The first set of press conferences begin today and oikotimes.com is in Malmoe reporting you. We will bring you reports and videos from each country’s statements.
there will be no live streaming as the WiFi service is scrubled
SLOVENIAN PRESS CONFERENCE: ENERGETIC GEM SPARKLES ON STAGE
WATCH THE PRESS CONFERENCE VIDEO HERE
Hannah Mancini represents Slovenia with the song “Straight into Love” and is hoping that diamonds & pearls will make her sparkle into the final. The vocals of the second rehearsals were a little shaky, but this is overshadowed with the energetic choreography that Hannah & the male backing dancers give off during their vital 3 minutes on stage. Hannah is from the USA and explained that her husband is Slovenian and that following their marriage they moved to Slovenia 6 years ago. Hannah’s first experience of Eurovision was back in 2011 when she took part in the Slovenian National Final (EMA). In 2013 their was no national final in Slovenia, however Hannah was shorlisted with 3 other singers by RTVSLO and was overjoyed to be selected as the 2013 representative.
Hannah was asked what her thoughts would be if the contest was to be held in the US .. “Americanvision” .. Hannah thinks it would be a “great & interesting idea” to have each state represented themselves in a national contest. In contrast to her eurovision experience, Hannah worked for Disney as a backing singer for two theme songs, her favourite being the spanish version of “Hunchback of Notre Damn”. Hannah’s biggest success to date other than entering the Eurovision song contest would be her single “Stella Mercury”, which is currently placed number 4 in the international charts. Finally Hannah told us that she performed in “Radio City” in New York City which was a very historic moment in her life as the stage was very old and steeped in years of historic performances, where as the eurovision stage is an awesome experience to platform for all the artists looking to develop their careers. Hannah hopes to make the final and do Slovenia proud.
ESTONIAN PRESS CONFERENCE: “IT’S A BOY – WE ARE ONE”
Birgit represents Estonia with the song “Et uus saaks alguse”. Her music experience started in the “Sound of Music” as her role of Maria which she could not believe how her luck had fallen. Eurovision will be her biggest challenge to date, but is hoping that her fresh and calm stage presence will secure a ticket to the finals. A few changes were made with the second rehearsal and a few more with colours on stage will be made before Tuesday’s semi final. Head of delegation is happy with everything but admits he is a good actor. Birgit told us that her lucky charm on stage will be her lucky shoes which she wore when winning the Estonian national final. One of the journalists had asked what Birgit’s biggest fear of the contest was. She replied that she has no fears, she loves her song and believes in it fully. She has the backing of the Estonian nation which gives her more confidence. Birgit was asked about her studies of music
therapy and responded by telling everyone what exactly it consists of
Basically it helps give positive energy to people in many ways, but is known mostly for helping people with illnesses or disease to have a good outlook and more positive thoughts. Birgit has recorded “Et uus saaks alguse” in 5 versions (Spanish, English, Russian, Swedish & Estonian), she admitted that Swedish and Russian were the hardest for her to sing and record. One of the journalists asked what Birgit’s hopes are for her career? She responded by saying that her baby is due in the autumn: It’s a BOY and after the birth of her son she will take a few months off from singing and depending on the Eurovision result, she hopes that doors will open with good opportunities after that, both in and out of Estonia.
AUSTRIAN PRESS CONFERENCE: “THE VOICE” OF AUSTRIA
WATCH THE PRESS CONFERENCE VIDEO HERE
Natalia represents Austria with the song “Shine”. The Head of Delegation said simply that the second rehearsal was “Gorgeous”. Natalia’ music influences have been strongly influenced by her Brazilian roots which have guided her through her life and helped to develop her career. Natalia won the Austrian version of “The Voice” in 2011 and then was signed by Universal records. She has subsequently released her first album, which was released only 3 weeks ago thanks to the coverage that Eurovision has given her. Natalia was very happy after her second dress rehearsal and felt very comfortable on stage, the lighting was perfect and the atmosphere was energetic. The message of the song “Shine” is one of getting up and moving forward in life with no doubts. Natalia is very excited at the honour of opening the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest and promises to give the performance of her life. So far in Sweden she has already rubbed shoulders with the famous by making a trip to Stockholm and “jammed” with Benny Andersson’ son and also the icon himself Benny Andersson (senior).
Natalia then sang one of her personal favourite songs with her 5 backing vocalists “Can’t wait for tonight”, which was very powerful and energetic. To close off the press conference an acapella version of “Shine”, which had the journalists and fans cheering with loud applause. You can also check here Natalia Kelly performing the 2004 German entry in Eurovision Song Contest.
CROATIAN PRESS CONFERENCE: “SIX VOICES ARE STILL BETTER THAN ONE”
WATCH THE PRESS CONFERENCE VIDEO HERE
Klapa s Mora represent Croatia with the song “Mizerja”. The group were very pleased with their second dress rehearsal and feel comfortable with the stage setting and lighting. The outfits they wore on stage were Croatia’s answer to traditional table waiters in black, white and gold. When asked to describe their song and the message that they were trying to pass over to Europe was simply “Love”. The group benefit from having one of the artists previous experience in Eurovision 2006 with “Moja Stickla” Klapa s Mora ended their press conference by giving the journalists a huge performance of “Mizerja” and everyone was behind them all the way.
PHOTO: THOMAS HANSES
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