ESC+Plus has talked with Ildikó Keresztes, one of the lucky chosen acts to compete at the Hungarian national selection for Eurovision 2015 “A Dal”.
ESC+Plus: Hello Ildikó! You have an important musical career behind which started back in 1987, many albums released and lots of hits. How did you decide to participate in Hungarian national selection for Eurovision known as “A Dal”?
I had been working many times during my musical career with a very good friend of mine, Géza Pálvölgyi who is a well-known musician and composer in Hungary. He has been composing music and writing songs for the worldwide known music band East and the two other famous bands, Skorpió and Tátrai Band. He offered me another possibility to participate in the Hungarian national preselection for Eurovision as I had participated 2 years ago and got to the final top. He had composed the song which won the Hungarian preselection in 2009. Unfortunately, the singer stepped back and that is when my name first came up. This year, he composed a song for me with the lyric written by József Márkus. I have accepted the offer and I am proud of being chosen to sing this great song.
E+: What it would mean for you to represent Hungary in Vienna?
After successfully participating at other national and international competitions such as in Germany and Mongolia in 1989, I would be very proud to represent Hungary at the Eurovision song contest.
E+: You were born in Romania but you are living in Hungary. Have you ever thought about represent Romania in this contest?
No.
E+: During your professional career, which has been more than 20 years on active, you have published several albums releasing the first one in 2001. What has been the most special album for you? And the most special collaboration?
Of course, the most important one was my first album as I had been working very hard and for many years to release it finally in 1999.
As I had been working with many famous artists during my career it is hard to choose one that I would say is my special one.
E+: Your repertoire includes various styles as rock, blues-rock, pop-rock or musical soundtracks. What style would define you better?
Rock.
E+: Apart from being a singer you work as an actress since 1988 having a successful career. What has been the best role for you? Are you currently playing any role?
First of all, I would mention the classic musical pieces such as Chicago, Cabaret, Nunsense etc.
At the moment, I am plying in two musicals and one crime comedy and I will have a musical premier in spring.
E+: Talking about Eurovision, your song for “A Dal” is called “Házam hazád lehet”. Can you tell us about the song and the story behind the lyrics?
This song is about the wonderful and colourful European Union where there are no borders any longer and my country can be your home and your country can be my home.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0py4lrbkAk
E+: Géza Pálvölgyi and József Márkus are the composers of the track. How was the collaboration with them?
It is never easy when three people with strong personalities are working together but we all had the same aim to make the best out of it.
E+: Can you reveal us anything about your stage performance?
We have not finalized the performance yet. There are many ideas and it is hard to choose the best.
E+: This is not the first time you take part in “A Dal”, you also participated in 2013 with a song composed by Köteles Leander. Köteles is competing at this year’s contest as member of the band Leander Rising. How do you face this second Eurovision attempt? How do you think your experience can help you at this year’s competition?
I am a very spontaneous person so I am never thinking ahead. As it is my second time , I feel a bit easier but as excited as it was at the first time.
E+: How do you feel competing with other singers you know and respect as Köteles or some X Factor participants?
I am proud to be in the same competition with the X Factor’s participants as it is a proof of mine and my colleagues’ work. As my previous song was written by Köteles Leander, it will be interesting to compete against him.
E+: If you win “A Dal” 2015, would you sing in English or in Hungarian at Eurovision? Would you make a new version?
To be honest, I have not been thinking about it yet as I like singing on both of the languages.
E+: What can Eurovision contribute to your musical career?
I do not think that in my country, it would help my career but I would be proud to be the artist from whom the world would know Hungary and the Hungarian music better.
E+: Do you have any favorite song among the other “A Dal” 2015 participants?
I have not heard all the songs yet but out of those I have heard my favorites are Vera Tóth and Gyula Éliás.
E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? Do you have any favorite song in the history of the competition?
Yes. During the years, I had many for example Johnny Logan, Brotherhood of Man, Marija Serifovic, Celine Dion, Abba etc.
E+: Besides this contest, what are your plans for 2015?
A new solo album and many live concerts.
E+: Finally, would you like to send a message for our readers?
I hope everybody who will follow the contest will enjoy it.
You can follow Ildiko Keresztes on her Official Facebook Page.
