This week we chat to an Australian fan (via NZ) who is well known for at Eurovision events for her extravagant costumes that she does make herself.
This is Lisa from Sydney, have a read of her full Q&A with us below.
What is your name and where are you from?
Lisa Gilbert, born in Palmerston North, New Zealand moved to Sydney, Australia in 1987 and became a Citizen in 1995.
What do you do or tell us something interesting about you?
I have a mean whistle and tap people on the shoulder to warn them. I'm a very proud Mum of two beautiful children: Laura (24) and Jack (18). I have also had a twitter meme made out of me as the Eurovision "Angry Woman" 2018. This was when Lea Sirk from Slovenia was singing "Hvala, ne!" and the music stopped. I was gutted, as she was in my top three. I didn't realise this was a fake out - oops.
We remember it well! Iconic! (For those who haven't seen, skip to 2:10 below) ~ Aussievision
So tell us how you got into Eurovision?
I would watch occasionally, but when I started dating Angela in 2014, it became a thing. I surprised Angela for her birthday (11th May, so she is always celebrating with a Eurovision feel), with an early morning visit at 6am and there she was sitting on the couch with Sofi Xena (her puppy) by her side eating M&M's watching Eurovision, she had no idea it was even her birthday... so, I have embraced the celebration of "The Eurovision".
Ha yes many people have their partner to blame for getting them into the contest!
Have you been to the contest and if so, how many times?
Yes, only once in Lisbon 2018. We had tickets for 2020 and have now rearranged our flights for 2021
Which is your favourite Eurovision year and why?
2016 is a fav: hot pants (Belgium), wind machines, fire and shit and a girl on a tucker box (yay Dami)!
Fantastic year - great songs, great show and a great result for Australia!
If you could change one thing about Eurovision what would it be?
One thing I would love to change would be the way people react on social media. I know we are a very passionate fan base, and we sometimes get caught up in the negative. I have changed my own behaviour and no longer read comments of certain club pages that I follow (though I read everything from Aussievision, it sends a positive vibe). If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all... respecting other people's opinions is a must. Oh, and no booing.
Thanks for the kind comments (cheque's in the mail!), but excellent point, focus on positivity!
Which artist would you like to see return to the competition?
Poli Genova from Bulgaria, I may have a slight girl crush.
How have you been coping in isolation, have you been doing any Eurovision activities?
Well, both Angela and I started our social distancing quite early in March, so both working from home. I have disco balls hanging in the dining room, when the sun hits them in the afternoon, its time to knock off and have a bit of fun (breaks up the work to home routine), we record a little lip syncing song from Eurovision 2020 and have recorded a few throw back Thursdays of memorable acts for our friends and family on the FB. We have also enjoyed several watch parties with you delightful boys/Aussievision where we get to vote... we have so much fun with these evenings and sometimes get a little carried away with our own drinking games 🤣. We also attended the OGAE Preview Party online... I love chatting with everyone and we still feel very connected with our Eurovision family.
The sun hitting the disco balls approach is such a good idea!
What are your thoughts on the cancellation of Eurovision this year?
I was kinda hoping it would be cancelled to protect everyone, also feeling relieved and holding onto the hope that 2021 will be a fabulous year. I'm also super excited that Montaigne has been chosen to represent us in 2021.
If you could pick only three Eurovision songs to listen to for the rest of time, what would they be?
Poli Genova - If Love Was a Crime (with best misheard lyrics "hang my loofah)
Maruv - Siren Song (though admittedly it's the stage performance I love to watch. Everyone loves a human centipede lol)
Sergei Lazarev - You Are the only One (I sing this during thunderstorms)
We'll let you get away with Maruv!
Which Eurovision song:
Is the best winner?
Salvodor Sobral " Amar pelos dois" Portugal 2017... I picked this as the winner very early on, and stuck with it!
Has the best live vocal?
Lucie Jones "Never Give Up On You" UK. Our new puppy is called Lucy, and I am 100% sure, we will be singing this to her.
Was robbed?
Polina Gagarina "A Million Voices" - Russia 2015... don't get me wrong, I love Mans! If you were at this years Australia Decides jury show, you would have heard me fan girling.
I think many people look back this now and think she was very unlucky!
Is the best of the last ten years?
Not a competitor, but this is my favourite interval act/song for the last 10years: Onuka feat. Aaoni Orchestra Megamix 2017.
That is one of the most random answers we have ever received, love the uniqueness!
Is your guilty pleasure?
Maruv "Siren Song"- Ukraine... don't need to explain why
Is your favourite National Final song (that didn't make it to Eurovision)?
Dotter "Bulletproof" Sweden. I love bling and have plans to make a costume like this soon. I love the concept of the human disco ball! My choice was purely made for the staging
Is your favourite from the 2020 songs?
Dadi & Gagnamagnio "Think About Things" - Iceland (tried to get the kids to do an afternoon performance with us, as my son Jack is much like Dadi, but the physical distancing got in the way).
Any other interesting honourable songs overall you'd like to mention?
Lordi "Hard Rock Hallelujah" 2006 Finland, is always a fav to show friends... look at the costume reveal!
Nina Sublatti "Warrior" 2015 Georgia, wind and smoke machine fabulous costume!
ZiBBZ "Stones" 2018 Switzerland, It was hard to take that this didn't qualify. I personally love a chick that can stand on a drum kit with fire in her hand!
And finally... Tonight Again, Sound of Silence, Don’t Come Easy, We Got Love or Zero Gravity?
No... don't, this question is so hard. I'm so proud that every act we have sent has qualified!
We Got Love, semi final was fabulous live, standing ovation!!! I was such a proud Aussie. I made Angela, our dear friend Michael and myself matching Australian indigenous capes to support our Jess "We Got Love" ️🖤
Thank you so much for your time, stay safe!
Yorumlar