In our third interview with this year's Melodifestivalen participants, esctoday.com spoke exclusively to rising Swedish star, and one of the favourites, Sonya Alden. No stranger to Melodifestivalen, or the Eurovision Song Contest, Sonya is back with a new style and a new outlook, and it could be the key to unlocking the door to a top position in the competition.
Sonya Alden has earned her musical dues, having been a support singer for several years. She has grown to be best friends with Shirley Clamp, recording the demo track for her 2005 Melodifestivalen entry, Att Alska Dig and working with her on several projects. Sonya talks more about Shirley in the interview, explaining how the two of them ended up in Istanbul for the 2004 Eurovision Song Contest, despite Shirley only finishing 2nd in the national final. She also explains the story behind hysterical drag act, Diamond Dogs, and exactly how far Shirley and herself collaborated with them for one of the highlights of Stockholm Pride 2006.
Sonya talks more about her career, her debut album, which we can exclusively reveal is due to hit the record stores in April and how she found the musical style which has led to her breakthrough into the Swedish music scene in her own right.
Sonya talks about Melodifestivalen and what it means to her to be performing her song, For Att Du Finns, and much much more. She won't have an easy ride to the final, in arguably the toughest of the four semi finals at Melodifestivalen, Sonya will need one of two tickets to the final or a second-chance berth. Before the 8th participant, a wildcard, is thrown into the semi-final, she already needs to overcome hot favourites Nanne Gronvall and The Attic ft. Therese, as well as Melodifestivalen veteran and 2006 finalist, Magnus Carlsson.
For those that doubt Sonya's ability to compete with these well established artists, you can watch her performance at Schlagerpride 2006 below. Not only did she perform her entry from Melodifestival this year,Etymon, she was also handed the honour of presenting to the 35,000 crowd Invincible, the Swedish entry at thisyear's Eurovision Song Contest, which she recorded and who's voicewas the lead vocal on the demo that got the song to Melodifestivalen and launched Carola on herpath to a third national final victory.Keep an eye on the huge crowd, Sonya is clearly in with a chanceat Melodifestivalen 2007!
Click here to read the full Sonya Alden interview!
Click the 'play' icon below to see esctoday.com's exclusive footage of Sonya Alden performing at Schlagerpride 2006.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwsIRQdyYkE
