ESC+Plus has talked to Angelika Pushnova, finalist of this year’s Belarusian national final for Eurovision. The singer will perform “We Should Be Together” in the final of Eurofest set to take place on January 20th.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rH4poKMIJg
ESC+Plus: Hello! First of all, thank you so much for your time and congratulations on having been selected to take part in the Belarusian national selection for Eurovision 2017!
Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?
Angelika Pushnova: I experienced my first emotions on stage very young, at the age of 6 in the “Сoloring” studio. After this, I made a long and painstaking work on vocal prowess development. I met the head of the children group “Boring age” Sukhomlina Natalia Mikhailovna when I was eleven years. For twelve years, I was a guest at several concerts thanks to my talent and new teacher, who introduced me into a new trend. Repeatedly, I participated in concerts with the presence of government and head of state of the Republic of Belarus. I gained more experience and confidence at school, reaching several victories in various competitions and festivals. Despite the numerous performances and preparations, I managed to finish my degree in piano and choral singing.
ESC+Plus: What impelled you to take part in “Eurofest 2017”?
Angelika Pushnova: Eurofest is the next stage of my creative life. I also went to Melodifestivalen in Sweden last year and I got inspired. Kirill Yermakov then wrote a song for me that fits the format of Eurovision, I think.
ESC+Plus: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the final? Did you expect it?
Angelika Pushnova: I jumped and screamed loudly. Of course, I wanted to go to the final selection and I’m glad that it happened.
Popular artists have participated in the selection along with me. They had good songs and beautiful voices, so I am pleased to be among the finalists!
ESC+Plus: What would it mean to you to represent Belarus?
Angelika Pushnova: Present our nation. Prove that the Belarusians can also sing and write good songs!
ESC+Plus: Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?
Angelika Pushnova: My song is about love, about a love that knows no boundaries and barriers. I want people to not be afraid to open their hearts to each other. Don’t be afraid of love! Regardless of nationality, race or religion, we should be together!
ESC+Plus: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Kiev? What are you strengths to reach the top in the competition?
Angelika Pushnova: The topic of my song is relevant and understandable today. I hope that the song will reach everyone and soon the whole Europe will be singing “We should be together!”. I’m preparing myself mentally and physically doing a lot of rehearsals. I constantly feel the support of my loved ones and I would like to thank them for this! They are my strength and inspiration.
ESC+Plus: Have you thought about your performance for Eurofest 2017?
Angelika Pushnova: Now, me and my team are actively preparing for the final selection. We want to make a bright show, which will make people think. I believe that the performance will be sincere and sensual. Perhaps, we will focus on strong video series.
ESC+Plus: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What is your favorite song in the history of the competition?
Angelika Pushnova: Yes, of course! I watch Eurovision every year and I choose my favorites, whose songs are in my playlist. I love Loreen with her song “Euphoria”.
ESC+Plus: If you could choose a former Eurovision participant to sing along with, who would it be?
Angelika Pushnova: Loreen.
ESC+Plus: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?
Angelika Pushnova: Listen to good music and root for the best! Thank you!