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ManuElla: “Misija Evrovizija gave me a lot of memories!”

By Jan Vehar Last updated Jan 18, 2016

We’re continuing with the EMA 2016 interviews, and next up is ManuElla. ManuElla is well-known among Eurovision fans – she took part in Slovenian national final in 2012 – Misija Evrovizija, where she was a semifinalist. This year she’s back on track. Here’s what ManuElla told us about her song, and her Misija Evrovizija experience.

Firstly, congratulations for qualifying for EMA 2016! How did you decide to enter the contest this year?

Thank you for your kind words. I always wanted to be the one who will take the responsibility to present my lovely country Slovenia in front of the whole of Europe. I really hope that I get that opportunity!

Apart from EMA, what would you say is your biggest achievement in your music career so far?

As far as I remember I have always been a singer and I’ve always tried to make a successful career from it. As a teenager I participated a National TV talent show called Spet doma. Then I tried at German Das Supertalent and was among the top 100 best talents of Germany. Again, in the same year I entered the National TV’s show Misija Evrovizija, where I became a semi-finalist. Later on, I also participated at Slovenska popevka, which is the oldest music festival in Slovenia. I am really proud of all my achievements in my career so far.

You have so much experience! As you said before – this is not your first EMA – Eurovision experience – we do remember you from Misija Evrovizija! How was that experience?

Misija Evrovizija gave me a lot of good memories… It’s easier for me now to be more comfortable in front of TV cameras, which was, like the whole show, a great experience.

EMA is already a festival tradition in Slovenia, have you been following it in the past years and if so, do you have an all-time favourite song?

Oh yes, of course, first EMA then EUROVISION! My all-time EMA favorite song … In this moment I just started to sing “Prisluhni mi” from Darja Švajger, so this, for me, is definitely one of the most beautiful songs in the history of EMA.

Let’s talk more about your song. What’s the main message of it, and what type of a song can we expect from you?

My song is called “Blue and Red” and it is about the good and bad feelings in relationships. The main message of it is that all that matters is that you find yourself and learn to love yourself. That’s somehow the whole point of our lives, I think.

Can you tell us something more about the team behind this song?

I am very proud of my whole team. They are all professionals at what they do. The song was written by my boyfriend Marjan Hvala and myself. The lyrics are from the Slovenian poet Leon Oblak. Some excellent musicians have helped to record it and we wrapped it all up in one of the best studios in Slovenia – Studio Marsh.

Do you already have some stage plans? How is everything going to look like on the night of EMA?

If I tell you everything now, then there won’t be any surprises and excitement left for you to see! Yes of course, we’ve finished most of the stage and performance planning, the rest are just details. You just have to watch EMA 2016!

What would winning EMA and representing Slovenia in Eurovision mean to you?

Winning EMA and representing Slovenia would be a huge honor but also a big responsibility. But I am pretty sure I can handle it well, because I love this job.

What about your passion to Eurovision? Do you usually follow the contest, and if so, do you have a favorite Eurovision song?

Yes of course, I’ve always been a big fan of Eurovision. When I was just a little girl I stood in front of TV, put some sheets on, as a beautiful dress and I pretended I was there, on the stage… (I still do that, ha ha ha). Songs that I especially remember are: Fly On The Wings Of Love – Olsen Brothers (2001 ESC Denmark), Euphoria – Loreen (2012 ESC Sweden), Calm After The Storm – Common Linnets (2014 ESC The Netherlands), Take Me To Your Heaven – Charlotte Nilsson (1999 ESC Sweden), A Million Voices – Polina Gagarina (2015 ESC Russia) and many more.

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Positive, faith, musicality.

What do you usually do when you are not singing?

When I’m not singing, I definitely do not leave music behind. I always listen to it, because it always gets me in a good mood. I also love learning and playing the guitar, and I love composing new songs for my upcoming album. But sometimes I get the urge for another type of art and I start drawing on canvas a little.

And finally, do you have a message for all of the readers of ESCBubble, who will support you in EMA?

My dear Eurovision fans! As we just entered New Year, let us all make this one full of love and good music! I hope that you will love my song for EMA, “Blue and Red”! If you want to, you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram and on my official webpage!

ESCBubble would like to thanks ManuElla for taking her time for us and at the same time we would like to invite you all to watch EMA live on the February 27th, at the Channel 1 of RTV Slovenija.

ManuElla: “Misija Evrovizija gave me a lot of memories!”

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