Why have you decided to take part in Milli seçim turu?

I want to try my best and achieve the best results.

During the show you performed “Hold On Be Strong”, Norwegian entry 2008. Was it your personal decision? Which Eurovision song is your favorite?

I chose “Hold on, be Strong” and it was my own choice, because I love this song so much, so I felt I had to sing it. Oh, I have so many favorite Eurovision songs, because I’m the biggest Eurovision fan, so it’s so hard to pick one song.

How was your reaction for the results of 3rd heat, which you won?

Well I was glad for sure, because I won my week and became a semifinalist, but I really felt sad too, because I got used to the talented guys I was surrounded with, so I was kinda sad and glad at the same time. I won my week, so I’ll perform at semifinal where the 5 finalists will be chosen and I hope to be one of them.

If you become be the Azeri representative at Eurovision 2013, which song you would like to sing during the competition in Malmo? Which language would you like to use – English or Azeri, and why?

I think there are so many amazing music genres, so I’d pick something catchy, but impressive on the other hand, something strong, but still memorable. I can sing in English or choose Azeri-English song by using both languages so people can hear my native language too.

What do you think about Eurovision? Have you watched Eurovision in Crystal Hall? Who was your favorite and which Azeri Eurovision song you like the most?

As I have mentioned before I’m the biggest fan of Eurovision Song Contest. Oh yes, I watched Eurovision in Crystal Hall and it was just amazing, I enjoyed the show so much! There were so many catchy and cool songs, so it’s actually hard for me to pick the only one. Rona Nishliu-Suus was my favourite, it impressed me and touched my heart so much. The same with Azeri Eurovision songs, it’s hard to choose one, but my most favourite is our first entry- Elnur and Samir-Day After Day in 2008.

Unfortunately Poland will not take part in Eurovision 2013, but Polish fans are still very interested about this contest. Do you know any Polish singers or songs? What do you know about this country?

Oh yes, that’s sad, I hope to see Poland in Eurovision Song Contest next year. I watch Viva Polska, so I see so many talented singers. I like Ania and Ewa Farna, they are so talented. I haven’t been to Poland yet, but I definitely plan and want it very much! Warsaw is so beautiful and unique. So I’m willing to visit Poland soon.

Do you have any special message for Polish Eurovision fans?

Yes, I do. Watch Eurovision, appreciate good music, vote for worthy songs and singers and enjoy every moment of your life. I hope to visit Poland soon. Thank you so much for your wonderful interview, I enjoyed it so much!

Can you introduce yourself to European fans of Eurovision? What’s the most interesting fact about you and your music career?

My name is Kallay Saunders, I am a singer, producer, songwriter from Hungary. Representing Hungary in the Eurovision Song Contest has always been a huge dream of mine, hopefully this will be my year. I believe everything happens for a reason. Who ever thought a visit to my grandmother would change my life. I remember when i was sitting on the couch watching tv and i came across a commercial for Megasztar. I decided to give it a shot and before I knew I was loved by an entire country and my dreams came true

We know you from the last year’s “A Dal” when you participated with “I love you” and finished 5th in the semifinal. How was your experience in this contest and how did you react for the results?

Unfortunately I had technical issues and should have stopped the performance and said something. This time I promise not to disappoint my fans. None the less I Love you became a smash hit and I could not be happier. I feel Compact Disco did a great job in Baku, everyone was very proud of them.

This year you’ll be not allowed to sing in English during “A Dal”. You shared already English version of “My Baby”. When will you release Hungarian version of that song?

It will be out on time for the Live show.

How do you feel before your second participation in “A Dal”?

I’m very excited, I cant wait to give the people a good show.

Can you name yourself “Eurovision fan”? Do you know any Eurovision songs from Hungary and Europe?

I have always been a fan of Eurovision and looking at this years contestants, the competition is very strong. Loreen was my big favorite last year.

Unfortunately Poland will not participate at Eurovision 2013, but Polish fans are still interested in that contest. Do you know any Polish singer or songs? What do you know about this country?

Honestly I am not familiar with Polish artists, but I did check out a few and I must say there is a lot of talent out there. My roommate in college was Polish and whenever his grandmother came to visit us, she brought kabanos for us. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.

Many Polish readers of Eurowizja.org will watch “A dal” at MTV webcast. How can you invite them to support your song?

My song MY BABY is available on Youtube. If you are tunning in to the show, I promise to give you a reason to vote for me, if I get to represent Hungary. I hope you guys like my song, and thank you for all your support.

Only two days after official announcement and one day before New Year’s Eve, Vlatko Lozanovski, new Macedonian hope, found the time to answer for our questions. Enjoy the very first interview with Lozano, who will represent Macedonia in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest together with legendary Esma Redzepova. Polish version available HERE.

How did you react for the news, that you will represent Macedonia together with Esma Redzepova at the Eurovision Song Contest 2013?
I was proud and happy that I was chosen to represent Macedonia in duo with such a experienced singer as Esma Redzepova. I’m still full of emotions. Esma has been singing for 55 years already, so I consider this project as a new adventure and big experience.

How will you choose the Eurovision entry? What kind of song would you like to sing? Eurovision fans know your songs from national selections: “Blisku do mene” (2009) and “Letam kon tebe” (2010). If you had to choose, which one would you present on the Eurovision stage?
The song will be ready till the February 2013. The most important thing is to have a good and catchy song with nice lyrics and chances to become evergreen. If I had had to choose one of these two songs, I think I would have chosen “Blisku do mene”, but of course it was long time ago and probably now I would think about it in a different way.

Do you sing in English? In which language would you like to sing your Eurovision song?
I have one song in English. It’s called “Breathe in love” and it’s realased on my second album “Preku sedum morinja”. About Eurovision song – don’t know anything about that so far. We have to wait until it is done.

Do you watch the Eurovision Song Contest? Do you have your favorite artists from Macedonia, Balkans and rest of Europe?
Yes, I watch Eurovision and I had some favourite entries from previous years, following, Tose Proeski, Kaliopi and Karolina Goceva from Macedonia. Zeljko Joksimovic, Marija Serifovic, Hari Mata Hari, Danijela, Maja Keuc from ex-Yu countries. Hadise, Athena, Johnny Logan, Celine Dion and Dima Bilan from Europe.

What do you expect from the participation at Eurovision?
The higher result, the better for us. Together we will do our best, but it doesn’t depend only on us, but also on different factors. But maybe Eurovision became breakthrough for my career. I hope European audience will vote for us.

Do you think Macedonia could be a good host for the Eurovision Song Contest?
When the moment comes, Macedonia will be ready, for sure! You have to know, that Macedonia will be the most hospitable country ever.

Have you ever been to Poland? Do you know any Polish singer?
I was in Rzeszow in 2012, where I took part in Carpathia Festival. I met many new friends there. And I know Ewa Farna.

Would you like to say something to Eurovision fans?
I hope you will like our song and we will receive many points from the whole Europe. I wish you all Happy New Year.

Why have you decided to take part in Lithuanian National Final for Eurovision 2013?

I’m a singer and songwriter…I think that I didn’t decide that, it was on my way. This year I released my first album called “Astuoni” and I wanted to share my music at the Eurovision Song Contest.

How was your reaction for the results of Lithuanian quarterfinal, when audience and jury decided to qualify your song to the semifinals?

I’m happy about the decision of jury and audience. The semifinals will be one more occasion to show my music and to share it with people. That’s such a great feeling and I’m excited to be on this stage.

Are you following other parts of 2013 selections?

Now I’m following Lithuanian contest but the road to Malmö is still long.

Can you tell us more about the idea of stage presentation and about your song “Something”? Do you think “Something” will be something good for Lithuania at the Eurovision? 

I guess stage presentation is still to be considered. There is no hidden message in that song, it’s just the way to show the duality of life. Something is…something beautiful and right!

What do you know about Eurovision? Do you like this contest?

Well, this song contest has a history and tradition and I believe that next year will be succesfull for Lithuania. I’m just trying to look forward.

Unfortunately Poland will not take part in next year’s contest. Do you think it’s important for all European countries to bo a part of this show? Do you know any Polish musicans or singers? 

I believe that music is an instrument which can unify people from all over the Europe, so every country should have the opportunity to present their music. I had great feelings listening to old vinil “Magic Moments” by John Porter. I really enjoy his music even if I know that he is not born in Poland.

National broadcaster of Poland – Telewizja Polska S.A. decided not to participate in Eurovision Song Contest which will take place in Malmö, Sweden in May 2013. We have been waiting for the official decision for a while as it was promised to be made till the end of October 2012. Unfortunately, it has been decided that Poland will not take part in the contest for a second year in a row.

As it was explained by the spokesperson of TVP – Joanna Stempień-Rogalińska – the official decision has been made after much of consideration, though she did not state the exact reason for withdrawal. - After detailed analysis of pros and cons of participation, management of TVP decided that Telewizja Polska S.A. will not take part in Eurovision Song Contest next year. We have already informed the organisers about this fact. – said Rogalińska in an official statement.

She also added that Eurovision Song Contest will not be broadcasted by any of TVP channels – which is nothing new to Eurovision fans in Poland, as it was the same this year when we had no Polish representative in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Explanation is unfortunately quite unclear, as we don’t know what pros and cons have been analysed and which one of them was decisive about the resignation. We are aware of the fact that it would be very hard for TVP to find money for the participation fee, but Polish television is not the only one in Europe struck by debt and in need of financial cuts. Some other broadcasters have equal or even bigger problems. In this case they are trying to find other solutions – such as sponsors, who could add some money for the fee.

We are also very surprised that Polish TV did not see the potential that Eurovision gives to the participants right now. For the past three years Eurovision Song Contest’s winning songs were promoted on the radio and TV stations in Poland. Both Lena with “Satellite” and Loreen with “Euphoria” were huge hits in Polish media. This year, even though Poland did not participate, Eurovision has been widely available in news and media. All of these only confirms that Eurovision can be popular in Poland and it is not “below standards” – as TVP stated a while ago.

Our absence in Eurovision 2013 has not been left without any comment. Jarosław Burdek, who was leading the entertainment section of TVP2 channel in the past, commented on this issue for wirtualnemedia.pl – one of the leading media portals in Poland. – Eurovision Song Contest, doesn’t matter how is the artistic quality of it, is a long-lasting tradition for Europe and also a huge occasion for promoting Polish music. Format of the contest is definitely timeless, as it generates plenty of emotion, so the decision about participation should be quite obvious – he said.

Burdek, who worked for TVP while our country won Eurovision Dance Contest in 2008, also added: - It really doesn’t need a lot. What is enough, is to gather a group of people whose primary goal is a good result. After that – they need to work according to their plan to achieve some success. It was exactly like this while Poland succeeded in Eurovision Dance Contest – we got 4th place in 2007 and we won in 2008 with Edyta Herbuś & Marcin Mroczek. Artur Orzech who commented the contest back then, did not have to explain anything, show was amazing and also a record number of people watched it.

Our last participation was in 2011, when Magdalena Tul sang “Jestem” (“I am”) in Düsseldorf. She finished last in her semi final, but she still wanted to participate in Eurovision Song Contest 2013 – by submitting her entry to the selection of Switzerland.

Even though the chances of it are close to none – we are still hoping that TVP would change their mind about participation in Sweden. We will surely keep you updated on this issue.

51st Festivali i Kenges, Albanian national final 2013 will start in December and 25 candidates will fight for the right to represent Albania in Malmoe next year. Eurowizja.org had the big pleasure to speak with one of them – young singer Elis Nova who became famous after participation in “The Voice of Albania”.

At the 51st Festivali i Kenges it will be your first time on that stage. How do feel before your debut? What does the festival mean to you?

It’s true. This will be my first time as a participant at “Festivali i Këngës” and I already have the chills. It’s a real honor to be a part of such a big event in Albania. The festival has been a crucial part of Albania’s musical history throughout the years and the idea of me being a part of it fills me with joy.

Which song did you prepare for FiK? Who was the composer, what kind of music it will be? Why have you decided to take part in the festival?

This particular song is a song that I recently finished writing, both the music and the lyrics, and I started recording at a studio here in Albania. The studio belongs to a friend of mine, Endrit Shani, a famous guitarist and composer in the country. The song, thankfully, came out as I wanted it to be, with the british solo guitar and elements of Pop-Rock and Alternative rock. The reason why I wanted be a part of “Festivali i Këngës” is because of the reputation and the history of this event. I also believe that the stage of this event will help me achieve much more musical experience, since we are working with a professional staff and professional directors, and also since I am a “newcomer” to the music world in my country.

What’s more important for you, to win the Festivali I Kenges or to be the new Albanian entry at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013?

I believe what really matters is to have the “guts” to push yourself to new limits, meaning, what really matters to me right now is that I have been accepted to be a part of “Festivali i Këngës”. About a week ago, before I recieved the good news that I was accepted, even the word Festivali weighed alot on my shoulders, let alone Eurovision. Maybe in a couple of weeks or months I will think different.

What do you know about Eurovision? Do you like this contest? Any favorite songs, artists from Albania or other countries? What do you think about this year’s “Suus” by Rona Nishliu?

