Andorran eurostars “disappointed” with withdrawal

by Victor Hondal 59 views

Some of the Andorran representatives in Eurovision have had their say upon the country's withdrawal from the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest. All of them state their “disappointment” with the broadcaster's decision because Andorra will lose an opportunity to showcase its music and local artists in front of a large audience, but they hope that the principality will be back in the competition soon.

Andorra made its debut in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2004, when Marta Roure represented the country with the song Jugarem a estimar-nos. The singer thinks that "we should have made an effort" to be in Oslo next year because "with this withdrawal we have taken a step backwards". Marta also criticises the fact that the offer made by British showman Justin Lee Collins "has not even been considered".

The year after, 2005, Andorra sent Marian van de Wal to Kyiv with the song La mirada interior. Marian acknowledges that, according to the latest reports, she "was afraid that the withdrawal would come true sooner or later". Marian is sad about the country's absence from the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest, because "Eurovision brings a good opportunity to promote the country – you are offered a three-minute advertising space" and hopes for a comeback in 2011.

Niki Francesca, lead vocalist of the group Anonymous, who flew the Andorran flag in Helsinki 2007 with Salvém el món, states that "it is a pity withdrawing from Eurovision because it is a good way to showcase the country and our personality". Moreover, "participating in Eurovision means that local groups the possibility to perform on an unique international stage".