День четвертый. Day four.

Esther Hart (Netherlands) press-conference

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The moderator of the press conference Rolands Udris wanted to know if the Netherlands singer had met musicians from the other countries and if her impression about them hadn’t changed. To this question Esther Hart responded the following: “ I have met musicians from other countries in the Eurovision’s official bar “ Voodoo”. Unfortunately I will have to upset you, but my impression about them hasn’t changed at all. They all are very nice people!”
This week will be released a new CD by the singer Esther Hart. “ I personally haven’t seen this CD yet, but my family called me and informed that they had already bought one. Obviously it could have been the very first copy,” told the Netherlands singer. The songs in this CD are all new and original, besides Esther Hart had taken part in the process of composing 5 of these songs.
Journalists were interested if there would be any essential changes in Esther Hart’s performance on Saturday night Eurovision Final concert. The singer admitted that the only possible change could be that she might feel more nervous than now.

Jemini (UK) chat

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Jemini (UK) press-conference

Gemma told the journalists about the origin of the duo’s name “Jemini”. The author of the name is Chris – “Gem and I”.
Chris pointed out that the Eurovision Song Contest is a special event in the UK, which draws quite a big attention of the public. The Eurovision Song Contest diverts UK’s people attention from their own home events. As Chris admitted: “ For Eurovision are coming together all European countries – it’s like Olympics.
At the end of the press conference Chris frankly said: “ It would be smashing to win at the Eurovision Song Contest.”

Oleksandr (Ukraine) press-conference

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Mando (Greece) press-conference

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Today, the guitarist and the producer Johnny Jam joined the delegation at the press conference. When introducing him, the head of delegation Sinia Koussoula told he is a well-known Danish producer, living in L.A. He has produced the Greek entry and  he has been producer of Aqua’s first album as well. He has also worked with Ace of Bace and Celin Dion.
In Greece, Mando’s song is played in Greek as well, and the singer is convinced that her performance at the ESC will be viewed by almost all Greek population.

Jostein Hasselgard (Norway) press-conference

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Like most of the ESC participants, Jostein Hasselgard is satisfied with the stage and professionalism of the crew. He is looking forward to the final concert. “I am not worried at the moment, but I am not sure about later,” he told. Jostein is pleased of the fact that he will be able to play the piano during his performance: “I am glad that I won’t have to stay on the stage and gesticulate. I’d rather sit by the piano’’, said the performer of the song “I’m not afraid to move on”.
Jostein Hasselgard’s backing vocalists are experienced participants of the ESCs. For some of them, it will be the 5^th time at the ESC. In Norway they all perform as independent artists.
A journalist from the UK told Jostein that he looks better when he smiles. Josten admitted he is not smiling type of person and it would even look stupid to smile while performing “I’m not afraid to move on”. “It is a song about doubts. When on the stage, I try to imagine the girl I am singing about,” he explained. 
In Norway, Jostein Hasselgard works also as a teacher at the kindergarten and was asked by several journalists about the children’s reaction on his achievements at the ESC in Norway. Jostein replied: “There is a Eurovision contest for juniors in Norway, and children usually think that is the contest I won. They cannot believe I am old enough to participate in adult’s Eurovision contest.” They have sometimes sung his song “I’m not afraid to move on” in the kindergarten. Now there is a bunch of kids singing about uncertainty of love.
Jostein Hasselgard hasn’t made friends with other musicians here. “I am trying not to socialize too much. I believe it is better to have fewer but real friends rather that more but not real ones,“ he explained. Yet, he has made contact with Latvian trio F.L.Y.

Louisa (France) press-conference

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Louisa’s first question to the journalists was:” Have you seen the rehearsal? I think it was great. ” She told she loves the costume that is chosen for her performance. It is red and really becomes her, and the colour is very suitable for TV.
Louisa told she is going to be accompanied by drums and the guitar because she likes it when there are several people on the stage. “It’s warmer that way!” she said.
Louisa surprised the journalists by singing with the accompaniment of drums and the guitar. She sung also French entries from previous years. When asked if she wouldn’t like to sing in English, as last years’ winning songs have been performed in English, she replied with confidence: “No, I will sing in French.”
Some British journalists commented that France has had many interesting songs at the ESC in the last few years, but they never won the 1^st place. This song, as Louisa explained, has been written especially for her, not for the Eurovision. When writing the song  “Monts et merveilles/ The moon and the stars”, the authors were not thinking about the contest, but rather about the feelings this song brings about.

Louisa (France) chat

Ich Troje (Poland) press-conference

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Michal Wisniewski , the leader of the group “ Ich troje” started the press conference with estimation of his performance: “ It’s a good performance for the 25 th place . But we can do better.”
“ The song is special for Europe” -  Michal is answering to Karlis Streips question. What is the main message of the song? The singer is telling that their songs very often are about the war, occupation and the European Union. The main message of the song “ No Borders” ( Zadnych granic) is desire to live in the united union where are no border divisions, no historical hostility.
On July 7, the Polish nation is going to vote for joining the European Union, therefore Michal wants to promote positive notion about the united Europe. It’s important to forget hostility.” We were occupied by Germans. We were occupied by Russians. On return we occupied Lithuania and Ukrain. And the main message of this song is: “ We have forgiven and we beg to forgive us.”
“Our main ambition at the Eurovision Song Contest is not to move up the ladders. There are sold more than 7 million albums with our songs in Poland. We want to get across our important message with this song,” says Michal. “ I feel excellent on this stage, in this country. It’s a wonderful feeling to sing the song in three languages. One must be on stage to indulge in feelings that I enjoy myself,” thus the singer characterized his emotions.
The singer’s performance and clothing style is called weird in Poland, but Michal doesn ‘t agree with it. “ The dove that is resembled on my clothes is a symbol of freedom and peace. Freedom is a simple word, but nevertheless it is important. This dove symbolizes my message: “ No borders, no war!””
One journalist from Israel appreciated Michal’s estimation of war, peace and holocaust. But doesn’t it bother the singer that part of his song won’t be understood. In his answer Michal pointed out that the song’s message is very simple: “ We are different people, but we have to join hands and say….” Salom!” - finished the Jewish journalist.” Salom, yes, it means peace.” There burst out applauses from the participants of the conference.

Ich Troje (Poland) chat