ESC+Plus has talked to Madara Grēgere, candidate of this year’s Latvian national selection for Eurovision. Madara will perform “You and I” in the second heat of Supernova to take place today.
ESC+Plus: Hello! First of all, thank you so much for your time and congratulations on having been selected to take part in the Latvian national selection for Eurovision 2016!
Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?
I started to sing when I was 3 years old. I was a member of children’s pop group “C-Stones” I have amazing memories about this time.We participated in many contests all around the world. I started my own career when I was 13 years old. In 2011 I took a part in reality show “Okartes Skatuve”, it was a great experience In this show I started to write my own original songs. Important achievements : *”Latvian talented girl 2005” *“Little Miss World 2005” 5th runner-up *”Caribbean gold” 2nd runned up *Reality show “Okartes skatuve” participant (2011-2012) *Latvian Eurovision semifinal participant with group “4 vēji” 2013.
E+: What impelled you to take part in “Supernova 2016”?
I am of the people who go to their goal. Supernova is a big challenge for me and I like challenges. I am very happy that I can participate with my own song!
E+: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the live shows? Did you expect it?
I was in a Hockey game at the time when I received good news about me being in final 20.I didn’t know what to do – I was very happy. And in that moment hockey was left in a 2nd plan I started to call my family and told them the great news. Deep in my heart I believed that I made to top 20 and when it came true I was so happy.
E+: What it would mean for you to represent Latvia?
It is a huge deal for me to have been chosen for final 20 and it would mean a world to me to represent Latvia in this contest.I already had a chance to participate in foreign contests. That feeling when you are far far away from your country and your only thing to do is represent your beautiful country Latvia is awesome!
E+: Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?
I wrote this song for Supernova. I am very happy that my song withstood the competition among all the songs. My songs message is to motivate all listeners. You need to follow your heart, don’t stop believing in yourself if you make a mistake,just do your best and make your dream come true with your special people.
E+: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Stockholm? What are your strengths to reach the top in the competition?
I think that my song is very catchy. Many people wrote to me that my song is in their minds all day long, and for me it’s the important thing! If you can sing my song’s chorus – “You and I “ in the middle of the night, then I am the winner! My strengths for reaching the top in this competition are – a lot of work, love for music and positive attitude.
E+: Have you started to prepare your stage performance for “Supernova 2016”?
Of course I have! I have a wonderful friend Ieva, she owns her own dance studio. When I wrote to her that I will need a show for my song, she wrote me back – no problem! We started rehearsals at the end of december! And now when it’s only 2 weeks left we rehersal 3 times in a week.
E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What are your favorite songs in the history of the competition?
I watched Eurovision every year. My favorites are – Loreen – “Euphoria”,Lena- “Satellite”, Mans Zelmerlow – “Heroes”, and of course our Aminata “ Love injected”.
E+: If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing along with, who would it be?
I will choose Mans Zelmerlow. I think he is a great singer,and it would be honor to sing with him.
E+: Besides Eurovision, what are your plans for this year?
I’m currently studying Music Management at the (Latvijas kulltūras koledža, I’m writing my original and the biggest plan for this year is to make my debut album.
E+: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?
Dear fans, cross your fingers for me in Supernova and follow your dreams because together we make it!
E+: Thanks for your time and good luck!