today because it was affecting the sound of the main vocalist,†he said. “You have to remember I’m just a guest so I don’t want to get in the way. But who knows? It may go back in for the next rehearsal.â€
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