Anna Book has participated in Melodifestivalen twice earlier; 1986 and 1987. This year she makes a come-back to the contest which gave her the big break through 20 years ago. She is considered to be the favourite among journalists and betting companies to qualify directly to the final with the song �Samba Sambero�. esctoday.com had the chance to interview Anna and ask her about her participation in Melodifestivalen.
Anna, you really seem to enjoy your come-back to Melodifestivalen?
Absolutely! I really like all the attention I get. To perform in Melodifestivalen again feels great and I am so happy about being here. I can't help smiling all the time!
Can you describe your song “Samba Sambero”?
It is a happy, it reaches the listener directly. Nobody has to wonder what the song is about. You can enjoy it the first time you listen to it and its full speed from the start! It�s a typical up-tempo schlager song that you can�t resist. We entered a couple of songs for Melodifestivalen but I was determined that it was going to be �Samba Sambero�, if we would make it.
What is your goal on Saturday?
I want to spread happiness and warmth! There are so many lonely people out there that I would like to perform for. I want to entertain and I wish that the audience will love �Samba Sambero� and vote for it.
So winning is not all that important?
Of course I want to win and sing in the final in Globen, but I am old enough not put too much pressure on myself. I am going to do my best, have a lot of fun and survive no matter what the result is!
Why did you decide to take part again after so long? Why this year?
It�s all about timing, I guess. It felt like the right moment for me. When I heard �Samba Sambero� I felt that there was something very straight forward about it. Something that I really, really liked!
What is the difference between Anna Book today and the Anna Book who sang �ABC� in 1986?
20 years! 20 years is the difference! Honestly I haven�t changed that much as a person. I am still a very positive and social person, but of course I feel more confident and secure about who I am. If I get carried away nowadays it doesn�t take long until I�m back in the reality�
How has the contest changed during that time?
It has changed enormously! It has grown so much bigger! The whole production behind the contest has become very professional. SVT has done a great job with the contest, I think. It has also changed from a competition between schlager songs to a song contest. Melodifestivalen seem to be under constant progress, but I am delivering a grand old traditional schlager with a lot of happiness!
How do you prepare for your performance?
I long for Saturday night but I try to stay calm about the whole thing. I have participated before and I feel no pressure. I am good at staying focused and I try to have as much fun as I can while I�m here. I know what it takes to survive it� if you have questions to ask me for the next four hours, I guess I�ll sit here and answer them with a smile!
Is there anything that would make you nervous about your performance?
No, not really. I guess I would get a little bit nervous if the music didn�t start when I�m on stage. I guess I would just do a little dance or something! I feel no pressure about participating again. I just won�t allow me to feel any pressure. I like to compete and I always do my very best. It doesn�t matter if it�s during a game of Monopoly around the kitchen table or on a stage. Nobody can take this moment away from me!
Tell us about your cooperation with Thomas G:son who has written �Samba Sambero�!
We get along just fine! We have an open discussion about everything concerning the song and the contest. It has worked out great so far. If we don�t talk about the song, we talk recipes. Thomas makes a wonderful fish stew!
You are working for the TV-show �Let�s dance�, you perform and you are competing in Melodifestivalen. Where do you find the time?
I guess it�s my personality! I love to perform and I am happy most of the time. I am able to focus on what is going on here and now. Even if I don�t get a lot of sleep I try to stay positive and to enjoy my time with the children.
What do your kids say about you being such a busy mom?
If I�m not able to see them every day I call them. I talked with them earlier today and they thanked me for the fish stew I had cooked for them before leaving home.
You almost won the TV-show �Let�s dance�. Are you still dancing?
Oh yes! David, my dance partner from the show, and I preformed just a few weeks ago. However, now I�ve been so extremely busy with Melodifestivalen and everything, but we will definitely continue to dance and perform together.
What will happen after Melodifestivalen?
I will release a new album right after the contest. We have prepared it for some time now and it�s ready to be released. I have been very busy, but it�s all about planning ahead. I would be stupid not to do it right now! The title of the album will be �Samba Sambero�, just like my entry.
Good luck!
Thank you!
