Sanna Nielsen took time from her busy schedule to talk to Eurovisionary.com in the build up to the final of Melodifestivalen on Saturday.
EuroVisionary (EV) – Was it always your ambition to be a singer?
Sanna Nielsen (Sanna) – It has been my dream since the age of 7. That was the year I did my first competition and I fell immediately.
EV – What do you consider to be your big break?
Sanna – hmm.. 2001, when i entered melodifestivalen the first time. I was 17 and that was my greatest dream.
EV – Bert Månson wrote a lot of your early songs, how did you meet him?
Sanna – I did a lot of competitions at the age of 7 til 10, and the last one I did, the group whom accompanied me, recorded me behind my back and sent it to Bert, who later on called me and asked if I wanted to come to him and sing in his studio. When I was there he had this song called "Till en fågel" and that was the song that entered "svensktoppen" later on…
EV – Melodifestivalen is the national final that the majority of Eurovision fans look forward to the most. Is it representative of the music in the Swedish charts?
Sanna – Yes I think it is. Not every song is in the charts, but almost. They have a very long life: )
EV – This is your fifth Melodifestivalen appearance. Will you keep doing it until you win?
Sanna – haha.. you never know, but I love this event. Not only cause its a competition. It is also a great opportunity to show the people what your music sounds like today.
Besides you can win this competition in a lot of ways. I am so happy that I am in the finals so I can get the chance to sing this wonderful song again and show people how much I love what I’m doing.
EV – Obviously, if ‘Empty Room’ wins Melodifestivalen, it will be the best song Sweden has ever sent to Eurovision. What’s your favourite Swedish entry?
Sanna – Thank you: ) It would be an honour to represent Sweden if the people chose "Empty Room". My favourite song in the Swedish entry has always been "Fångad av en stormvind" with Carola. I thought she did great 1991, And that year was also the first memory I got of melodifestivalen.
EV – What are your plans after Melodifestivalen or Eurovision are over?
Sanna – Well, April 16, my first English album is released, and that is what I am working with right now. So when it arrives I am going to promote the Album, and then of course, I will also give my concerts around the country.
EV – Would you like a career outside Scandinavia?
Sanna – If I got the opportunity, I wouldn’t say no. That would be so fun! But I also know that it is very difficult and you have to work a lot… But I would do it!
EV – Do you prefer singing ballads or up-tempo songs?
Sanna – Both actually. ballads have always been a natural thing for me, and I love them. They have a special place in my heart, but this time, in this Album I got the chance to really express new feelings in the up tempo songs, and that was very fun, and I learned something new.
EV – Who are your musical influences/heroes?
Sanna – I listen a lot to Celine Dion. I actually went to Las Vegas 2 years ago and saw her show, which was great!!! She is a fantastic singer and a great performer.
The best thing is that when you sit there and listen to her, it feels as if she sings to you directly.
EV – Finally, thank you very much for taking the time to answer our questions. I wish you the very best of luck for the final.
Sanna – Thank you very much. I am longing for GLOBEN!!!
