Polish television decided that Monika Kuszynska will represent Poland with ballad “In the name of love” composed by her husband – Kuba Raczynski. “Through my artistic activity I’m trying to promote the idea to connect two different worlds, which seemed to be incompatible. The world of able-bodied and disabled people. The bridge of understanding between them is getting stronger and I believe that one day all the borders will disappear.” She said that this years slogan “Building Bridges” is suitable to her idea and was the inspiration to create “In the name of love” because in the name of love we can break all the barries. Monika wrote the lyrics to the English and Polish version. Song is called “Obudź się i żyj (Wake up and be alive)” in native language version and will be released on her upcoming second album but it was written especially for Eurovision 2015.
“Building Bridges is the slogan of this year’s Eurovision and Monika can express this idea not only through the music, because she is a great singer, but only through her life experience” – Juliusz Braun, TVP’s director said after “Swiat sie kreci” live show where Monika’s entry was presented for the very first time. “After the dramatic accident she was able to be active on music stage again, but she also decided to get involved in social activities“. He said also Monika is an example to show that even if you cannot stand up in the literal meaning, you can still raise up, reach the top and help other people. Braun reminds the Opole Festival three years ago when Monika received the standing ovation, what means that people like her.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDmhYaaCgzQ
Monika Kuszynska was a lead singer of popular Polish band Varius Manx and she participated in Polish National Final 2003 with country song “Sunny” but didn’t reach the top3. She recorded four albums with this band but in 2006 she had the tragic car accident and became partly paralyzed and has to use the wheelchair. After few years of intensive rehabilitation she was able to go back to her musical activities. Her first solo album “Ocalona (Saved)” was released in 2012 and one year later she received the Cross of Merit (Polish civil state award) from the Polish President hands because of her charity and artistic activities. Her second album promoted by “In the name of love” and “Obudz sie i zyj” will be released in Autumn 2015.
Polish entry was presented during “Swiat sie kreci” live show hosted by Agata Mlynarska. Donatan & Cleo (last year’s entry), Artur Orzech (current Polish commentator), Ryszard Rembaszewski (previous Polish commentator), Marek Sierocki, Halina Frackowiak (famous Polish singer) and Mikolaj Dobrowolski (Polish Head of Delegation) spoke about the history of Eurovision and Polish participation. Of course the famous Eurovision songs were presented, i.e. “Waterloo”, “Volare” or “Hard Rock Hallelujah” as well as most memorable Polish entries – “To nie ja”, “Keine Grenzen” or “My Slowianie”. Donatan said he was impressed by the whole production of Eurovision and he recommends everyone to be a part of this contest. Cleo added that the viewers watched only semifinals and the final, but the whole Eurovision is much more and it’s very intensive but it was worth to take part in the competition.
For the first time Polish broadcaster decided to present national Eurovision entry in that official way. During the show Agata gave some tips about the person who will represent Poland. First she said it will be female singer which sings pop music. Jas Mela (disabled traveler and former participant of “Dancing with the Stars”) as well as famous singer and social activist Anna Dymna share their thoughts about Monika though the video messages to help viewers guess who will sing for Poland in Vienna. After the show a lot of journalists and photographers wanted to speak with the singer which means Eurovision received enormous attention from the local mass-media. Eurovision decision was the main topic of the most viewed news program of TVP1 – “Wiadomosci” and of course the other media. Tomorrow the story will be presented in morning show of TVP2 “Question for breakfest”.
Monika Kuszynska will be the first wheelchair user ever to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest. She will sing her ballad “In the name of love” in the second part of second semifinal in Vienna. Her goal is to reach the audience’s hearts but she said if she win, she will be more than happy. She also admit that she wasn’t sure if she should take part in Eurovision because she prefer to play small, intimate concerts, but thank to Mikolaj Dobrowolski (Polish HoD) she decided to accept the invitation and hopes she will represent Poland in the best way.
You can watch “Swiat sie kreci” once again here.
