Sofia Berntson is the most unknown participant in the first Swedish semifinal on Saturday in Jönköping. However, she showed no signs at all of being unexperienced or nervous during the first rehearsals. On the pressconference she told esctoday.com that she strongly believes in her song �Hypnotized� and that she is confident to move on to the final in Stockholm.
What do you expect from your participation in Melodifestivalen?
I am here to reach the final. It's not a coincident that I will sing here in Melodifestivalen this Saturday. My participation is part of a bigger plan for a music career. I am currently working on an album that I hope will be released after the contest.
Your song “Hypnotized” was originally written in Greek?
Well, we decided to send the Greek version of the song to the contest and it was that version who qualified to Melodifestivalen. However, I believe that the English version stands a better chance of making it through to the final and to become a hit. At a time we also considered mixing Greek with English, but we never really liked the result of it. In the end we decided to go for an English version only. Maybe I'll reconsider it if we make it all the way to Helsinki, you'll never know!
What kind of song is it?
It is a pop song with oriental flavours. I would say that it is impossible to sit down while listening to it. It's an up-tempo song even thought it's written in minor key. It's a hit!
Was it originally written for Melodifestivalen?
No, actually it wasn't. I had worked with other song writers before. “Hypnotized” was the first song I wrote together with Jason Gill and Dimitrios Stassos. We felt that it was a very good and commercial song that would do well in the contest. We had to give it a try and it worked. I'm so excited!
There are many well-known artists in the semifinal here in Jönköping that you are going to compete against. How do you feel about that?
For me it is positive to be one of the outsiders and I see no problem with it. Actually I can feel that the positive interest in me here is partly do to the reason that the audience and the journalists haven't seen me before.
How do you like the other artists?
They are great! I listen to the other artists who compete here, for example Tommy Nilsson. But I am here to do my best and will try my very best to take my song to the final. I feel very confident about my song and what I can achieve on stage. Actually I don't feel nervous at all, but perhaps that will change on Saturday. I feel better and better the more hours I spend here in Jönköping! This is my chance to show the audience who I am and the start of my singing career. It's fantastic!
How have you prepared for Melodifestivalen?
I have worked out for a month or so, which is good. I would have liked to have had more time to prepare mentally for this big event – it really is huge! Unfortunately I just haven't had the time. There have been too much to do!
And this week?
I will try not to party too much! I will also take good care of my voice, have a good night's sleep every night. It's not that much one can do! I will just try to enjoy the time here in Jönkping!
We wish you good luck on Saturday!
Thank you very much, esctoday.com!
