As expected, Marija Sestic appeared on stage today surrounded by blue lights to reflect the river of her song. She set a good standard for the following finalist rehearsals, with a clear, sensual vocal.

There is some gentle choreography built into the performance, which Marija stepped through with the choreographer in between runs of the song. Much of the movement is based on the movement of waves, interpreted by the four backing singers behind Marija.

Falling into his arms
The tambura player who joins the four backing singers with Marija plays a key role in the presentation, starting off as the focus of the arrangement on stage; at the big build, he comes forward to kneel before Marija, before standing up as she dramatically falls into his arms at the end of song.

The wind machine is put to good use in this performance, gently blowing the artist's hair as she sings. The singer herself appeared on stage looking pretty in a white top, jeans and black thigh boots, with her long black hair left loose.

The presentation is a strong and emotional one to set off the final this Saturday; Marija performs beautifully and looks good on camera. Bosnians are sticking very much to the same strategy that won them a third place in Athens; all the same ingredients are in full effect here.

1st Press Conference

One by one Bosnia & Herzegovina’s delegation presented Marija Šestić saying how happy they are that this young talented girl will be representing the country. They also said that the country wants to celebrate again the success of Hari Mata Hari. The B&H Delegation called her the youngest participant but some journalists reminded them that there are also the Andorran participants in the contest and the female singer from Poland, who is only 17 years old.

Marija´s first comments were that she feels very honoured to represent Bosnia & Herzegovina and that she is very happy to be here, hoping for the best result.Then Marijaperformed in press room her song Rijeka bez imena and Waterloo but there was a nice surprise for her as well, as one of the journalists reminded to us that 2 days ago, on 5th of May it was Marija’s birthday, so everybody sang Happy Birthday to her.

When someone asked if Rijeka bez imena is a divorce song, the lyricist of the song replied that she could never think of it and of course it’s not as in Bosnia & Herzegovina they can’t divorce!

Finally, when they asked Marija which one is her favourite entry year she replied that she has so many and she named Germany, Turkey, The Netherlands and Greece.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euFypS9gOFA