By Viktar Korbut
The finals of EuroFest — the national selection round for the Eurovision Song Contest — are scheduled for January 31st. People’s Artiste of Belarus Alexander Tikhanovich, who heads the event, is convinced that, jointly with professionals, TV viewers will chose ‘the correct artiste’ to represent Belarus at Eurovision-2012 in Baku. He has every hope that they could return home victorious.
Recently, Eurovision-2009 winner Alexander Rybak, who was born in Belarus, came to Minsk from Oslo. The singer represented Norway in Europe’s most prestigious contest and came to advise his colleagues on how to sing to capture the hearts of the audience.
On January 31st, Belarus’ entrant will be announced from the final five (of over a hundred initially): Gunesh (singing And Morning Will Come); Alena Lanskaya (All My Life); Uzari (The Winner); Victoria Aleshko (Dream); and Litesound band (We Are Heroes). Interestingly, Gunesh and Litesound have applied before and Uzari attended Eurovision as a backing singer for Belarusian Anastasia Vinnikova in Germany last year.
Alexander Rybak saw success at Eurovision-2009 by charming the audience with his smile and openness. Among his first advice for the EuroFest participants is ‘to view the contest as a holiday’. “Don’t think of winning or losing, as few things in life go exactly to plan. Just prepare well for your performance, so you won’t feel nervous on the huge stage. I’ve seen this happen before. Your artistic team should act as friends, working together for a common goal: to bring victory to Belarus,” he asserts.
Alexander, whom would you choose for Baku from EuroFest?
I’m impressed by the level of preparation of all your ‘EuroFest’ participants. ‘We Are Heroes’ by ‘Litesound’ has a wonderful melody; I was even singing it in the bath. They have the most ‘Western’ tune, which sticks in the memory and would easily conquer people’s hearts in Denmark, Sweden and other European countries. I also love their show and think their English language knowledge is better than the other performers.
What about Gunesh? This is her fifth attempt at Eurovision…
Gunesh has the most beautiful smile in the world! Moreover, she is an Azerbaijani, who was born in Belarus. ‘Eurovision-2012’ will be hosted by Azerbaijan and her ‘And Morning Will Come’ is authored by Azerbaijani authors: composer Isa Melikov and poetess Zakhra Badalbeili. In 2011, Mr. Melikov produced ‘Eurovision’ contestant Nigar Jamal who, in a duo with Eldar Qasimov, was placed first in Dusseldorf. In turn, Ms. Badalbeili wrote a song for Elnur and Samir, who represented Azerbaijan in 2008, in Belgrade.
There are strong arguments in favour of Gunesh but her rivals are also worthy. Victoria Aleshko has the strongest voice of the finalists while Uzari has self-confidence and dynamic energy. Audiences always love to see such energy from an artiste. I love the fact that Belarusian pop singers are relaxed, yet also put on a real show, with a theme and dancers; in Norway, they tend to simply sing with a guitar.
The musician notes that he’s been touring a great deal in recent years, while working on some joint projects in Romania, Greece, Russia and Sweden. He’s been studying the national music of each country and is attending a conservatoire, studying the violin. In 2012, he plans to continue his musical projects.
Would you like to participate in and win Eurovision again?
I’ve conquered the peak of this contest, so am unlikely to become better known than I am now. However, I might write a song for a Belarusian participant.
Mr. Rybak agrees with Mr. Tikhanovich’s comment that ‘an artiste who is confident in their strength should travel to Baku’. Belarus’ selection for Eurovision includes no famous artistes; existing celebrities are taking part in the Golden Collection of Belarusian Songs concerts — organised countrywide and abroad, with participants performing 35 of the 20th century’s hits in Belarusian. The best songs from the last century have been chosen by a jury of experts from the Culture Ministry and by Stolichnoye TV.
Vladimir Karachevsky, the First Deputy Culture Minister, plans to release the 2012 concert programme on CD and DVD. Meanwhile, the Deputy General Director of Stolichnoye TV, who is also the project’s producer, proposes to launch another Golden Collection — comprising Belarusian songs performed in Russian (there are so many to choose from).
At Eurovision, Belarus will perform an English language song, as it’s vital for the audience to understand the words without a translation. Artistes believe that the ability to speak a common language with listeners is the key to success.
