1. Last year you took part in the Belarussian national final, this year you entered and won the Georgian final. What makes you so keen to be on the Eurovision stage?

For me the Eurovision is a festival of music and I have always dreamed to be a part of it. It is very a exciting moment in every artist’s life and career. The unique show when Europe becomes one whole unit. Viewers in Lisbon, Istanbul and Minsk feel how close they are despite of geographical distance and political systems. This huge positive energy gives inspiration to artists for their future creations.
 

"Chiara should have won
Eurovision 2005 in Kiev"
- Diana Gurtskaya

2. You were awarded Honor prizes from the Russian president, Vladimir Putin and from the Georgian president, Mikheil Saakashvili. What does these prizes mean to you and why do you think you deserved to win such honours?

For me the most valuable award is applause of spectators. When audience demands to continue the show and not stop, this is most important and essential. My achievement is appreciated by authorities of my two beloved country; Georgia where I was born and grown and Russia where I became a singer

3. During your career you recorded duets with great artists such as Demis Roussous, Toto Cutugno and Ray Charles. What is the common factor between you and these 3 artists?

Music has connected us. They are very open and kind people. They are professionals and I learnt a lot from them. Last time when I met Toto Cutugno I was pregnant. We had very sincere conversation. Toto said: «Every time when I meet you I become glad and impressed, you have everything ahead, when you will become mother you will be more talented”. Like Toto once performed in Zagreb, I am going to Balkans too, on Eurovision Song Contest. And for me it is the dream that has come true


4. Can you please tell us more about your entry and what is the message you're trying to send with your song?

As you know, war is the most terrible thing in the world. I remember the morning when a stranger broke into our house desperately shouting to leave, as militants were going to attack our village. I was standing in the dining room and could not understand what was going on. Adults were running around gathering staff, everybody was in panic and terrified. Having no idea what to do, I started playing the piano. For a moment silence appeared. Suddenly women started crying while carrying away bags.

Nobody could even imagine that it would be forever and they would never come back and have to live somewhere else all over the world. That’s why, I am probably naive, but I want peace very much. Nevertheless, when there is a weapon, it will always shoot.


5. What are the plans for the stage act on the Eurovision stage in Serbia? Will it be similar to what we saw during the Georgian final or will it be different? Who will be on stage with you in Serbia?

Currently we are working extremely hard to complete performance, choreography, outfits, promo materials and productions. Eurovision gives most unexpected possibilities in different fields. For example, I visited Latvia a couple of days ago. With our Latvian friends we produced my perfume dedicated to ESC 2008. I had wished to do it for a long time and now Eurovision helps me to accomplish this project.


6. Did you listen to any of the other competitors and what is your opinion about this year's compettion?

To mark one means to upset others. I know several of contestants well and wish them all success and good luck. We are colleagues on this big festival of song.
 

7. What do you think of the Maltese entry, VODKA and our singer, Morena?

Usually about vodka we more hear from northern countries than Malta is. Therefore a message is very unexpected and original. It is very exciting. In general, Malta always has interesting entries. For example, we all remember Chiara. I am absolutely sure that she should have won the Eurovision Song Contest 2005 in Kiev.


8. What are your plans for your music-career after the Eurovision Song Contest?

I never ever in my life plan my art career. I don’t have strict arrangements: today – Eurovision, tomorrow – “Svawiansij Bazar”, in a couple of days to the Covent Garden. I hope that soon after Eurovision I will release two new albums; one in Georgia and one in Russia. And I am absolutely sure that will continue the project for social adaptation of blind children. Me and my colleagues have established charity fund and going to launch a music studio for talented children


9. Can you please send a message to all the Maltese Eurovision fans and all the visitors of OGAEMALTA.com?

For me Malta is a country from fairy tales. I have never been to your country, and I will be happy to visit it. I wish great success to Morena and I hope the Maltese will love my song.

10. And finally, can you please give an advice to all the artists who, like yourself, are physically unable to see but wish to pursue a career in the music industry?

I don’t think whether musical career has anything in common with eyesight, I mean it doesn’t matter whether you see or not. But if you feel that this is your ambition, go ahead. When I was a little girl growing up at the boarding school I dreamed about singing on the stage. I dreamed about beautiful songs and grateful listeners. My dream had to come true. I am sure yours will also come true. Paolo Coelho says: “When you want something very much, the whole universe supports you”.
 

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