Jade’s doing the rounds…..!

Well, she has been, and this week the lovely Miss Ewen will be talking all things Eurovision on Friday Night With Jonathan Ross, which will be on on – hey! Friday. Expect the inevitable jokes about nul points, political voting, dodgy dance routines and all the others we’ve heard a million times before and didn’t find funny the first time. But nonetheless will be worth watching if only to hear what the lady herself has to say.

It does seem also as though Jade is winning fans all over the continent, particularly in Scandinavia where she recently had dinner with Alexander Rybak, or as we like to refer to him, the Norwegian pixie. Evidence of this meeting recently arrived in the Team Eurovision mailbox in the shape of this photo…

One of the people in this photo is clearly thinking, “Oh my goodness I can’t believe my luck. I have gotten to first base!” The other appears to be thinking, “Can I go home now?” We leave you to draw your own conclusions……

The Great Big Eurovision Experiment 2009 – Belarus!

Petr Elfimov, Belarussian representative in Moscow – bring it on!

How does it feel to be representing your country at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest?
I feel the great honour to be the 6th representative of Belarus at Eurovision.

What are you most looking forward to about taking part?
I am looking forward to my new experience, new emotions, new friends and of course a high result!

What can we expect from your performance? Are you planning a lavish stage show?
We have to ask my stage boss, famous polish director Janusz Josefovich, who definetely will do something what will be in harmony with my song.

Are you looking forward to visiting Moscow?
Yes, of course! I’ve been to Moscow many times, I have lots of friends there. Several times in the year I usually have my performances in this great capital.

Which of this year’s other songs do you rate?
Eyes that never lie, I think 🙂

Which is your favourite Eurovision song of all time, and which is your favourite from your home country?
Of course I have to say about Abba! I like the song of Sertab and Ruslana. I was impressed by the performance of Marija Sherifovic, I like her song very much.
As a rock-singer,  I also enjoyed the performance and the song of sweet monsters from Finland – the Lordi band! I like the song “My Galileo” of the first representatives of Belarus at ESC Aleksandra and Konstantin. By the way, I was their backing vocalist at Eurovision 2004 in Turkey.

What do you think about the debate over so-called ‘political’ voting?
I prefer not to think about it, but to think about music, which can be the common language for all the countries.

How do you think the return of jury voting might influence the final result?
Maybe they will, but from the other side it’s always interesting to know the opinion of the both sides – people and professional jury.

Why do you think Eurovision is still so popular, even after all these years?
It’s a great event, great forum, where each country can represent all the best it has in the sphere of popular music and show-biz. Also it’s always interesting to know something more about the singers and stars from another countries. Apart of it – Eurovision is the greatest TV-show with the most professional international team, which works to show the Europe bright unforgettable spectatle.

Have you heard the UK’s song this year and what do you think? Any chance your country could give us some points this year (please…….?  )
I got the chance to meet Jade twicely – in Greece and then in Ukraine. I think she is a very talented singer and beautiful girl. By the way I am an admirer of A.L. Webber’s music and always dreamed to sing the part of Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, so I wish the best of luck to UK this year and will be happy if you will get 12 points from Belarus!

The Great Big Eurovision Experiment 2009 – Croatia

And the interviews just keep on coming! Step forward Croatia’s Igor Cukrov…

How does it feel to be representing your country at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest?

With Eurovision song contest being such a huge event, representing my country is quite an honour.

What are you most looking forward to about taking part?

Well, whole package – going to Moscow, being a part of Eurovision song contest, getting to see all of that first hand, performing on a, I’m sure, spectacular stage in front of a sell out crowd and millions of TV spectators… What can we expect from your performance? Are you planning a lavish stage show? Ofcourse, we are going to do some things differently than we did in Opatija (Croatian competition), but lavish? We are not going to over do it. I believe in our song and, besides, it’s not an up tempo, dance or some similiar style, so over doing it doesn’t really make sense…

Have you ever been to Moscow and are you looking forward to it?

