Johanna Gudrun Jonsdottir, better known to the European public as Yohanna, is the nineteen year old singer from Iceland who captured Europe's heart last May when she managed to reach a very respectable second place in for her country in the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest. Is it true, was also voted by the fans of Esctoday.com as the Song of the Decade and Yohanna was only too happy to receive the news.
Yohanna, who becomes 19 years old tomorrow, could not wish for a better birthday present by her fans. Is it true, a fan favourite from the beginning, was voted Song of the decade by a landslide and Yohanna is happy and grateful: "I would like to thank all my fans and all the people who voted for me! If not for all of you then my dream would never become reality.Thank you!" she tells us.
Yohanna's career tookoff after the Eurovision Song Contest and she gladly spoke to us about it:
How has your participation in the Eurovision Song Contest affected your career so far?
Eurovision has affected my career so much! Since May, my record Butterflies and Elvis has been released all over Europe. I have had the chance to travel all over to sing, and meet a lot of amazing professional people. Eurovision is such a great promotion for any artist, I really do recommend it!
What is your fondest moment of the contest?
When Iceland was called up to be in the finals. I was so happy and so proud to have made it. It has been very hard for Iceland to reach the finals so far because we are such a small nation.
How did you feel when the music started and you knew you were singing for millions of people?
It was a bit weird, but all the people there, cheering and smiling, made me so happy. I actually felt very good up there. All the positive energy feels so good.
Did you expect to make it to the final and land a very respectable second place?
My biggest goal before going to Moscow, was always reaching the finals. When that happened, I had hopes of being in the top 10. I never imagined coming 2nd! It is amazing, most definitely the highlight of my career.
Would you advise other young artists to give it a try as well? How can a singer benefit from participating in Eurovision?
Yes, I would advise other artists to go to Eurovision. If anything can help to promote you in the best way, that is the Eurovision Song Contest. There are many people watching, so if you do well, there are so many opportunities for you out there.
Do your plans include visiting any more European (or not) countries in the near future?
Yes, I would love to go on a euro-tour. It actually might happen. I will be performing a lot In Sweden around Christmas, I am very excited about that.
Esctoday.com would like to congratulate Yohanna once more and wish her a very happy birthday!
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Yohanna, Cesme, Izmir International Song Contest July 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6NyMvvmb5M
