Earlier it was announced tha Olivia Lewis will represent Malta in the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest as the winner of Malta Song for Europe with Gerard James Borg's song Vertigo. Shortly after the winning song was revealed, esctoday.com Managing Director Barry Viniker spoke exclusively to the singer and the composer.
Olivia Lewis is obviously happy that she finally gets to represent her country in the Eurovision Song Contest. She has competed in Malta Song for Europe since the age of 14 and was the runner-up in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
The Maltese victory must have a special meaning for Gerard James Borg, who also has Malta Song for Europe and Eurovision Song Contest experience (he wrote the Maltese entries in 2000, 2002 and 2004): on Friday, his song Love struck, to be performed by the twin sisters Indiggo, was disqualified from the Romanian semi finals.
Olivia Lewis comments:
How does it feel to win finally?
"It feels fantastic, I am so happy to win at last!"
After Klinsman were announced and they were about to announce 2nd place, did you think 'oh no, not again'?
"Yes,I kind of expected it a little, butI thoughtI could win, and when they said 30,000 i couldn't believe it."
What will you be doing over the next few days?
"Ithink there will be a strict organised schedule. Ususally there's a week of television shows here in Malta and that's the first week basically, but i dont know laughs "
You came through the semi final here and you have to do so in Helsinki, do you think having the semi helped?
"It's kind of prepared us in a small scale for what will happen in Helsinki. I say small scale, because this is well, Malta laughs . The venue also helped to get in the frame of mind to sing at the Eurovision because it's such a big event. This is the biggest venue in Malta."
Aword about Gerard James Borg, the song writer, what is it like working with him?
"It's great working with Gerard because he's really into eurovision, i mean he studies every countries' songs and listens to the entries; he's wunderful to work with."
Gerard James Borg comments:
How do you feel?
"I can't talk, it's absolutely fabulous. laughs "
Where are going to get clothes for Helsinki in Malta?
"I guess we'll have to stop in Norway to get some. laughs "
What's in store now for Olivia on her road to the Eurovision Song Contest?
"I'm sure that the board will have a plan and make arrangements for her. It's great to win in Malta, this is my home, and I'm so proud."
After Fabrizio Faniello's last place in the Athens final round with I do, Olivia Lewis will have to enter the semi final in Helsinki.
