MAY 15 PRESS CONFERENCE: SWEDEN, UK, ITALY

The press conferences of the BIG 5 and host country today will also include a draw of their position in the final. They will draw to perform either to the first or second half of the final.

SWEDISH PRESS CONFERENCE
ALREADY DRAWN AS 16th IN THE FINAL
Robin Stjernberg is representing Sweden with the song “You“. 22 year old Robin Stjernberg has written Swedish television history twice. First in 2011, when he came second in the “Idol” final with the smallest of margin in the programmes history. Second time was in March 2013, when he was the first artist ever to win Melodifestivalen coming through “Second Chance”. Robin’s singing talent began when he was in Kindergarden where he liked to dress up in different outfits and entertain his friends. Growing up, his music idols were Stevie Wonder and Backstreet Boys. Meanwhile, back in Malmo and following on from the host country’s second dress rehearsal, Robin told us that he really stepped up his performance today, the lights were perfect and everything feels complete on stage. Only thing that may need to change is the angle of camera, he loves the clothes and he feels more complete, just like a “princess” .. he corrected this to “prince”.

Robin was asked about his impression of winning Melodifestivalen? Robin replied, I was the slow one, the reaction was delayed because of shock, he believes in the song and still has a feeling that he could win. Robin was in a band with Eric Saade called “What’s up”. What advice did Eric give him? .. Robin hasn’t seen Eric yet, but Eric did sent best wishes to Robin previously. Robin went on to tell us how he starts tour one day after Eurovision, and releases his album one month after this contest. From first semi final he has 5 favourites, but The Netherlands is his Number 1. Robin does not feel pressure being the host performer, he will make an impact in the arena, do his best and have fun. About the song “You” was written all about his family, he is thanking is parents for everything they have done for him over the years and the emotions they have gone through with Robin. Finally Robin will perform 16th out of 26 on Saturday, this was determined earlier in the year by SVT as the host nation. Good luck to Sweden in the final.

UK PRESS CONFERENCE
DRAWN IN THE SCOND HALF OF THE FINAL
Bonnie Tyler is representing the United Kingdom with the song “Believe In Me“. Bonnie was born into a musical family in Wales and has been performing since she was 17 years of age. She has had a long and successful career and has been blessed to work with some of the greatest writers, producers and musicians in popular music. Bonnie is probably best known for the classic Jim Steinman songs “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and “Holding Out for a Hero” and has had number one hits on both sides of the Atlantic. Bonnie has sold over 20 million records so far in her career.

Meanwhile, back in Malmo and following on from her second dress rehearsal, Bonnie told us that she preferred her first rehearsal to her second one .. But she likes it that way, because she will get it right on the night. The song title “Believe in me” was recorded in Nashville, Bonnie went to Desmond Child’ house for dinner .. Desmond gave her a list of songs on a CD and tasked which ones that she wanted to record .. The answer was one called “Stubborn” and one called “Believe in me”. “Believe in yourself and go for it as no one else will do it for you” .. This was her mother’s motto and Bonnie wears a ring to signify that her mother was here with her.

Bonnie thought the first semi final was frighteningly high standard and she wish she hadn’t seen it now … her favourites were Ireland, Denmark and Russia from last night. She was also asked about the Lithuanian song, she replied that he is a lovely man, but missed their performance. Nicki French and Bonnie Tyler both sang “Total Eclipse of the Heart”, both were Number one in the US .. Has Bonnie met Nicky? Bonnie replied, no we have never met, but they have spoken on phone and Nicky wishes her well. Bonnie was asked about an interview she did with a Swedish reporter .. She started to get a little emotional and said he was “nice” and then said that she wasn’t going for the sympathy vote with her tears, she wasn’t on X Factor! .. The crowd of press were laughing non stop. Releasing her new album “Rocks n Honey” this seemed a perfect time to enter Eurovision .. Finally Bonnie drew the “Second Half” from the ballot to perform on
Saturday. Good luck to the United Kingdom in the final.

ITALIAN PRESS CONFERENCE
DRAWN IN THE SCOND HALF OF THE FINAL
Marco Mengoni is representing Italy with the song “L’Essenziale” (The essential). Marco Mengoni became interested in music early on. While studying at the Institute of Design, he also attended a singing school. The teachers spotted his talent and persuaded him to take part in a vocal quintet. He began his solo career in 2004 and then started studying languages at the University of Rome, but also worked as a sound technician and got familiar with the world of recording studios. In December 2009 he won the third series of X factor and following his victory he participated in the 60th edition of the “Sanremo Music Festival” with the song “Credimi anchora” and finished 3rd. He went on to release his second album “Solo 2.0” and in February 2013 Marco won the 63rd Sanremo Musical Festival with “L’Essenziale”.

Meanwhile back in Malmo, the second dress rehearsal went well and Marco seems happy. He will only change his hair before Saturday. Marco started his career 8 years ago, but he finds press conferences the most nervous he can get and prefers to stay on stage. He tells us that he is shy and very young still. One of the journalists asked if Marco prefers the original time length of the song or the shortened version of 3 minutes for Eurovision. Marco’s answer was that he prefers the extended version because the song was born in this version, but they have no problem singing the shorter version. Who was Marco’s idols when he was growing up? The response was “every day was a learning day within his family and he has his parents to thank for allowing him to be influenced by many talented Italian artists“. Outside of Italy, the artists Billy Holliday, Michael Jackson & David Bowie feature highly in his mind. Marco was asked what his expectations were for entering Eurovision when the ratings in Italy are not so high? The answer “I hope I help my country embrace this event, we missed it for nearly 14 years, and that’s why it’s not popular in Italy, but other things are also going on in this time and you can’t think just about Eurovision.

Marco’s performance is simple on stage, there are no giants, no disco balls and no pyro’s .. does he think that his simple approach to his performance is enough to win Eurovision? The answer from Marco .. We want to keep with the meaning of the song which is about to the roots of simplicity and to make the music speak for itself. Marco also says that music does not need money it just needs air. The host asked Marco to sit back a little from his microphone .. He replied “you want to teach me how to use a microphone?” the press erupted into laughter. Finally Marco was presented with the last of the ballot papers to determine which half of the final he will perform. Marco revealed it will be in the “Second Half”.