Blogilkar exclusive: NINA BADRIC INTERVIEW

My flying reporter had a great interview with Croatian hopeful Nina Badric. They talked about Dora, how she got selected, what does she do besides singing. And did you know this is not her first time on Eurovision stage against common belief? And that she's one helluva party girl! Here:

Yesterday was the opening party. Did you have a good time?

Great time! The red carpet was like in Monte Carlo! Lots of beauiful dresses, so many people. For me it was a first time but it was ok.

Did the location meet your expectations?

The open terrace was nice. The rest... puff.... ha ha ha!

Nina, you clearly wanted to participate in Eurovision because you participated already when Yogoslavia existed as a backing singer...

How do you know that?!?

I'm well informed :-) You also tried in 1993 so you wish to be here for a long time. Now that you are finally here, how does it feel?

Ok! :-) Back then I was just starting my career and the most famous song festival was Dora. I wasn't thinking so much Eurovision but Dora, to be able to present my song to a wide audience. Dora was to place to be back then and score a hit and sell a lot of records. Croatia is a small market but Dora was watched in the other countries in the region, too. In 2003 when I last participated in Dora I thought I had a great song and I went to Dora because I wanted to go to Eurovision. But I didn't win and I said to myself I don't want to do Eurovision anymore. And then this year for the first time Croatian TV decided to select internally and they chose me! I told them I have a powerful song that I believe in it and if it's ok for them... and here I am with Nebo. Also, the other Balcan countries have selected their singer and song internally for years already with good results. Except Croatia, we had Dora. But now we try this, too.

And why you?

Why me?! Because I'm the best! :-)

That's a good answer! But do you regret Dora doesn't exist anymore?

No... Dora wasn't Dora for a long time now. The last time we had success with it was … when was it.... Doris Dragovic in 1999. I think that was the last big success. We have amazing musicians and singers in Croatia but Dora lost its credibility. Serious artists didn't want to go to Dora anymore.

So you like the idea in coming years they will continue with internal selections?

Definately. The artists have more time to prepaire themselves. See what's happening in Eurovision and choose the right song. I'm breaking the ice this year and I hope I will break it the right way! :-)

And if it shouldn't go so well for you this year, will others be scared to do it next year?

I don't know. Why? It's not the end of the world. A bad result here won't effect my career. I have 20 years of career already. People who love my music will love me even if I came last in Eurovision. My fans are actually happy I am here and singing for Croatia.

Who would you like to see follow you on Eurovision stage next year for Croatia?

Hmmm... I would like to see some klapa. It's a traditional Croatian way of singing a cappella. That would surely do well. Better than the babushkas!

Was Nebo an obvious choice for you for Eurovision or were the other songs you considered?

I just had released a new album when Croatian TV called me so I had where to choose. But I always came back to Nebo. It's a serious song and maybe won't go so well I thought but it's a song that best represents me.

People were maybe expecting an uptempo song?

Yes, uptempo would be great but Crotia has never had this kind of song before. We have sent all kind of songs; pop with etno, only etno, great ballad, up tempo... we have tried everything. Maybe this will go all wrong, maybe it's a big success. We will see, ha ha!

You're in a strong semifinal but you have four Balcan countries there. Do you expect something from them?

Definately! Ha ha ha! They better vote me or we'll be in war! Ha ha! I'm known in all former Yogoslavian countries so I hope they will recognize me and vote for me.

The other Balcan countries are sending big names, too. Is that a threat...?

No, I feel great! I think it's good we all are here and in the same semifinal. Most of them are my friends. We are hanging out here together and last night we partied til the morning.... I did a duet with MayaSar last year and we are friends. So we will be happy for anyone of us who goes to the final even if I wouldn't go myself. We're supporting each other.

Are you active in something else but music and singing? I heard that you do a lot of charity work as well?

I think when you a celebrity you have to use your fame and power to something good, to give people back. Talent is a gift from God, I mean it. You have to use it for something good. It's not a job that you leave behind when you close the door. I do what I can to give people back what they give me.

And do you have any hobbies?

Parties! Ha ha ha

Yes, I saw you last night...

I was dancing like a.... ha ha ha.... I love travelling. Even if in Croatia, it's such a beautiful country. If you haven't been there you should come! I also like Caribian, Greece, Spain... This summer only two day holiday, I'll be busy touring and promoting my album.

What's your favourite Croatian Eurovision song?

Sveta ljubav by Maja Bladgan (Mine, too. Ed.note) for me is the most interesting one, I really like it. And she was great and did very well! 4^th. I wanna be like Maja Bladgan! :-)

Ok Nina, thank you for this interview...

Are you done with me already?!

Otherwise my friend in Helsinki has to work too much writing all this down! (No comment. Ed.note)

Blogilkar wishes Nina the best of luck next Thursday and see you in final!

Comments

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