My flying reporter had a great interview with Croatian hopeful Nina Badric. They talked about Dora, how she got selected, what does she do besides singing. And did you know this is not her first time on Eurovision stage against common belief? And that she's one helluva party girl! Here:
Yesterday was the opening party. Did
you have a good time?
Great time! The red carpet was like in
Monte Carlo! Lots of beauiful dresses, so many people. For me it was
a first time but it was ok.
Did the location meet your
expectations?
The open terrace was nice. The rest...
puff.... ha ha ha!
Nina, you clearly wanted to participate
in Eurovision because you participated already when Yogoslavia
existed as a backing singer...
How do you know that?!?
I'm well informed :-) You also tried in
1993 so you wish to be here for a long time. Now that you are finally
here, how does it feel?
Ok! :-) Back then I was just starting
my career and the most famous song festival was Dora. I wasn't
thinking so much Eurovision but Dora, to be able to present my song
to a wide audience. Dora was to place to be back then and score a hit
and sell a lot of records. Croatia is a small market but Dora was
watched in the other countries in the region, too. In 2003 when I
last participated in Dora I thought I had a great song and I went to
Dora because I wanted to go to Eurovision. But I didn't win and I
said to myself I don't want to do Eurovision anymore. And then this
year for the first time Croatian TV decided to select internally and
they chose me! I told them I have a powerful song that I believe in
it and if it's ok for them... and here I am with Nebo. Also, the
other Balcan countries have selected their singer and song internally
for years already with good results. Except Croatia, we had Dora. But
now we try this, too.
And why you?
Why me?! Because I'm the best! :-)
That's a good answer! But do you regret
Dora doesn't exist anymore?
No... Dora wasn't Dora for a long time
now. The last time we had success with it was … when was it....
Doris Dragovic in 1999. I think that was the last big success. We
have amazing musicians and singers in Croatia but Dora lost its
credibility. Serious artists didn't want to go to Dora anymore.
So you like the idea in coming years
they will continue with internal selections?
Definately. The artists have more time
to prepaire themselves. See what's happening in Eurovision and choose
the right song. I'm breaking the ice this year and I hope I will
break it the right way! :-)
And if it shouldn't go so well for you
this year, will others be scared to do it next year?
I don't know. Why? It's not the end of
the world. A bad result here won't effect my career. I have 20 years
of career already. People who love my music will love me even if I
came last in Eurovision. My fans are actually happy I am here and
singing for Croatia.
Who would you like to see follow you on
Eurovision stage next year for Croatia?
Hmmm... I would like to see some klapa.
It's a traditional Croatian way of singing a cappella. That would
surely do well. Better than the babushkas!
Was Nebo an obvious choice for you for
Eurovision or were the other songs you considered?
I just had released a new album when
Croatian TV called me so I had where to choose. But I always came
back to Nebo. It's a serious song and maybe won't go so well I
thought but it's a song that best represents me.
People were maybe expecting an uptempo
song?
Yes, uptempo would be great but Crotia
has never had this kind of song before. We have sent all kind of
songs; pop with etno, only etno, great ballad, up tempo... we have
tried everything. Maybe this will go all wrong, maybe it's a big
success. We will see, ha ha!
You're in a strong semifinal but you
have four Balcan countries there. Do you expect something from them?
Definately! Ha ha ha! They better vote
me or we'll be in war! Ha ha! I'm known in all former Yogoslavian
countries so I hope they will recognize me and vote for me.
The other Balcan countries are sending
big names, too. Is that a threat...?
No, I feel great! I think it's good we
all are here and in the same semifinal. Most of them are my friends.
We are hanging out here together and last night we partied til the
morning.... I did a duet with MayaSar last year and we are friends.
So we will be happy for anyone of us who goes to the final even if I
wouldn't go myself. We're supporting each other.
Are you active in something else but
music and singing? I heard that you do a lot of charity work as well?
I think when you a celebrity you have
to use your fame and power to something good, to give people back.
Talent is a gift from God, I mean it. You have to use it for
something good. It's not a job that you leave behind when you close
the door. I do what I can to give people back what they give me.
And do you have any hobbies?
Parties! Ha ha ha
Yes, I saw you last night...
I was dancing like a.... ha ha ha....
I love travelling. Even if in Croatia, it's such a beautiful country.
If you haven't been there you should come! I also like Caribian,
Greece, Spain... This summer only two day holiday, I'll be busy
touring and promoting my album.
What's your favourite Croatian
Eurovision song?
Sveta ljubav by Maja Bladgan (Mine, too. Ed.note) for me is
the most interesting one, I really like it. And she was great and did
very well! 4th. I wanna be like Maja Bladgan! :-)
Ok Nina, thank you for this
interview...
Are you done with me already?!
Otherwise my friend in Helsinki has to
work too much writing all this down! (No comment. Ed.note)
Blogilkar wishes Nina the best of luck
next Thursday and see you in final!
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