Samra Rahimli: I want to regain people's faith in miracles

/By Azernews/

By Laman Ismayilova

Samra Rahimli will represent Azerbaijan at the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm.

The 21-year-old singer with her song “Miracle” has become Azerbaijan’s choice for the annual music contest.

The team of Azerbaijani singer is finalizing preparations for the song contest, which is scheduled for May 14.

Although all the details of the upcoming show are kept in secret, Samra Rahimli shared with "Moscow-Baku" the role the contest plays in her life.

Question: Samra, please tell us about yourself.

Answer: I was born in Baku. When I turned one, we moved to Moscow, where we lived for 8 years. Then, my family returned to Azerbaijan, and since then I have never been to Russia.

As a child, I was always singing and loved to watch performances of my favorite artists, especially Beyoncé. I dreamed of performing on the same stage. At the age of 16, I became the youngest participant of national selection for the Eurovision song contest. Later, I entered the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts. This is how it began.

Q.: How did you feel when hearing that you'll represent Azerbaijan at the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest?

A.: I just couldn't believe that I will represent Azerbaijan at the Eurovision song contest! I was very happy! This is incredible! I literally jumped for joy, so long I've dreamed of it. At the same time, I realized the huge responsibility that I bear. I'll represent my country! I will do everything to make my country proud of me.

Q.: Have you ever dreamed to participate at Eurovision song contest?

A.: I always followed the competition, and I can't remember the time when I missed to watch the contest. Now my dream is coming true.

Q.: You participated in the qualification for the 2012 Eurovision song contest, but stopped in a step from victory. We have to admit that during that time, you've got a lot of experience of performances on the big stage, in particular in the project "The Voice" in Turkey and Azerbaijan. What has changed since that time? What have you learnt?

A.: "The voice" is a wonderful project. It allows the actors to get determined. In that period I was very busy in the "The Voice of Azerbaijan". I have passed all stages, from casting to the last broadcast. It was hard, but very interesting. Every week we prepared a new song, a new look, there were a lot of rehearsals. It was a huge experience for me and a very good school before the Eurovision song contest. Now I really want to show it the audience of the Eurovision song contest.

Q.: Does the song "Miracle" has a special meaning?

A.: Miracle is very close to me. I'm glad that the national jury in conjunction with foreign experts chose this composition. It is very important for me to feel and understand what I sing. In my life I had such a story, and I know how difficult it is to make a decision, to leave or to give the relationship another chance. And it is up to you to decide whether will there be a miracle in my song or will it save the love. Each of us must find what it feels in my song, and that makes it wonderful.

Q.: Eurovision song contest starts in two months. Do you know about your stage room and outfit? What would you like to talk about on stage?

A.: Rehearsals are currently underway. I can't talk about the production, but everything that will happen on the stage is focused around a miracle. I want to regain people's faith in miracles.

Q.: How confident are you? What do you expect to take over - a fortune or your own abilities?

A.: Two years of participation in "The Voice" gained me great experience. I feel ready for the competition and will do everything possible to fairly represent my country.

Q.: Who or what gives you strength on stage?

A.: When I first came on the scene at the age of 16, I enjoyed great support of my mother, who I am incredibly grateful. I could not have done any of this without her. On any stage, in any country, I always felt her support.

Q.: Your mother was very excited while watching your performances on "The Voice". Who'll come with you to Eurovision song contest?

A.: Still I don't know whether my mom will be able to come to Sweden, but I know she's always there for me, even when she's not in the hall. I'll be with my team and together we can make it work!