Today we have the pleasure to read how Hannah, representing Slovenia at the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest, has answered our questions. Straight into love as song number three in the first semi-final on 14 May in Malmö.

1. Hannah, can you please introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Hannah and I will represent Slovenia on this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. I am an American, but I have been calling Slovenia home for the last six years, when I moved here with my Slovenian husband. I have always been a part of music world both in the US and in Slovenia. I performed with big names in music abroad and was the lead singer of a popular band in Slovenia with whom I released radio hits in both English and Slovene languages. I also competed in 2011 to represent Slovenia at the Eurovision Song Contest and have multiple international releases from collaborations in house music with popular Slovenian DJ’s.

2. How do you feel on being the first Slovenian representative to be chosen internally? Any extra pressure?

It was a great honor to be invited to represent Slovenia of course. As I said I am an American, but I have been lucky to be calling Slovenia my home for the last six years. It also adds a bit of the pressure for sure. The public and musicians are used to having yearly national contests which I was also a part of. This year I was chosen internally out of a few singers that were also up for consideration. I am honored and blessed to be a part of the big Eurovision Song Contest family and I will do my best to show the best of Slovenia to the world.

3. How did an American girl got involved with the Eurovision Song Contest? Have you heard about it?

Growing up in America and having a dream of becoming a singer from an early start I do remember hearing of Eurovision Song Contest. And of course musicians like ABBA and Celine Dion who did a lot of promotion for Eurovision Song Contest outside of Europe. I don’t remember seeing it though because Eurovision Song Contest was never broadcasted on TV like the Grammys are, for example. When I moved to Slovenia I finally saw how big Eurovision Song Contest is in Europe and I have been following it even closer ever since.

4. How do you feel representing a different country than yours?

It is a hard question because I truly feel like I am (almost) Slovene and have been positively accepted by the Slovene public for the most part. I completely adapted to the life here in Slovenia, in Europe. I do miss my family and some things that are American-like, but overall I feel great here. The quality of life is beyond any I have experienced elsewhere. And of course I am extremely grateful to be given a chance and humble ahead of the big nights in Sweden of course. It is amazing and I have to thank my Slovenian friends and audience for support they have been giving for the last six years. It truly makes me feel home.

5. You already tried to represent Slovenia in 2011. Now you are back with a similar entry, this time in English language. Why to sing in English and not in Slovene?

Yes, I did a national competition for the Eurovision Song Contest two years ago and the song was in both Slovenian and English. I have to admit, I have no problems singing in Slovenian and I do it very often, but this year RTV Slovenia wanted to send a song for the international audience, and for this reason, it was decided to do it in English. Many countries have their songs in English, also, because it has a chance to be understood by a broader audience. Usually we send songs in Slovene, but have sent English in the past, so its really just the choice for this year. Not to say that it will always be this way. Slovenia is known for a beautiful regional and traditional sound, but there is also a strong electronic scene here. Slovenia has made its mark with big name DJ’s and producers who have achieved impressive notoriety worldwide. These are the people I have been working with for years, here, and this is also part of Slovenia.

6. Would you consider recording Straight into love in Slovenian or any other language?

I might do Straight into love in Slovenian after the Eurovision Song Contest. We will see. For any other languages, I don’t know. It is hard to say now. If I could sing in every language of the world, I would do it, because I also love to sing in Spanish and Portuguese. Who knows, never say never, right?

7. Can you describe your song in just one word?

SLOVEnia!

8. What can we expect on stage in Malmö? Will you be alone?

We are working on the choreography and styling and its coming together very well and I’m very excited about it. I will have three great dancers with me from world champion dancers, Maestro crew. The choreography suits the song perfectly, has a good impact and I cannot wait to show it to you all!

9. Have you listened to any the other entries competing in the contest? Do you have any favorites?

I really like Norway, Ireland, Sweden and Montenegro the most from the other songs.

10. You’re currently reported to be working on your debut album, what kind of music can we expect?

Well there is nothing official yet, but I am working on some great projects and preparing multiple songs and collaborations. All these might result in an album in the future.

11. For years there have been rumours about an American adaptation of the Eurovision format. How do you think this will work with all the talent programs currently showing on American television?

I think it would be very cool, but really all the shows such as X factor, American Idol, The Voice, it would be hard. They have been competing for audiences and ratings a lot and I know X factor lost a lot of them to the other two. Who knows, it would be interesting to do something with the concept of each state presenting their entry. I think it would be great.

12. Do you have a message for all the readers of esctoday.com?

Yes. I am sending you love from sLOVEnia, the only country in the whole world that has LOVE in its name. We’re hard at work making a great show for you all..and I hope to make Slovenia proud come May. I also hope you will be dancing to Straight into love!