Year after year, Belgian euro-fans live in the hope that Stromae will represent them at Eurovision, but to no avail. Sadly, it looks like 2015 will be no different, as the superstar has just told the American music magazine, Complex, that he needs time off. And he’s not talking about a three week holiday, people.
Stromae, born Paul Van Haver, stated in the interview that he needs time to “heal himself” and:
“that it’s not natural to have this kind of attention… I understand how one can become completely crazy because of this success… For the next album, well, I think the success of the second one was so huge that it would take lot of time to just have a normal life and actually be normal, so maybe I will leave two or three or even four years out before making another—? I’m not sure. I want to be making music, but also have a normal life. Of course, traveling will always be something I want to do, too. I’m more worried about my sanity [laughs], and being with my family.”
For the full interview click HERE.
The creative mind behind hits like “Formidable” and “Alors On Danse” will take a full sabbatical from the music industry. This means no albums, no tours, and no Eurovision! The chances of him competing may have been slim to start with, but at least we could dream. Now the door of possibility has been slammed shut.
It’s no secret that Stromae is high, if not number one, on every Belgians’ wishlist for Eurovision. There are numerous online petitions (also here and here) trying to convince Stromae (and the RBTF and/or VRT) to take a chance at Eurovision, but following the announcement they’re effectively redundant.
So more disappointment for the Belgian fans… what’s new? At least this leaves an opportunity for someone else to step into the megastar shaped void. Maybe Kate Ryan might be willing to pick up the Eurovision-mic again? Or perhaps someone even better?
Hi stromae I’m a HUGE fan of u I know every thing about you and a lot I listen to your songs every day and I watch your concerts on you tube but I can’t wait to go to your real one
Stromae is amazing. Not many artists would want to take that kind of a break. They usually continue to see how far they would get. I am disappointed. But good for him. That guy, Ruben, was rude.
Okay I don’t want to sound disrespectful, but I get a little frustrated here. Surely not every Belgian likes Stromae and his music. I’m Belgian and I think he’s one of the most overrated (Belgian) artists ever. I really don’t like his cheap music and to me he comes across as a person who is full of himself. When his music is played on the radio I always switch channels. But admittedly, I can’t deny that he has a lot of success and many fans.
Indila believes it’s an honour to represent your country although she’s a newcomer and it would give her a lot of pressure. I guess the French broadcaster can change her attitude if they really want her.
Stromae’s music is very good and contemporary with clever lyrics. The Belgian broadcaster is a big mess when it comes to Eurovision. This year they tried to fix things but the whole voting process with the semifinals and that awful jury didn’t help at all.
Is Natalia still active in music industry there?
First, Indila said no to Eurovision. Then, Stromae will take a sabbatical from the music scene. At this point, there is an obvious pattern here. I can’t blame them since they have too much to prioritize in life especially given the fact they have millions of fans in and outside Europe, Eurovision fans or not and that they are fresh artists who quickly paved their way to become successful in the European music scene. Otherwise, it seems just for them (in their personal ways) to not participate in ESC soon so as to protect their musical integrity and continuing success.… Read more »
I’m more concerned his voice and sanity will survive the American tour. Less than half of the shows are on five consecutive nights alone.
He’ll need the break pretty soon. He’s about to start a tour in the US which will last through October, and then he’ll continue in lots of places in Europe until the end of the year.
Why would an artist that is at their most popular right now go to Eurovision with the chance of embarrassing themselves by not getting through? Eurovision is for either not so famous artists, or famous artists who’s career hit a slump.
Needless to say … it all makes perfect sense … he’s an artist … not an industry puppet much less an Eurovision-let-me-ruin-my-career-kind-of-performer.