ESC+Plus has talked to Ola Gintrowska, finalist of this year’s Polish national selection for Eurovision. Ola will perform “Missing” in the final of Krajowe Eliminacje 2016 to take place tomorrow.
ESC+Plus: Hello! First of all, thank you so much for your time and congratulations on having been selected to take part in the Polish national selection for Eurovision 2016!
Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?
I am a girl who fall in love with art from when she was little. I cannot imagine my life without singing, acting and creating. I want to share my passion to music and observations about life with others. My dream is to spread love and happiness. When it comes to my career I graduated from an opera singing program, and then studied Drama Arts at Kingston University in London, where I learned to combine singing with acting. I performed in musicals & burlesques in London (eg. “This is Musical”, “Gems from The Shows”, “Panto of the Opera” and “Cell Block Tango”) at Kisiel Award galas and Man of the Year gala, where I presented, among others, Przemyslaw Gintrowski’s songs. He was my uncle and Polish famous bard. I do not avoid the big screen, starred in Barbara Sass drama “In The Name of The Devil”. Currently I’m involved in the latest production of Jan Kidawa-Błoński “Stars”.
E+: What impelled you to take part in “Krajowe Eliminacje 2016?
To be honest, I didn’t actually think about taking part in it, as I recently released my first single and it’s all quite fresh to me. But with the day when Poland opened the contest I have received so many messages from my fans asking if I’m going to submit my song, as they would really want me to do it. At first I wasn’t sure but then I thought that I have nothing to lose. I am very grateful to them right now.
E+: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the final? Did you expect it?
I was surprised that out of almost 90 songs mine was in the lucky 9 chosen. So I thought that my fans had a good feeling that my song ‘’Missing’’ could get through. I am over the moon at this moment.
E+: What would it mean to you to represent Poland?
As I’m Polish it would mean everything to me to represent my country at the most important European Song Contest with my first single. This would be a dream come true.
E+: Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?
All my lyrics are based on my own experiences, feelings and observations. ‘’Missing’’ is about my first love, which is past now, but memories stay forever. Song is about longing for love which was experienced and hope for a better day. It is about struggle between past and present, and finding the way. The girl is fighting for what she lost. She yearns for the beloved.
E+: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Stockholm? What are you strengths to reach the top in the competition?
I will give the best of me performing my song live and hopefully I will surprise everyone with the show I have prepared. Presenting my different singing skills but also performing ones. I believe that “Missing” may appeal to Eurovision fans and can reach a lot of hearts.
E+: How are you preparing your stage performance for “Krajowe Eliminacje 2016”?
I am planning to surprise the audience that is why I cannot say much. This is going to be a performance for your ear and eye.
E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What are your favorite songs in the history of the competition?
I am a great fan of Eurovision. I remember watching it every year since I was little and dreaming about performing there one day. I really liked Loreen’s “Euphoria”, Elaiza’s “Is it right”, Mans Zelmerow’s “Heroes” and many more.
E+: If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing along with, who would it be?
There were so many talented artists so it’s really hard to answer that. Maybe the ones I have mentioned before.
E+: Besides Eurovision, what are your plans for this year?
I am planning to finish my first solo album called “Aura” with songs in Polish and English language. There is lot of projects about to happen this year, so I am very excited. Can’t wait for the premiere of the movie in which I played and sang.
E+: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?
I am very happy I can take this little part in the Eurovision and my dreams would come true If only I could represent my country. Still, I am grateful I got to meet all the amazing people in the Eurovision society. You are like one big family and you are very supportive. It’s amazing. Keep doing what you are doing and Eurovision will last long and grow better and bigger. Yours truly OLA, spreading love and happiness.
E+: Thanks for your time and good luck!
I like her song.Its one of my favorites in the polish NF.
Better song than the hella overrated song of Margaret that is hyped to win tomorrow.
If it won’t be the amazing song of Edyta that will win then im rooting 4 this song instead.NOT the annoying song of Margaret definitely..
*MISSING* indeed when gone..
Would be really graveyard/cemetary in all the esc forums/sites..