Everyone knows Valentina Monetta as she will represent her country – San Marino – for the fourth time in six years! But this time she is not alone as she will take part as a duo with American-born singer Jimmie Wilson! Let’s find out who is Valentina’s partner in crime! Jimmie talked to ESCbubble about his live, career and Eurovision adventure.
Jimmie was born in Detroit, Michigan, U.S. where he studied acting in Hollywood and then performed in musical “Sisterella” produced by Michael Jackson. “I was born in Detroit , Michaigan. A city that’s famous for automotives, but also for music. Artsit like Stevie Wonder, Areatha Franklin, Diana Ross, Eminem and many other famous artist come from Detroit or either started their career in Detroit. Even Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5 started their career in Detroit on the Record label MOTOWN. Those are my roots.” Singer is now living in Germany where he felt in love with Eurovision!
I call Germany my home. Since living here, I of course became a fan of ESC. It’s like tradition here. I love it.
Polish adventure
Even if he didn’t have any connections with Poland, he decided to take part in Polish talent-show “Must be the Music” twice! First in 2012 and then in 2015 – he qualified to the semifinals in both occasions. “I first went to Polannd to perform on the casting show ‘Must Be The Music3’ It was a spontaneous idea to go there. I always say ‘the world is a big place, you never know where you find happiness or success’ So taking chances are important. The first time I performed on MBTM it was a great experience and I really liked the Polish people. Which is why I wanted to try again in 2015. But, that time I wanted to sing songs that I wrote. So I performed So Damn Beautiful and The color Red. Both times i made it to the semi-finals. I still come to Poland for special events. I love it”
Time for Eurovision!
After U.S., Germany and Poland he will be now connected with San Marino as the new entrant for Eurovision. I feel great about participating for San Marino! It’s small but, beautiful. Nice things come in small packages. – he said and added that Ralph Siegel introduced him to Valentina and there was the nice chemistry between all of them from the very beginning.
Well, actually Ralph is the mastermind behind this duo. I have him to thank for giving me the opportunity to be involed. He has worked with Valentina on her past 3 appearances. Our goal in Kyiv is to just give a great performance and have fun. We can’t do more than that.
He is set to perform on the biggest music stage in Europe (and world!) bu Jimmie is not focused to be a famous pop star. You need a lot of luck for that. Just enjoy the ride – he said. Right now he want s to take one day at a time and prepare with Valentina for their stage show in Kyiv.
San Marino will perform in the second semifinal of the Eurovision Song Contest 2017. It’s the eight participation of this country and for the fifth time Ralph Siegel will compose the song. San Marino qualified to the final only once – in 2014 with “Maybe” performed by Valentina Monetta. She finished 24th in the final with 14 points.