Since this is going to be my first visit to Moscow, i’m really looking forward to seeing such, I’m sure of it, splendid city. Well, how could it be different – Moscow is one of the greatest cities in the world.

Which of this year’s other songs do you rate?

I liked songs from Greece, Turkey and Norway. Which is your favourite Eurovision song of all time, and which is your favourite from your home country? Two stand apart – Abba and Johnyn Logan. Of Croatian songs, i liked 1995’s Nostalgija, and from the even older ones, from the times of Yugoslavia, there were Daniel’s Julie (1983)..

What do you think about the debate over so-called ‘political’ voting?

Ha ha… One side of it is understandable – and it’s same in ex-Yugoslav, ex-USSR, Benelux or nordic countries -. people from those countries live in area where social and cultural connections are strong and it is understandable for them to vote more for artists from their region. As I know – political, and i’d rather say regional – voting existed for years, but became interesting for media only recently – when eastern countries prevailed, both in numbers and votes gained. In the end, tere is a saying that says – “it is what it is”.

How do you think the return of jury voting might influence the final result?

Croatian preliminary contest (Dora) has such voting for years. And it also draws criticism. Displeasure is in peoples nature, especially if you don’ get what you want or what you think you deserve. I, personally, don’t mind. Everybody knows rules prior to competition and by coming to competition, you agree to its rules.

Why do you think Eurovision is still so popular, even after all these years?

I think it’s popularity increesed in recent years, and for couple of reasons. Firstly, it became more spectatular, often with over the top kitsch, but that is what draws interest from audience. Ofcourse, some of that spectacularity has nothing to do with the quality of music, but eurovision is a show, and often a spectacular one. Secondly, countries new to contest invest in it, making it more interesting.

Have you heard the UK’s song this year and what do you think? Any chance your country could give us some points this year (please…….? 🙂 )

Of course. Jade has great voice and her song is definitely one of the better UK songs in recent years. And about the points from Croatia? Well, if you believe in “political voting”, wait till we give highest points to Serbia, Bosnia… Now seroiously, who can say what voters will do…

The Great Big Eurovision Experiment 2009 – Armenia

Jumping up with a nor par (to answer our questions that is…..), it’s the lovely Inga and Anush……

How does it feel to be representing your country at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest?

Anush: It means a lot to us.

Inga: I can even define what “a lot” means. Let’s start from clichés: pride, responsibility, new horizons and boundaries:-) To be completely honest, these are not just words – we do feel all the mentioned. A contest like this is a huge source of professional growth for any artist. We are not an exception.

What are you most looking forward to about taking part?

Inga: The participation by itself is already very exciting. I’m sure I’ll receive bunch of emotions during the rehearsals so I can’t wait to get into the backstage life.

Anush: I’m very curious about meeting the participants from different countries and, of course, about  the contest itself.
What can we expect from your performance? Are you planning a lavish stage show?

Inga: As you probably know, our show will be made by the guys from the Fresh Art design trio. We decided to keep the details in secretJ  One thing is certain – it’s gonna be hot on the stage.

Have you ever been to Moscow and are you looking forward to it?

Anush: We have been to Moscow many times. Still, it doesn’t stop to surprise us with its crazy rhythm and fast changes.

Inga: During our last 2 visits to Moscow we were mostly involved in work with Fresh Art and it changed all our visions about this city:-) I personally fell in love with Moscow and can’t wait for the contest to be there again.

Which of this year’s other songs do you rate (Armenia’s is one of our favorites, incidentally!)?

Inga: Thanks :-).Turns out we have common tastesJ It’s one of the hardest questions we are being asked. However, I’ll mark Russia’s and Bosnia & Herzegovina’s entries.

Anush: My ratings for the songs are being changed in connection with my mood, right now I’d like to listen to Norway’s song:-)

Which is your favorite Eurovision song of all time, and which is your favorite from your home country?

Anush: Abba’s song that won the contest was very popular in Armenia and you can still hear it being played somewhere. We like it a lot. As for a favorite Armenian song, they all were unique in their own way, it’s hard to judge.

