The semi final of EMA is taking place this Saturday, where 16 acts are going to compete for the eight places that lead to the Grand Final. One of the 16 participants is Anabel, who is relatively new on the Slovenian music scene, but with her very first single “Ob kavi”, she won the annual PopRock music festival last year.

Anabel will be entering EMA 2018 with the song “Pozitiva”. Get to know her better, and find out more about her entry in this interview here:

Hi Anabel! First of all, congratulations on being selected as one of the 16 acts at this year’s EMA. How does it feel?

I feel so honered. I’m so excited and can wait to open this EMA as first performer.

This year’s rule is to sing in Slovenian, at least in the semi final. Do you normally prefer to sing in Slovenian or in another language?

I think it’s really important to encourage people to sing in their mother language and to show how beautiful it can be.

Can you tell us more about your entry “Pozitiva”?

“Pozitiva” is a song full of positive energy and good, funky vibe. And if you have a bad day, just play my song and your mood will change for sure!

You’ve had a great success winning the PopRock festival in Slovenia last year – can you compare the excitement in the preparations for both festivals?

It’s so fun for me and my team to work on song and performance, and also on the outfits for me and my dancers. It really shows how original you are. The whole process its really busy and nerve wrecking, but at the same time I love it.

And of course, if we’re talking about the staging – do you have any ideas for EMA already?

Yes we have it all planned out and I can’t wait for you to see it.

You’ve surprised the fans with Eurovision covers in the past weeks – are you also a Eurovision fan? If so, what’s your favourite Eurovision track?

Yes I’m absolutely a fan. Me and my brother have been watching Eurovision ever since I can remember. One of my favourite tracks is the song “Calm After The Storm” by the Common Linnets.

In case you win this preselection, are you going to keep your song in your own language or will it be translated into English?

Yes,like i said its really important for me to present myself in my mother language because its as special as any other.

Last but not least – do you have any message for your international fans at the ESCBubble?

Love always wins!

Give a listen to Anabel’s single “Ob kavi”, the song that won the PopRock festival last year:

Also, give a listen to a snippet of her EMA entry “Pozitiva” right here:

If Anabel is one of your favorites in the semi final of EMA 2018, make sure you cast your vote for her in our poll (click here).