ESC+Plus has talked to Aida Nikolaychuk, semifinalist of this year’s Ukrainian national selection for Eurovision. Aida will perform “Inner Power” in the first semi-final to take place tomorrow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCtMLXMonTU
ESC+Plus: Hello! First of all, thank you so much for your time and congratulations on having been selected to take part in Ukrainian national selection for Eurovision 2016.
E+: Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?
I am the winner of the Ukrainian X Factor and various prestigious awards. After the show, I released an album, 3 videos and a lot of songs. This year, I decided to take part in the Eurovision national selection.
E+: What impelled you to take part in “Ukraine Eurovision Song Contest 2016”?
I would like to represent Ukraine at the proper level, to show once again that our people are very talented, very positive and peacefully minded.
E+: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the semi-final? Did you expect it?
I never think about it. It would be desirable, of course, but had never come up with it. I was very happy that I had been appreciated by professionals, in particular Konstantin Meladze, glad that I will work again with a familiar team for me, STB, which this year along with the SA Perche is responsible for preparing the Eurovision national selection.
E+: What it would mean for you to represent Ukraine?
This is a very big responsibility, but Ukrainian musicians deserve to be heard in Europe and around the world.
E+: Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?
This song has been written by wonderful composer Alyona Melnik. In the Russian version it is called “Believe”, in English «Inner Power». English lyrics were written by the poet Yevgeny Matiushenko, who wrote the lyrics for many former participants of the Eurovision Song Contest Ukrainian national selections.
The song tells about the inner strength that lives in every human being, you only need to disclose it.
E+: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Stockholm? What are you strengths to reach the top in the competition?
Because it carries a positive attitude, the right message, a call to action. It’s quite unusual and interesting, just to sound on the radio. Therefore, we were saving it for a special moment and it came. I thought it was perfect for the Eurovision Song Contest.
E+: How are you preparing your stage performance for “Ukraine Eurovision Song Contest 2016”?
At the present stage, each artist must participate without any show. In the next round, I will need to do the show. Now, me and my team are involved in all processes: light, sound, make-up and so on. I’m not worried about this, since it will be very nice in any case, it is done by professionals.
E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What are your favorite songs in the history of the competition?
There were some circumstances that didn’t let me watch some Eurovision editions: I didn’t have enough time, I forgot the date… However, I later reviewed the most interesting acts on the Internet. A favourite song – Loreen Euphoria.
E+: If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing along with, who would it be?
Likely, it’s a Swede – last year’s winner.
E+: Besides Eurovision, what are your plans for this year?
I plan to act, record songs, shoot videos, and of course, to go to concerts. I would like to visit many countries. Last year, we gave concerts in several countries, this year it is also in our mind. I really want to give an acoustic concert in Kiev. I don’t know if it will work this year, but I have this desire.
E+: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?
If you are fans of music, always remain music lovers, listen to different music. In fact, it gives us strengths and help to live and enjoy every moment of our life!
E+: Thanks for your time and good luck!