What do you think about the debate over so-called ‘political’ voting?

Inga: We believe that it is a song contest and no political row should interfere.

Anush: Even politicians should just relax and have fan sometimes. Our song will make them do soJ

How do you think the return of jury voting might influence the final result?

Anush: It surely can. That is why we want to attract the huge mass of voting audience across Europe. As for the jury, we hope that the professionalism of performing artists will be guiding principle in their decision.

Inga: To tell the truth, we don’t think much about the voting system and its influences. We are going to sing for the sake of singing.

Why do you think Eurovision is still so popular, even after all these years?

Inga: Maybe because it is a contest that incorporates so many different cultures and musical traditions. It is a multicultural contest and that’s why it is so interesting for people across Europe.

Anush: Besides, all people hear during the whole year – is mostly about wars and accidents. People do need some joy at least once a year.

Have you heard the UK’s song this year and what do you think? Any chance your country could give us some points this year (please…….? 🙂 )

We liked the UK’s entry very much. The chances of Armenia’s support are certainly big. Maybe we can discuss cross-promotion…..

The Great Big Eurovision Experiment 2009 – Russia

Step forward the host nation, represented by Anastasia Prikhodko….

You’ll represent Russia at Eurovision Song Contest, what do you feel?
Eurovision is a serious contest and I understand all the responsibility resting on me.  I’d like to believe that I’ll be able to do well. At the moment this is the most important thing in my life. I’m happy and now I’m living in anticipation of this contest.

What are your ambitions?
To sing my song in such a way so that the viewers understand it even without knowing Russian or Ukrainian.

As for us, viewers, what shall we expect from your performance? Probably, you’re planning to surprise everyone with some glamorous setting of your act?
It’s still a big secret!

Have you ever been in Moscow before and would you like to go there?
After Kiev Moscow is my second home, I love this city.

Have you heard the songs performed by other participants? Can you name those of them that impressed you most?
As for the songs of other participants, I’m listening to all of them. I liked Alexander Rybak from Norway. Jade, for sure – I was lucky to have a chance to see her  live performance. She was a guest of the Russian national selection show. Jade has a fantastic voice and she’s incredibly beautiful. As for Andrew Lloyd Webber who wrote a song for her, he is a legend in Russia. The fact that he wrote a song for Eurovision Song Contest made a splash here. Learning about his participation in this project, many Russian musicians, critics and producers said: “If the song is written by Lord Lloyd Webber, we’ll vote for Great Britain”. Here I must say that I’m glad that no country can vote for its participant. Otherwise I’m afraid that all “my” votes will go to Jade. (laugh)

Which of the songs ever performed at Eurovision Song Contests do you like most? And if it’s Russian or Ukrainian song – which one?
“Never Let You Go”, performed by Dima Bilan in Athens. “Prayer” – by Maria Sherifovich. In Turkey Sakis Rouvas had a real hit. And no doubt “Waterloo” is a hands-down winner.

What do you think about widespread notion that at ESC countries are voting for their neighbours?
I think that if everything were decided by politics we wouldn’t have some of the winners. No doubt that such a thing as ‘neighbouring voting’ exists at ESC but all the same. I believe that talent is winning over politics. I’m sure that if an artist is really great he/she will get 12 points not only from neighbours.

This year a winner will be determined by 50/50 televoting and jury voting. What do you think about that?
I believe that televoting is more democratic. On the other hand a winner of this year ESC will know for sure that his/her performance was marked very high by both – viewers and professionals. And it’s really worth it.

Can you explain the secret of the Eurovision Song Contest popularity, which is over 50 years old?
To my mind the secret of ESC popularity is the same as that of the Olympic Games. It’s a contest, competition for the artists and for viewers it is excitement, passion and a possibility to get together and root for their country. And for those who are interested in politics it’s a chance to say afterwards “we surmised as much”.

The Great Big Eurovision Experiment 2009 – Andorra

Andorra – we adore ya! Susanne Georgi takes on the Eurovision interview – and triumphs….

How does it feel to be representing your country at this year’s Eurovision
Song Contest?
It´s a great feeling. I´m going to be at the Eurovision stage 2009,
could a girl ask for more? The preparations are going really good, although it´s kind of hectic at the moment.We have real good response from all over Europe and that makes me SO happy.

What are you most looking forward to about taking part?
Well a bit of everything, I guess.I have a lot of friends who are gonna be there and It´s a great thing to be able to share with your loved once. Also I can´t wait to be on that stage,
it´s a dream come true.

What can we expect from your performance? Are you planning a lavish stage
show?
Top-secret…..still 🙂

Have you ever been to Moscow and are you looking forward to it?
I have never been to Moscow and I look SO much forward to it. I love to
see the world and find out about new cultures.

Which of this year’s other songs do you rate?
I think that there are so many good songs this year and it´s always hard to
say who is gonna be the winner. I have a few on my mind that will go to
the top-but I will let you know after the show, hehe!!!

Which is your favourite Eurovision song of all time, and which is your
favourite from your home country?
I have lots of favourite songs, fx. Johnny Logan-Hold me or Olsen Brothers
Fly on the wings of love ( Danish winner 2000)

How do you think the return of jury voting might influence the final
result?
I think that it´s a step in the right direction. Eurovision should be
about the songs and not so much politic. I hope that with the jury it can
help the good songs to get to the top. I would feel much better knowing
that professional people would pick the songs for being just songs and not
because they are a nabo-country.

Why do you think Eurovision is still so popular, even after all these
years?
BUT YES!! The fans will be there and as long as people write new songs
there will be Eurovision!!!!

Have you heard the UK’s song this year and what do you think? Any chance
your country could give us some points this year (please…….? 🙂 )
Hahahaha…..I think it´s a lovely song and if it was up to me I sure
would give some pionts your way. I have a special tie to the UK, as my
sister Pernille ( also writer on Get a Life) lives in Nottingham.

The Great Big Eurovision Experiment 2009 – Spain

Continuing our quest to get interviews with as many of this year’s participants as possible, we present Spanish representative Soraya.  Lady – come on and shake us….

How does it feel to be representing your country at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest?
Eurovision is being always a dream for me, I used to watch it at home with my family and now I’m the representer for spain!! It’s amazing,I’m very happy.

What are you most looking forward to about taking part?
I started on the music 4 years ago so I still need to learn lots of thing for becoming a very good profesional,eurovision will be a good stage for growing and making contacts all over europe,apart of the beautiful experience that it is.A big step on my job,working with the best professionals!

What can we expect from your performance?
I must say I’m preparing this performance like I never did before on my tours,I consider the festival is like the olimpic games for me,in 3 minutes you must show the best you have for a public of 400 million people plus the 15000 that they will be on the olimpisky arena.You will see me dancing,singing,playing with the cameras…and a big surprise we have for the 16th of may!!

Are you planning a lavish stage show?
We want to have a complete performance,I mean,using all the oportunities we have on the stage..lights, using the whole stage for dancing,cameras,screens..

Have you ever been to Moscow and are you looking forward to it?
No, I’ve never been there,so I’m really looking to it, people say it’s beautiful, but very cold for a Spanish girl!!!!

Which of this year’s other songs do you rate?
Well,it’s dificult, I like some of them,Norway,Turkey,Finland,yours,Romania…I mean,I could say some others more, there’s a good level this year on the song and the artist!!

Which is your favourite Eurovision song of all time, and which is your favourite from your home country?
My favourite all time it was Charlotte Perrelli and Hero,I can’t stop listening!!It has such a great beat!!!! And from Spain either Rosa  with Europe is living a celebration or D’Nash with I Love You Mi Vida..

What do you think about the debate over so-called ‘political’ voting?
I’ve never participated in eurovision before so I can´t talk about it,I prefer to get there with a positive vision and not trusting about what people talk..and if it is real see it with my own eyes..