The first time I got to watch the Eurovision song contest was when Albania first took part with the participation of Anjeza Shahini back in 2004, I was 13 back then. Luckily, that year, I had the chance to see Eurovision live since at that time I was living in Turkey. I have watched every single contest ever since. Through the years I have had favorite artists like Athena, Alexander Rybak, Lena, Tom Dice and many others including Albanian representatives. I really loved Rona‘s appearance in the 2012 Eurovision song contest since she came up with a song that came from the depth of her soul. I believe the song is a masterpiece of it’s kind. It’s like she “threw up” tons of pain and anger and made the public “feel” what she was going through. I had the chance to briefly meet Rona during a festival I took part in during the summer called “Hit Fest” and she gave me the impression of a passionate and positive person.

If you win the right to represent Albania, will you sing in the native language or in English?

It’s a hard question and I will tell you why! I have lived almost all my life outside the walls of Albania. I have lived in Romania, Serbia, Turkey and Hungary. However, at home, I have always spoken Albanian. My parents wanted me to preserve our native language, which I believe is really smart. It’s a matter I will have to decide later on.

You were one of the candidates in “The Voice of Albania”. Have this reality show helped you to improve your music career in Albania? Do you think that people from this kind of competition have chance to become popular singers in Albania?

Yes I participated in the first season of “The Voice of Albania” and made it till the quarter-finals. It really helped me notice that I could push my limits further and further if I had the will to do so. It was a one of a kind emotional experience and it led to the opening of many doors that I believe had been locked for a purpose. If somebody has the good will to move on and make music, it doesn’t really matter which competition they took part in, where they come from, how old they are etc., what really matters and what I believe that matters is only good will.

Tell us something about your future plans? Any new songs, new festivals, concerts, album?

I am actually about to release my first music video. I am so excited because it’s a first “baby step”. The song is called “Koha e Artë”, which means “Golden Age”, it’s a full work and credit of songwriter Alban Skenderaj. I am also currently working on my own songs which maybe will lead to an album in the near future.

What do you know about Poland? Have you ever heard any Polish music? What do Albanians know about Poland? Did you know that Alban Skenderaj had taken part in a Polish festival this year, namely “Sopot Festival”?

Luckily, I have had a lot of friends from Poland and I know a few things about the country. There was a time in my life when I was obsessed with Polish music and I would always turn the channel to VIVA Polska and I would listen to Polish rap and some good rock music. One day I would love to pay a visit since I believe the country has managed to preserve its culture magnificently even though it was greatly affected by WWII. It’s a coincidence because for instance my grandfather speaks fluent Polish. He finished a part of his studies in Poland and talks to me about the country very often, maybe because of sweet nostalgia! I believe that even though wars make enemies, in a way they also create new relationships. Albanians know a lot about Poland, especially the elder generations. Concerning the participation of Alban at Sopot Festival, I am sure almost everyone in the country knows about it since it was all over the media. He is a really nice guy and an amazing friend. As I mentioned earlier, he’s the mastermind behind the song “Koha e Artë” and I would really like to thank him as he is a musical genius.

As the secretary of OGAE Poland informed, the official correspondence was addressed to Mr Piotr Radziszewski – the president of TVP1 channel, but it was also sent in attention of Ministry of Culture, the National Broadcasting Council (in Polish Krajowa Rada Radiofonii i Telewizji), the president of TVP SA and the Program Council of TVP. Below, you can read the content of the letter:

Concerned about the active participation of Telewizja Polska in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest 2013 that will be organised by our neighbours, Sweden, we are sending the following letter in which we include arguments for a comeback of a Polish song to the biggest European music event.

Unfortunately, Poland did not take part in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. Because of this, viewers in Poland were unable to take part (neither passively nor actively – by voting) in this music event organised by the European Broadcasting Union for public broadcasters. It has happened for the first time in many decades.

Telewizja Polska stated that the absence was connected to the involvement in the European Football Championships 2012 Project in Poland and Ukraine and Olympic Games 2012. Such information was published in January 2012 in official press information of the European Broadcasting Union and was repeated in May during a press conference of the national broadcasters in the host city of Eurovision 2012 – Baku. While the event was being broadcast, many commentators of this year’s contest told their viewers that this was the official reason for the withdrawal of Poland, adding that next year Europe would probably hear a Polish song on the Eurovision stage, because in 2013 Poland would not host any European Championships in Football.

As we know, our sportsmen do not have a lot of great success in international events. Still, no one even thinks about resigning from any kind of European/World Championships or Olympic Games. Eurovision Song Contest is in many cases referred to as the Musical Olympics of Europe – and because of this we think that we cannot stay out of it.

In 2012 fans of sports experienced a lot of emotions while they could watch multi-hour broadcasts of EURO 2012 or Olympic Games in London. However we must notice that viewers of TVP are not only sport fans. They are also fans of music and entertainment events. They do not criticize broadcasting of sport event, but also want to see programs that are fulfilling their needs. Many of them refer to Eurovision Song Contest, which has rich history and is an important event for the whole continent.

