The third of the Semi Finals of Selecția Națională 2018 takes place this weekend at the Marin Sorescu National Theatre in Craiova, southern Romania.
We got the chance to catch up with Xandra who is participating this year with her powerful ballad “Try”!
Xandra, congratulations on being back in Selecția Națională!
I was a huge fan of “Walk on By” last year, how was your experience in last years final and what made you want to return?
Hi! Thank you for your support! Last years experience was awesome. It was better than 2 years ago, because I reached the Final. The fact that I love Eurovision made me return, along with loving the song that my Eurovision team sent. I think that “Try” has a lot of potential and I am very proud to sing it.
Can you tell us a bit more about your song “Try” and the team behind it? It’s a cracker of a power ballad!
“Try” is a strong ballad that talks about a love story. I fully find myself in the lyrics and I can’t sing about something if I hadn’t lived those emotions. The song is written by the same team that composed my previous Eurovision entries (“Superhuman” and “Walk on by”), Will Taylor, Michael James Down and Jonas Gladnikoff.
You obviously have lots of experience of performing in live shows, is there anything you do to prepare yourself and your voice before a big performance?
I try to protect my voice before a live show with the usual tricks but nothing more besides that. I just walk on stage and give the best I can.
And how are the rehearsals for Selecția Națională going?
Perfect! We work all day long, but I can’t say what we are preparing because I want to keep it a full surprise.
Can you tell us anything about how the song will be staged for the contest?
As I said! I can’t reveal too much, because I want to surprise you!
Have you had the chance to listen to any of the other entries yet, any standouts?
I’ve listened to all the songs and I can say that there will be a tough competion. All the songs have potential.
What artists inspire you muscially?
The artist who inspires me is Beyonce.
Any dream artists you would love to duet with?
I would love to duet with: Faydee,Maluma,Ed Sheeran,The Weeknd, Jason Derulo and of course Beyonce.
Do you currently have any other musically projects in the pipeline we can look forward to?
Yes! Late last year I released my new single, “Dorul meu de tine” with Red Clover Media and the feedback was great, having more than 150k views in less than a month. I also wrote a lot if songs and, together with my team, we will decide when they will be released.
What do you enjoy doing when not performing?
I write songs for me and other artists and when I take a break from music, I enjoy going to football matches.
And finally do you have a favourite Eurovision song from previous years?
Of course! I absolutely loved Loreen’s performance. It was a full package for Eurovision! Outstanding song, great vocal performance and well prepared show!
Many thanks for this interview Xandra, we look forward to your performance at Selecția Națională!
Thank you! Kisses and hugs! ❤?
You can follow Xandra on social media and listen to her song “Try” below!
If Xandra is one of your personal favorites in the third semi final of Selectia Nationala, make sure you cast your vote for her, and for two other acts in our poll here:
