Jon Ola Sand: ‘Azerbaijan has a chance to win this year’

APA interviewed Eurovision Song Contest’s Executive Supervisor Jon Ola Sand

- In your speech you have repeatedly said that the show in Azerbaijan would be original and grandiose. What do you say to the participation of representatives of different age categories in this year’s contest? In your opinion, must a relevant age limit be in this contest?

- This is very pleasant that the contest attracts people of different age categories, ethnic backgrounds. One thing should be noted that it is a very important factor for the cultural event and the variety gives broad chances to the spectators too.

- The European Broadcasting Union considers holding Asiavision Song Contest. Don’t you worry that this project will be a rival to Eurovision?

- Not EBU, but EBU’s partners in other countries will realize this contest. They want to hold the Asiavision, but the concept of this contest will be different. Asiavision will not have live broadcast, audience voting. In general, I can say that we are not going to hold a contest larger than Eurovision which can cover the world. The Arab countries and South America are interested in these projects very much and they want to create such thing. Asiavision will be realized in Asia by EBU’s partner organization.

- Did you listen to this year’s 42 songs and what is your opinion? Many songs will be performed in own languages of the countries. What is your attitude to it?

- There is a great diversity in style, background and even age! I very much appreciate the freedom of the singers to sing in their own language, and use cultural elements and instruments in their songs and show. The quality level is definitely very high.

- It is interesting, did you vote for any participant after executing the leadership of Eurovision Song Contest?

- Yes, I voted, but will not say who I voted for. Let it be a secret…

-As every year, this year bookmakers evaluate the chances of the contest’s participants and voting is being held between the Eurovision fans. Swedish representative at the Eurovision-2012 Loreen leads both opinion polls. In your opinion, could it be proved during the contest?

-I always carefully approach this interest. It is true that the song of Sweden gained much attention this year. Traditionally, I observe the voting of both “Ogae” and bookmakers. Actually, today many people talk about Sweden, but I would to say that in previous years many favourites couldn’t meet expectations of the fans. UK, France and Ireland were in the focus of attention last year and were leading the polls. The most important two weeks are still ahead, many things can be changed in this period. There is jury too and their opinions are still unknown.

-60th song of the Eurovision will be winner this year. Which step will you take if such cases take place in the next years?

-We have mechanisms on it and we will take relevant steps. If such case occurs, the majority of 12 points will be accounted and the country, which will gain more 12 points, will be a winner.

-Does Azerbaijan have chance to win the Eurovision song contest in succession?

-It is clear that Azerbaijan shows a great interest to the Eurovision. In generally the advantage of the host country is that it is always in the focus of attention. Of course, Azerbaijan has a chance to win this year.

- You have visited Azerbaijan very often during this period. Will you miss the “Land of Fires” after the contest?

-I will miss, but I will visit Azerbaijan again. I wish successes to Azerbaijan and us in the forthcoming contest.


/APA/