We think that Poland, a member of the European Union and a country of a population of 40 million, whose citizens left their marks on the cards of history (also the musical one), cannot just resign from participating in this event, which is popular worldwide. Eurovision is a TV-project watched by over 100 million of people worldwide. Almost every country on our continent celebrates, shows and makes viewers familiar with their national artists, and a big country lying in the centre of Europe is an exception. A country that is a home of many great artists and amazing culture that we should popularize in Europe. The Eurovision Song Contest is a great occasion for presenting our composers, authors of lyrics, singers and groups. It is also an excellent way of promoting our country as a whole.

Taking part in Eurovision Song Contest, that in the past was an unattainable goal for Poland, today is a privilege of a sovereign nation of Poland that has its own music, culture and tradition. It is a privilege we should all use to present ourselves in a better way.

The Eurovision Song Contest is a phenomenal TV-product, which constantly changes and updates itself to meet current standards in popular music. The winner of this year’s contest, the Swedish singer Loreen, won the national final of Swedish public broadcaster, SVT. She received over 160 000 votes, leaving other rivals far behind. In the final in Baku she was also a clear winner. With 372 points she got the Grand Prix of the contest. A total of 18 countries gave her the maximum note – twelve points. “Euphoria” received also two special prizes: the awards of composers and commentators.

Europe caught the mentioned euphoria very fast. In just few months, Loreen’s Eurovision song has become a big hit promoted by almost every single radio and TV station. The Swedish singer has visited many countries and performed for millions of viewers worldwide. The song has rapidly climbed to the top of the music charts, including Poland (for example: in Radio ZET and RMF FM) and the United Kingdom, where she reached 3^rd place in national charts (it is the highest position in official charts reached by a Eurovision representative from outside United Kingdom since Johny Loggan’s entry in 1987). This year Eurovision Song Contest has shown the potential that can be used not only by artists and authors but also by the national broadcasters in Europe, which take part in it.

The problem of finding certain amount of funds for participation, comparing to the amount of funds that are used for sport in TVP, is actually not a problem. It is rather an act of a good will and an understanding of the arguments of Polish fans of Eurovision.

OGAE Poland, being a member of the international organisation of Eurovision Song Contest fans in the whole world, offers their knowledge and help in choosing a Polish song or in preparations for Eurovision 2013 which, what we should not forget, is organised by the country with which Poland shares a maritime border.

With this letter we want to ask for making a fast decision about a comeback of TVP and Poland to the Eurovision Song Contest and starting preparations desired to choose a good Polish representative, who will sing for the whole Poland in Swedish Malmö in May 2013.

We would like to remind that TVP informed about resignation from participating in Eurovision 2012 in December 2011. The initial information, which we have got from spokesman of TVP, suggested that the decision would be made by the end of October this year, but right now we know that this information was not real. Eurowizja.org’s editorial office hopes that very soon, as the first ones, we would bring you information that Poland is back to Eurovision 2013.

One of the important premises of the show is the quality of the singing talent. Four coaches, themselves popular performing artists, train the talents in their group and occasionally perform with them. Talents are selected in blind auditions, where the coaches cannot see, but only hear the auditioner.

Russian jury consist of Alexander Gradsky -  a Russian rock singer and composer, Leonid Agutin – a Russian pop musician and poet, Pelageya – a Russian folk-rock singer and Dima Bilan – famous Russian pop singer, who won Eurovision Song Contest in 2008.

Auditions are aired every Friday at 9.30 p.m (Moscow time). Previous episodes in Russian are available there: audition 1, audition 2. Eurowizja.org will be writing about it every weekend. Stay tuned!

Trainers of the Voice of Russia with The Beatles’ song Let it be – WATCH IT NOW!

A week ago national broadcaster of Switzerland has finished accepting the entries and removed songs that that did not comply with rules. The rest of them have been selected for public vote. One of these is an entry by last representative of Poland in the contest – Magdalena Tul - who tries her luck with a pop-rock song called Give it up. If you like it, and want Magdalena to be back on Eurovision stage in Sweden, you can cast your vote at Swiss TV’s website HERE.

Speaking with one of our editiors last week, Magdalena said she has been invited by national tv broadcaster of Switzerland to submit her song. We wish a lot of luck to her, especially when there is still no decision from Polish national broadcaster about participation in Eurovision Song Contest next year. Magdalena herself also confirmed she doesn’t have any information about it yet.