Maja Keuc represented Slovenia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 with the power ballad “No One.” She brought major flair to the stage, took Slovenia back to the grand final and ultimately finished 13th. She recently took the time to chat with wiwiblogger Down Under Liam Thorne. Here are the highlights.
Maja Keuc Interview
Hello Maja, thank you for taking the time to chat!
With my biggest pleasure!
At the Slovenian national selection in 2014, you premiered a new song, “Close To You”. How do you think the song differs from your usual style?
I see it as my new beginning. I grew up a lot, musically and personally, since Eurovision and my first album. I feel like it suits me much more as an artist I want to be and it’s an announcement of my new musical material.
Recently, as part of our segment, Wiwi’s Way, our reader’s voted you their winner of Eurovision 2011, despite Azerbaijan’s victory that year. How do you feel about that accomplishment?
I feel very flattered as I didn’t expect such positive feedback! I am very grateful.
Would you ever consider entering Eurovision again?
Never say never!
At Eurovision 2014, Conchita Wurst won with her Bond-esque song “Rise Like A Phoenix.” What are your reactions to her victory?
I must admit, I wasn’t following the hype around Conchita Wurst because I was going through a life changing period in that time. I really do not have anything against her or homosexuality, that’s for sure!
When can we expect new music from you?
Sometime during 2015.
What are your future musical ambitions?
I am currently studying jazz singing at the Royal Academy in Stockholm where I am inspired daily by my peers and teachers. I’m writing my own music now and think I have something to give people. I want to speak to people musically. I have to stay true to myself and I know that everything will come out in the right way. When I backed away from the media world, I gave myself the chance to explore and develop myself as an artist. My biggest dream is to remain performing and give the world something beautiful.
Looking back on your Eurovision endeavour, is there anything you regret not doing in Düsseldorf?
I could go into that but I won’t. I can’t change anything and my time in Germany has shaped who I am today.
Could you see a win for Slovenia in the coming years?
Hardly, but I’m a born optimist!
If the contest did come to Ljubljana, would you attempt to be a part of the show (hosting, being an interval act, etc.)?
I would love to!
And finally, do you have a message for all the readers at wiwibloggs?
Thank you for supporting and believing in me during and after 2011, I hope to give you my best in the coming year.
@Oostenrijk: Really? She’s dressed totally normally. Don’t worry about her clothes, just let it go and enjoy the music.
It’s unfortunate that this performance is lipsynced, but the song is phenomenal. I’m looking forward to her new style and hopefully we’ll see lots more from her 🙂 It’s exciting enough that she’s studying jazz singing – it seems like she’s really diversifying her style.
She’s got a great voice, but shouldn’t dress like an escort…..
i want slovenia to win eurovision
she is amazing talent .. deserves to be a global star .. close to you is a great song , would have been a great entry for slovenia in 2014 and would have been top5 ..
maja please come back to eurovision !!!
<3 Maja. I hope she is liking Stockholm
@Diane: just be glad people are promoting eurovision stars of yesteryear and reaching out to them.
Sorry to say this Wiwibloggs, but this is a very mundane interview. You could’ve asked more interesting questions than this.