Sergey Lazarev: “I always refused the previous years but when I listened to this song, I decided to go to Eurovision”

His name is now directly linked to the contest. The song that he is going to perform has already more than 7 million views on his official YouTube Channel. Except for this, «You are the only one» is number one on iTunes charts in countries like his homeland Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Latvia. His song managed to enter the Greek charts on number 14 and the Greek audience seems to really like it.

Of Course, I’m talking about the talented Russian singer Sergey Lazarev who is representing his country at the Eurovision Song Contest. He is a super star in Russia, very popular and likable to the people. I have to admit something that surprised me during our conversation… his personality is so down to earth and humble and I think we both totally enjoyed it.

We met him a few minutes before his rehearsal for MadWalk 2016 and we had the pleasure to get to know him better through this interesting interview.

So without further delay, here is what Eurovision’s hot favorite revealed to us…

Hello Sergey! Welcome to tralala.gr. We are very happy to have you here!
Thank you!
You are in Greece because of your performance for MadWalk 2016. Can you tell us something about your performance with Despoina Vandi?
I’m going to perform during Despoina’s collection show with my song “You are the only one”, the song that represents my country at the Eurovision Song Contest this year.
As you said, you are participating in Eurovision with “You are the only one”, a song that Dimitris Kontopoulos wrote together with Phillip Kirkorov. How did this collaboration happen?
Well, Phillip and Dimitris were already working together and writing a few songs for Eurovision for many years and it’s not my first time working with them. Before that we recorded a song called “Breaking away” but it wasn’t for Eurovision, it was just for my album. So two years ago we were already collaborating and when they suggested that this was the right year for me and for this song, I actually decided to accept. I always refused the previous years but when I listened to this song I decided to go to Eurovision.

“You are the only one” has almost 7 million views now and you were the bookies’ favorite from the beginning. How are you feeling?
I’m very pleased and very happy that the audience and the Eurovision fans loved the song and wrote good and positive comments about it. I feel a little bit pressured but it makes me work harder and harder and try to do my best while I’m performing the song.
Russia trusted you through internal selection. Does this make you more anxious?
No, I am not anxious. It’s been about fifteen years that I started my career in Russia and I am working really hard since then. I can say that now I have a good stage experience! My name was always around Eurovision because I took part in Russia’s national selection back in 2008 but I didn’t win. From that moment on I decided I am not going to participate again. I was following my own way but things changed and this year I have a great team and a great song and this is why I decided to go. I received this offer from Russia’s National Broadcaster which is going to podcast it and I think it’s for the best, I feel it’s the right decision.
I want your opinion about the Greek entry, “Utopian Land”, by Argo.
It’s a good song, I wish you good luck. Usually Greece has very strong songs!

Did you hear the other entries, especially those from the first semi final?
I think this year’s Eurovision is the strongest by far because every country sends very strong songs. It’s an interesting year because every song is unique and has some traditional elements. I think it’s good that there are many different choices!
You are in Greece since last week; did you have time to explore our country?
I came 3 days earlier and I did many interviews. I also had to rest a bit because it was a tough March and an April with lots of promo and my tour. I only had time to go to the sea. I’m always happy to be here in Greece, it’s an absolutely beautiful country where you can relax and see the historical places. I’m looking forward to visit you again, not only for performing but also for rest. I think that this summer my family will come to Greece for holidays!
And last but not least, Can you say something to our readers and your Greek fans?
I would like to thank you for your continuous support and love! Wish me luck for Eurovision! Thank you very much for everything!

Read the Greek Version of the interview here!

Interview – Photos: Katerina Gini