How do you think the return of jury voting might influence the final result?
I hope this gives more quality to the festival with the opinion of profesionals..

Why do you think Eurovision is still so popular, even after all these years?
Well in my country we had a very low moment concerning the festival,we don’t win since 41 years ago,that made the spanish people not believe on the festival anymore..but still a lot of people follow it nowadays,we cant forget is the party of europe,something to celebrate together!!

Have you heard the UK’s song this year and what do you think?
You have a great singer and a beautiful song,I must admit reminds me one of the big ballads of all times..

Any chance your country could give us some points this year (please…….? 🙂 )
Heheheh,I’m sure we will vote for you!!!!

Lots of kisses!!!!

The Great Big Eurovision Experiment 2009 – Bulgaria

Let’s all wave hello to the lovely Krassimir Avramov…..

How does it feel to be representing your country at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest?
It’s a big emotion. I really hoped and wanted very much to win,  but  when I heard my name at the final , actually it came a little bit like a shock. I couldn’t stand my emotions and my tears, because I have been thinking that after so many years abroad people in Bulgaria have forgotten me a bit. And  I was so grateful to the audience that they prove me that still love me,  love my songs and love „Illusion” It is great, but it is a big responsability as well. You are the face of your country in front of Europe.

What can we expect from your performance? Are you planning a lavish stage show?
Well we will use the theme of the music video as a base for the stage performance, the details I will keep in secret. I think it will be an impressive show. It will be a try  in a modern way to bring on the stage the athmosphere and the spirit of the medieval centuries.

Have you ever been to Moscow and are you looking forward to it?
I have never been in Moscow, it will be my first time there  and I am happy that  my first visit to the Russian capital will be because of such a event like Eurovision Song Contest.

Which of this year’s other songs do you rate?
Well it is hard to me to be specific at this moment and to mention names, but yes I have favourite ones. And I wish good luck to all of the participants.

Which is your favourite Eurovision song of all time, and which is your favourite from your home country?
I had the chance to follow the contest for the last five years. As a musician of course I am interested as far as music goes and changes in the time. I appreciate this kind of contest because you really hear a lot of music and melodies . European imagination can really go far and I love this . I like many songs, I can not mention all of them,  but of course  Elena Paparizou , Number 1 is one that i like a lot. What  is specific with the Eurovision songs is that  somehow the winner songs remains , I mean  that after so many years passed you still continue to listen them and they sound like a modern hit. Since Bulgaria is participating from a short period of time on Eurovision, we don’t have a big list of choices, but I was very impressed and proud where Voda took such a high place few years ago, it was very good song, really.

What do you think about the debate over so-called ‘political’ voting?
I am not really familiar . Some called it political, some not. I believe it  is more about music , then about politics. At the end I  hope it is not, because I would have to prepare myself in a different manner if it was political voting./ha ha/

How do you think the return of jury voting might influence the final result?
Only in a better way, I think. I support this return, because the balance between the audience and the jury  is one perfect way to evaluate the efforts of the participants.

Why do you think Eurovision is still so popular, even after all these years?
Because Eurovision is one way to unite people form different nations, religions and colors with the music, to make them happier  and to give a light of brightness into  the dark. And also because it is an interesting format. It is a place where people can be influenced from each other, can creat waves like music style, fashion,  performance and this especially affects on the  youngest generation.

Have you heard the UK’s song this year and what do you think? Any chance your country could give us some points this year (please…….? 🙂 )
Your entry is very good, I like it. And your vocalist is absolutely brillant as voice and stage performace. I wish you good luck. I think you  have pretty good  chance to get votes from Bulgaria, because the  community of people from UK , living in Bulgaria grows in the past few years  J And when we speak about voting, as you will be able to vote on the First Semi Final I will also ask you for suport, I will ask you to hear my song, to open your heart and if you like it really to give your votes for me. I will represent Bulgaria under number 11. Thank you and God Bless you!

The Great Big Eurovision Experiment 2009 – Czech Republic

And it’s a great big Aven Romale! to the lads and lasses of Gipsy.cz….

