Amsterdam was awash with stars last weekend, as performers from all across Europe jetted in for the annual Eurovision in Concert. Amongst them was Ukraine’s Jamala. The “1944” singer caught up with our William before the concert and filled us in about her plans for Stockholm, including her search for the perfect dress.
Jamala at Eurovision in Concert — Interview
We’ve spoken a lot about your song and the international reaction, but what’s the reaction been among Ukrainians? How do they respond to “1944”?
Oh, they love it! They also made a lot of covers of the song, which you can find on YouTube. It’s really lovely to hear your song but in a different style.
Jamala “1944” Cover
Ukraine has had a difficult time in recent years. Does that add pressure to you or do you feel like you representing your country is more important now?
It’s a big honour for me to represent it nowadays, because I can show the high level of the Ukrainian music. In the last two years, my country become known for the war and the revolution, but I want to show you another side of Ukraine. Like the fashion, for instance. This Monday, we will reach a final decision regarding what I am going to wear on stage in Stockholm. As you know, Vogue Ukraine made a call for designers for this purpose. I hope to have four dresses in Sweden, so I can choose my outfit on the spot, depending on the stage, the lighting and so on.
What style to do you want for your dress? because your song carries an important message.
Yes. Of course, I want to be a little sexy. Perhaps it doesn’t sound good to want to be sexy with this sad story, but regardless, I want to be sexy, but serious at the same time.
Done! Jamala was both sexy and serious later on when she took to the Melkweg stage. Donning the same black outfit she wore during the Ukrainian semi-final, she delivered yet another stirring performance.
@Anton, I have new broom, wanna ride? ahaha
@Anton
you are so funny, you know that 🙂
@NL
well i don’t like it very much either, it’s depressing, but the story is touching
who are your favourite countries this year?
@Džordž: She’s interpreting history the way she wants it.
Where she’s interpreting history? By what words concretely? Can you put any quotations right in here? Otherwise, you are just envisioning something in your mind. So, post your proving quotations of her lyrics here, please. 🙂
@Anton
I agree… She looks like a witch… And I don’t like her song. Ok yes it’s emotional but seriously.. She’s interpreting history the way she wants it. Not the way it should be… And the song is clearly waaay too political..
@Charles
I’d rather listen to David Guetta-bs-music than this poor excuse for a song.
NL
She wili be in TOP 5 with juries points, and in televote thanks to ex soviet coutries (she will get small points from Russia, Belarus and Armenia only from other 6 she wili get many points in televote) plus huge turksih diaspora in europe she wili be in TOP 10 with televote. My prediction from 4 to 7 place in final for Ukraine.
I don’t think Ukraine will do so well as all the eurovision fans hope. Its just a 3 minutes depression without anything enjoyable.
There is sexiness in being classy and subtle …it’s called elegance … and that is what Jamala wants to wear while telling her story .. a story sadly many Eurovision fans who still digest David Guetta-bs-music like a a kid eats candies, will never have the brains or the sensitivity to understand. Life must be awesome for them, right?
@Anton
If someone sees witches in every corner, he should go to a church and to pray for his soul there … or he should go to a psychiatrist and to cure his mental health. So, you can make up your right choice. 🙂
You remain a witch, sorry, Jamala, but this is only your choice!
no one wants to be sexy when the theme of the song is about a tragic event.
She has a great song, no matter what.
I don’t care what kind of dress she will wear or how her staging will look like because when it’s her turn to perform it will be my toiletbreak for sure! (43/43)
@Andrew well don’t you understand what i’m saying about being arrogant, it’s better to be a little shy and kind about your chances, rather than saying you’re going to be the winner having said all that, Ukraine’s song isn’t bad, i like the story in it, and Ira’s song is also very good, and i think that she’ll do well on the night, i’ve got more confidence in Walk On Water, than i had last year in Warrior by Amber, that song lacked a catchy beat and dance rhythm, but i liked the song only it didn’t win over enough… Read more »
Nicky91
We all know that Ukraine wili be overrated in juries points with Australia,Sweden,Malta, and with points from televote maybe Ukraine win, and EBU wili be happy with this, when allow politics inspireted song at Eurovision song contest 2016.
@Nicky91 Jamala have all rights to be confident – she is best of the best. Ira absolutely right about her chances. So as Jamala.
So much lobbying for Ukraine , Australia, France on this bloggs.
Ukraine good song, one of best vocal on the contest, but song is too political for eurovision stage.
arrogance from Jamala, already thinking about winning, i dislike people who are this arrogant
Ira keeps her feet on the ground, beautiful kind person