The Eurovision Pre-Party Riga 2015 kicked off preview season in style last weekend. Eight of this year’s acts took to the stage, including local girl Aminata, but she wasn’t the only one representing the home-side. Marie N, Latvia’s first (and only) Eurovision winner, also made an appearance. It’s been almost 13 years since her 2002 victory and naturally Marie and her musical stylings have matured. Gone are the days of fizzy euro-pop and novelty stripteases. Instead she performed an eclectic set of jazzy and world music numbers, even “I Wanna” received an alternative makeover. Riga loved its Eurovision queen, and she was met with a rapturous applause. The lady’s still got it!
Before the concert Marie spoke to wiwibloggs. She shared her thoughts on the modern contest and how it has changed. She also discusses living in Paris, ditching pop for musicals and the responsibility of hosting the contest in 2003. You can watch the whole interview below, and scroll down to see her full set from Friday night.
I wanna…OLVIDAR
Great winner!
Anyone noticed that the music from Eurovision 1965- 2008 was bad and 2009 till now where all great. Time goes on.
It´s funny that she says that, considering that she started the new trend of show over music quality…
The worst eurovision song contest winner ever.
she’s right about one thing, the songs are more difficult on technical level
you guys wanna compare Georgia and Malta: Georgia has an easy listening Warrior with Gothic dance beat. I however Like Malta so much more as it is way more technical and this new version with orchestra shows off Amber’s wonderful vocals who i think is the best vocalist of this year’s contest.
#TeamAmber , i suspect a lot of votes coming from Italy and UK and Azerbaijan to Malta.
but if i can make you happy then i’ll vote from Georgia for your #TeamNina
You know what was absolutely not technical? Her rendition of “I Wanna” in 2002. It was like looking at my 7 year old cousin and her class dancing on Duck Sauce’s “Barbra Streisand” during their school fair. I still can’t believe that crap won.
Being one of the worst winners of the 21st century, the only thing this woman should be saying about Eurovision is “I’m sorry”
She won thanks to very good stage presentation of her song .
@Allen we’re aware of the sound. Unfortunately we didn’t have a mic in Riga. Subtitles have been added to the video so you should still be able to follow the interview.
@ Adam, I agree. I don’t know why so many people hate this song, but if we look back at 2002, she easily stood out. Performance was attractive compared to all outdated performances that year. She is not my favoruite ESC winner, but nor the worst. Latvia was a fantastic host nation in 2003 so that’s one more reason why she deserved to win. That’s still one of my favourite Eurovisions ever.
It’s so great to see how Eurovision has changed. Songs in the late 90s and early 2000’s very so so outdated and bad.
Two things. One, I’ve always wanted to know more about her (male) back up dancers in 2002. They’re sooo hot, even in 360p haha. Second, I have a major unpopular opinion here but I consider “I Wanna” to be the 2nd best winner of Eurovision, right up there behind Euphoria and a little bit ahead of Molitva. I just love the song and her performance that night, it’s so catchy and fun :D. It was pretty much the main catalyst for all the sexy, gimmicky, and uptempo dance numbers we saw in the 00s. Without her setting the precedent by… Read more »
Wiwibloggs, I think you definitely have to change something about sound when you interview people. Your videos are often impossible to hear. Buy better mike or something, I believe that’s the problem.
😉