How does it feel to be representing your country at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest?
We feel good, and will do our best for the audiences and TV viewers, as everytime we are on the stage. We feel the same responsibility like in Glastonbury or at the Bestival or at Notting Hill Carnival in the UK, while cooperating with the famous british foundation CM,  or in Brussels and Lisbon, Amsterdam Kiev or Seoul and Ulsan in South Korea. We have been trying to do the best we can at every show in all the 15 countries we played at till now…

What are you most looking forward to about taking part?
We want to have the fun with millions of TV viewers, that would be a nice party! 🙂

What can we expect from your performance? Are you planning a lavish stage show?
Aven Romale means Come On, Gipsies: We invite everyone to feel like gipsy,  to have some fun, to discover the miracle of music, to see into the mirror of rhythm. We want everyone to join us in the wagon of modern european gipsies, adding a bit of Czech sense of humour and irony. We dont need a big show effects, just with the help of Supergipsy we will entertain the people. Good music is the best show…

Have you ever been to Moscow and are you looking forward to it?
Not yet, but we are looking forward to be there,  It would be a good new experience.

Which of this year’s other songs do you rate?
We think there is a lot of good songs, hope to meet some of them in the Final …

Which is your favourite Eurovision song of all time, and which is your favourite from your home country?
We don’t have favourite songs – we simply like the music…

What do you think about the debate over so-called ‘political’ voting?
Every voting is political, we don’t care: we have the political message too: Aven Romale!  Aven Cech, Jagr, Beer :-)))

How do you think the return of jury voting might influence the final result?
Most important is to influence the jury – we will do our best with our music and the power of Supergipsy 🙂

Why do you think Eurovision is still so popular, even after all these years?
People are probably still searching for the right song… 😉

Have you heard the UK’s song this year and what do you think? Any chance your country could give us some points this year (please…….? 🙂 )
Jade Ewen is very charming woman with the great voice, we are sure she will find the voices here…

The Great Big Eurovision Experiment 2009 – France

Hot on the heels of the Netherlands getting back to us, it’s the turn of the French to tackle our fiendishly difficult questions. Take it away, Patricia Kaas….

How does it feel to be representing your country at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest?
I feel so proud, you can’t imagine!

What are you most looking forward to about taking part?
I have to be true: I expect to win! I don’t come Moscow as a tourist, I can tell you!

What can we expect from your performance? Are you planning a lavish stage show?
Not lavish, no, I want my performance very simple, as elegant and sober as I can. This particular song I’d really between the audience and I!

Have you ever been to Moscow and are you looking forward to it? I go to Moscow very often because I have many fans there, I sold 3 millions albums in Russia and have many friends there! Do you know that I’m the only artist to tour in 24 cities all over Russia?

Which of this year’s other songs do you rate?
Yours of course: a pretty singer with a beautiful voice, a great song written and composed by two if the greatest talents ever… What a thrill! I love the Danish song as well.

Which is your favourite Eurovision song of all time, and which is your favourite from your home country?
Too many great songs! Serbia in 2007, Abba back in the years, L’oiseau et L’enfant by Marie Myriam… And Divine last year by Sebatien Tellier! French electro is great isn’t it?

What do you think about the debate over so-called ‘political’ voting?
We have to be careful about it, the new laws are to be improved…please ask me this question after the show! (I laughs!)

How do you think the return of jury voting might influence the final result?
Maybe that the jury will drop a professional hear to this contest: voices are back I believe!

Why do you think Eurovision is still so popular, even after all these years?
Because it is a wonderful show! Glamorous, happy, it is a dream to be part of it!

Have you heard the UK’s song this year and what do you think? Any chance your country could give us some points this year (please…….? 🙂 )
As I told you above, this song is a strong one, and the singer is simply astonishing, UK 12 points… But please don’t forget to vote for number 3:-)

Love from France and thank you for your nice questions!

No, thank you Patricia Kaas – lady, you rock…….:-)