It’s Senhit’s world, and we’re all just living in it. The Italian-born superstar’s #FreakyTripToRotterdam continues as she gears up to represent San Marino at Eurovision 2021. This month, The Freaky Queen continues her reign and celebrates royalty. The latest addition to Senhit and Luca Tommassini’s audio-visual project is a reinterpretation of French Eurovision icon Bilal Hassani’s 2019 entry “Roi”.
#FreakyTripToRotterdam: Senhit — “Roi” (Bilal Hassani cover)
Representing France in Tel Aviv, YouTube personality Bilal Hassani placed 16th at Eurovision 2019. Their track “Roi” — co-written by Madame Monsieur’s Émilie Satt and Jean-Karl Lucas — celebrates themes of diversity, uniqueness and individuality. For Senhit, these values remain ever-present. But sonically, there is a huge shift in the Freaky Queen’s “Roi” recreation.
Senhit’s re-imagining of Bilal’s track leans more into the dream-pop fantasy genre. In contrast to French superstar’s soft piano introduction, Senhit’s version of “Roi” features heavier drum building to smooth and bright synth chords, cutting through the textures of deep dark bass sounds and Senhit’s lilting vocal. The song and accompanying video delves deep into the fantasy of Luca Tommassini’s creative vision, conjuring a magical dreamlike atmosphere.
And the fashion, of course, is exquisite. Senhit dons royal looks, fusing classical couture with a dash of camp to create an altogether stunning visual worthy of the Met Gala. Drawing inspiration from the iconic wardrobes of historic fashion queens Elizabeth I and Marie Antoinette, Senhit can be seen wearing a highly stylised Tudor-esque wig as she floats through the scene in a large white pluming gown, accessorised with flowing white chiffon strands and a bejewelled masquerade mask.
“This tenth chapter is dedicated to France and it has multiple homages to the most iconographic Queens of history, from Elizabeth I of England to Marie-Antoinette, set in a dreamlike atmosphere”, Senhit said.
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“Roi” is the latest chapter of Senhit’s #FreakyTripToRotterdam project. Every month, San Marino’s Eurovision star covers a different song contest classic. Previous covers include TEO’s “Cheesecake”, Conchita Wurst’s “Rise Like a Phoenix” and a mashup of Netta’s “Toy” with Nadav Guedj’s “Golden Boy”. At Eurovision 2021, she’ll perform “Adrenalina” as the first act to take the stage in semi-final two.
What do you think of Senhit’s “Roi” cover? What’s your favourite #FreakyTripToRotterdam video so far? Sound off in the comments below.
May I just point out how refreshing it is to see an unapologetic 40+ years old woman celebrating her artistic self, no f***s given?
What a queen. Is there anyone else who has put this much work into Eurovision this year?
2021: Senhit wins Eurovision. :-*
2025: Senhit keeps covering Eurovision songs…
2030: Senhit represents every country at Eurovision.
Well if it means Zelmerlow is finally cast aside I’m all for it
Just stop! It’s not a time for covers. She looks desperate.
Y’all…Dimash Kudaibergen’s Insta just went black. And the Eurovision account started following him. What on Earth…
Now there is a countdown on the youtube channel WTF.
I can’t connect with this woman. She leaves me cold for some reason.
Adrenalina gives me Everyway That I Can vibes at times, and we all know how it ended for Turkey in 2003 😉
I just love it when small countries or countries with no impressive record in the contest are doing so well
And I’m living for having San Marino in the final for 2 years in a row! (Or 2 contests in a row, at least xD)
And of course, I love her covers so much!
Stunning! Very well done! Senhit wants votes from the Bilal fanbase 😉
The Freaky Trip to Rotterdam has me very excited for what Senhit will bring to Rotterdam in May! It’s a clear statement of intention. Senhit is coming to win.
I didn’t think we’d be getting any more of these either, as I thought the team would be focussed on Adrenalina, so I’m glad the bus is still running! I appreciate all the references and playfulness from Luca Tommassini’s direction too—Every Way That I Can was a stand out.
Who is paying for Senhit’s adventures in Eurovision cosplay? She doesn’t seem to have the backing of a music label. Her broadcaster seems too small for this. And the country, in general, doesn’t seem flush in cash. These are creative and elaborate videos she’s producing that require costuming, hair, editing, set building, lighting and visual effects. And not to mention all the production of these cover songs. Does Senhit have money in the bank from touring? Or am I missing something. Some countries have yet to have music videos for their songs.
I don’t want this to sound judgemental, as I fully support it, but I remember someone mentioning our queen has a sugar daddy.
Maybe it’s Serhat? Or Siegel? Or Dr Bernd Meinunger?