Szilvia Agárdi: “I want everyone to accept the visually impaired people” (Hungarian candidate – Exclusive Interview)

ESC+Plus has talked to Szilvia Agárdi, participant of this year’s Hungarian national selection for Eurovision, “A Dal 2016”. The singer will perform “It is Love” in the third heat set on February 6.

Hello! First of all, thank you so much for your time and congratulations on having been selected to take part in the Hungarian national selection for Eurovision 2016!

E+: Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?

My name is Szilvia Agárdi. In 2012, Hungary got to know me as a contestant from the Voice of Hungary. I’m visually impaired since my childhood but I never went trough my situation as an issue. When I was a child I used to stage as a folk singer. When I was 5 years I got engaged in pop music, I love it. I can express myself through pop music.

In A Dal 2013, I sang the song ‘See with your heart’. It was a duet song and we reached the finishing eight. Lately, I took a part at an International Contest in Poland. It was so gratifying because I won that contest and also two prizes.

E+: What impelled you to take part in “A Dal 2016”?

I want everyone to accept the visually impaired people, let them feel that they are as valuable as others and precious for the community like anybody else.

E+: How did you feel when you knew you had been selected to take part in A Dal 2016? Did you expect it?

I was so happy. I couldn’t believe it.

E+: What it would mean for you to represent Hungary?

It’s honor and also responsibility to represent Hungary. It would be my pleasure to stand for my country because I feel that I can show Europe what my world is about.

E+: Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?

In all of our life comes that moment when passion touches our heart and I went through this experience as well. This love is not fulfilled yet and nobody knows how it’s going to be. I just wanted to write my feelings down in a song. When I met Viktor Rakonczai, the author of the song, and Tamara Olorga, the lyricist, i unfold them my feelings.

E+: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Stockholm?

I put my mind into this song and I hope to turn this feelings over to the audience too.

E+: What are you strengths to reach the top in the competition?

I will try to do my best and I hope the audience will take it with joy.

E+: Have you started to prepare your stage performance for “A Dal 2016”?

Yes, I have some ideas and I already know the performance is gonna be so refine and interesting.

E+: Do you usually follow Eurovision? What are your favourite songs in the history of the competition?

I have always been interested in Eurovision and one of my favourite song is Friderika Bájer’s.

E+: If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing along with, who would it be?

To sing with Celine Dion would be great.

E+: Besides Eurovision, what are your plans for this year?

I will be performing and learning English, and I want to get accepted at the University. My plan is to make a video clip for this song and write my own single.

E+: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?

Everyone gets something from life: I got a good voice instead of vision.

E+: Thanks for your time and good luck!