Vincenzo: “I am a very big fan of Eurovision!” (Exclusive Interview)

Our next interview is with the only male soloist voice of this year’s Junior Eurovision, Vincenzo Cantiello from Italy.

ESC+Plus: Hello Vincenzo! First of all, congratulations on having been selected to represent Italy at Junior Eurovision 2014!

E+: You were internally selected by RAI because you were one of the participants of “Ti Lascio una Canzone”. What was the first idea which came to your mind when they told you such an important proposal?

I felt really excited because I have always followed Junior Eurovision and also Eurovision. Being part of this contest has been always a dream which has become true!

E+: It is the first time Italy takes part at Junior Eurovision, what does being the first Italian representative ever mean for you?

It’s a honour for me being the first Italian representative at Junior Eurovision and, as the first representative, I will try to impress everyone!

E+: What have your schoolmates told you about your Junior Eurovision participation?

When I told them about my JESC participation they told me they were really happy for me.

E+: Some months ago, you took part in the famous talent show “Ti Lascio una Canzone”, can you tell us about your experience in this show? How has your life changed since your participation in TLUC?

My life suddenly became really enjoyable. Before my Ti Lascio una Canzone participation I didn’t use to go out home and now, I travel around Italy and my parents go with me. They are a bit tired because we have to travel a lot by car and train but they are very happy.

E+: As you already know, another contestant of “Ti Lascio una Canzone” 2014 will be taking part at this year’s Junior Eurovision, Federica Falzon will represent Italy. What do you think about her song “Diamonds”?

Federica deserved representing her country on home-ground. I must say that the first time I listened to her song I became really impressed! I was shocked because it is a very nice and special song.

E+: How was the composition procedure of your song “Tu Primo Grande Amore”? What does working with maestro Leonardo de Amicis mean for you?

It’s a great honour for me working with Maestro Leonardo de Amicis, I still can’t believe it! I hope we work together again in the future. We had so much fun together and he gave me the chance to take part in the composition personally and talking on the phone.

E+: What is your song about? What do you want people feel while listening to it?

The song is made in Italy, that’s why it is written in a classic style but it has also include some Italian pop. In the beginning, it was a song devoted to my home-country which later became a “love hymn” with the Leonardo de Amicis’ lyrics.

I hope you like my song because I want not only show my talent, but also show my emotion.

E+: You shoot a preview video for your song “Tu Primo Grande Amore”, how was the shooting of the clip? Any funny anecdote you can share?

I always liked the idea of acting or being actor, in fact, every time there have been a theatre project at school I have always taken part and I was very good!

It was a great experience, starting several times the same scene, being at the same place for four hours and a half and being an only three-minute video! We shot the videoclip in an amusement park in Rome which had everything to do so, it was awesome!

E+: Have you already decided about how your stage performance will look like? And the costume you will be wearing?

I don’t know when and where we will select my costumes yet. I am also looking forward to knowing more about it!

E+: What do you do just before going on stage? Do you carry any lucky charm during your performances?

I don’t do anything, I just try to be relaxed, it is the best thing I can do.

E+: You recently travelled to USA so as to perform in the Washington’s Italian house? Can you tell us about this trip?

I had never gone anywhere by plane and I had never been in America! America is so big, we were five days in Washington visiting the most beautiful monuments there: the obelisk, the Abraham Lincoln’s Statue, the White House and other monuments like the Martin Luther King’s statue.

In the Washington’s Italian house, I was performing in front of America-Italian people so I sang an Italian repertoire including songs like ” Perdere L’amore” (Massimo Ranieri) or “Almeno tu nell’Universo” (Mia Martini).

I was very sad because it was a very short trip but I hope they invite me again!

E+: Antonella Clerici, the host of “Ti lascio una canzone”, will be the Italian commentator of Junior Eurovision 2014. What do you think about her choice?

It as been a fair choice, she already knows me and she is very friendly with children. I am very happy!

E+: Do you follow the senior Eurovision? What are your favourite songs and singers of the Eurovision history?

I love the Senior Eurovision very much! I know all the winners in the Eurovision history but there are many talented ones like Massiel – lalala (Spain 1968), an awesome song, Conchita Wurst – Rise Like a Phoenix (Austria 2014) or Linda Martin – Why me? (Ireland 1992)… there are many!

E+: Tell us more about yourself, favourite music style, favourite school subject, hobbies, musical career…

My favourite music styles are soul, pop and jazz, in fact, my favourite singer is Christina Aguilera who has performed modern jazz and she is very beautiful. My favourite subjects are Sciences and Art and, apart from singing, I love drawing, specially Manga. About my musical career? I think you already know about it!

E+: Can you send a message for our readers and Junior Eurovision fans?

Thanks for following me and all the participants from other countries! Thanks for all! You are great!

E+: Thank you very much for your time and see you in Malta!

Vincenzo Cantiello will perform the song “Tu Primo Grande Amore” (You’re my very first love) representing Italy at Junior Eurovision 2014.

 

 

Don’t forget to vote for your favourites on our Junior Eurovision 2014 prediction game, click here.