For this week’s Eurovision Fan of the Week we spoke to the lovely Vanja, aka @voilatutti on Twitter who comes to us from Serbia. Vanja shares her insights on national finals, she reveals her Eurovision robberies and her favourite THREE Australian Eurovision entries.
Thank you for being our Eurovision fan of the week!
Thank you for having me. :)
Tell us a little about yourself:
Vanja - Novi Sad, Serbia. I’m a self-employed English teacher. My wish is to learn as many languages as possible, but *realistically*, I’d like to perfect my French, and learn Spanish, Italian and Swedish during my lifetime. :)
When did you first get into Eurovision?
I first got into Eurovision in 2004, when Željko participated for the first time. I’d never heard of the contest before, and I was intrigued. Afterwards, I started listening to Shake It on a regular basis, and the rest is history.
What is your favourite Eurovision performance and why?
The performance of Molitva blew me away. I knew Marija was a great performer and that she’d do a great job. I still get goosebumps every time I listen to the song and watch the performance. It was an epic moment that made everyone in my country so proud.
Yes! I have to say ‘Molitva’ is an epic performance Marija’s vocals are powerful. ~ Kyriakos
Which is your favourite Eurovision year and why?
There are a few years that are in contention for this title, 2012, 2015 and 2018 in recent memory, but I’d probably say 2015, because the songs were top notch, and the performances were outstanding (hello Aminata).
Which artist/s from your country would you love to see on the Eurovision stage? Which song/s best showcases that artist?
I would love to see Lena Kovačević, a jazz singer who’s a vision of beauty and grace with a voice that can melt a cold heart. I’d say “Cafe” is the song that showcases her talents best.
Wow what a beautiful song by Lena Kovačević! Thanks for sharing ~ Kyriakos
Which national final do you look forward to the most? What makes it special?
I look forward to three: Melfest, Sanremo and Festival da Canção. Melfest is so well-organized and put together, it gives me new tunes to put on my playlist (I am a Scandigirl after all), Sanremo provides countless hours of entertainment, and Festival da Canção has a special flair, and Portuguese music just speaks to me.
If you could change one thing about any national final or Eurovision what would it be?
I’d change the way MGP is constructed, there are too many semi finals. Also, I am not a huge fan of the idea of pre-qualified songs. It would be fairer towards the other contestants if everyone competed. Everyone would be on a level playing field. Let’s take Melfest as an example: all contestants, no matter how big their profile is, still have to go through the semis. Let the people decide, it’s only fair. As for Eurovision: the inclusion of the orchestra. If the delegations want to use the orchestra, they should be given that chance. Certain songs thrive off the presence of an orchestra so well.
What is your opinion on returning artists? Is there one you would like to see again?
I am all for artists returning to the contest, I know it’s an experience of a lifetime and many artists want to relive it. I’d like to see Loïc, Mahmood and Aminata come back, I want to see them win for their respective countries (and Diodato, though technically he wouldn’t be a returning artist :( ). I’d also like to see Roko come back with a song that better suits his talents, he’s such a great vocalist and it felt like he really enjoyed the whole Eurovision experience.
Wow I agree with you to see all these amazing talented artists return to Eurovision would be amazing ~ Kyriakos
If you could pick only three performances to encourage new people to watch Eurovision what would they be:
I’d choose: Soldi, because it’s a contemporary, well-produced track, an absolute tune with a touching story behind it; Fairytale, it’s a great song, and king Rybak performs it like nobody’s business; and Crno I Belo, Kaliopi is one in a million and you have to experience her vocal, it’s outstanding.
Which Eurovision song:
Is the best winner?
Ooooh, at the top of my head: Molitva (ofc), Tu Te Reconnaîtras, Fairytale, Insieme: 1992, Everyway that I Can, Hard Rock Hallelujah, Take Me to Your Heaven and Hold Me Now. Sorry, I couldn’t choose one. :)
We forgive you, its difficult to choose just one haha ~ Kyriakos
Has the best live vocal?
Eugent Bushpepa, Guy Sebastian and Marco Mengoni elevate their songs from amazing to brilliant with their live vocals. Let me give another shout-out to queen Kaliopi, as well.
The best from the last 10 years?
From the ones we couldn’t see on stage live: Fai Rumore, it’s just so beautiful. From 2011 to 2020, I’d say Hatrið Mun Sigra, this song takes you on a journey, and you don’t want it to end.
Was robbed?
Oh, I could say a thing or two about robberies. Telemóveis, deserved to be in the final and finish in the top five; Crno I Belo, deserved more than 13th place; Viszlát Nyár, the juries massively underrated this one; Amanecer, how did this one not end up in the top 10; and O Jardim, I am still gutted this finished in last place in the final. :(
I would have to agree with some on your robberies there ~ Kyriakos
Is your guilty pleasure?
I will quote Tom Hugo on this: “I enjoy all pleasurable music without any guilt”. :) Haha, but seriously, I’ve learnt to let myself enjoy songs without feeling guilt, if they cause a reaction, I just have to respond to that reaction. :) If I had to choose one, I'd say maybe Euro Neuro. It has that recognizable Rambo humour, this song is so him, I love it and I can't stop smiling whenever I watch the performance.
Is your favourite National Final song (that didn't make it to Eurovision)?
Probably Bada Nakna and Busy Doin’ Nothin’, pure bangers right here. :)
And finally which Australian entry is your favourite…
May I just say that Eurovision wouldn’t be the same without you, I love that you’ve become a part of the Eurovision family. :) Back to the question, I have three: Tonight Again, Zero Gravity and Don’t Break Me, they’re right up my street, and I listen to them quite often. :)
Are there any other titbits or comments you’d like to make?
Thank you for all that you do, I love reading the newsletters, I love the quizzes that you prepare for us, I have so much fun doing them. You’re doing a great job. :)
Final thoughts: I am looking forward to what the NF season will bring, and I’m ready for ESC 2021. :)
Thank you Vanja for your amazing responses, it is an absolute pleasure to have interviewed you!!