Optimism for Romania at 2017 Eurovision Song Contest

Ilinca and Alex Florea will be representing Romania at the Eurovision Song Contest this year.

Warning: Trying to access array offset on null in /home/web/rri.ro/public/wp-content/themes/rri/template-parts/content.php on line 98
Corina Cristea, 02.05.2017, 13:04

Preparations for the 2017 Eurovision are in full swing in Kiev, the city that will host the 62nd edition of the international song contest. This is the second time Ukraine is hosting this competition, after the 2005 edition. Last year, Jamala won the trophy with the song “1944, and tradition says the winner is to host the following years edition. Ukraine does have some experience with Eurovision after hosting the 2009 and 2013 editions of Eurovision Junior.

This year, the semi-finals will be held on May 9 and 11, while the big final will take place on Saturday, May 13. Organisers say everything is almost in place, including the building of the main stage, which measures some 750 square meters. The German designer Florian Wieder, who designed the stage, says it symbolises Ukraine as the centre of Europe, which is why it is circle-shaped. The opening ceremony will be held on May 7, when organisers will roll out the 265-meter-long red carpet, the longest in the history of the Eurovision, right by the Mariyinsky Palace near the Parliament building in Kiev.

For two weeks, Kiev will also play host to the Euroclub, where participant countries will be able to organize private events. Over 200 competitors from 20 countries have arrived in Kiev these days to take part in rehearsals, including Romanias representatives, Ilinca and Alex Florea. In the second semi-final the two will be performing the song “Yodel it! composed by Mihai Alexandru. The head of the Romanian delegation, Iuliana Marciuc, told a press conference that the song has already caught public interest.

Iuliana Marciuc: “We are currently among the top ten countries in terms of the publics preferences. The song is popular and we are happy about it. Well just have to see what the show will look like. Its produced by the European Broadcasters Union, but we made one or two suggestions. Im curious to see the stage design they went for. The important thing is to be positive and happy about this whole experience, much like our two young vocalists.

On Sunday the so-called fan zone opened in Kiev, an outdoor area that will be hosting 11 concerts, various film screenings and exhibitions. The area will be open from 10 AM to 10 PM, until May 14, allowing foreign guests to familiarise themselves with Ukrainian traditions and culture. According to the Ukrainian media, the fan zone can accommodate up to 9,000 guests and is divided into several thematic sectors, offering cultural and artistic performances, information, entertainment activities as well as traditional dishes.

(translated by: Vlad Palcu)