Eurosong

Nikki Ponte (Greece 2011?): "It is a dream to go to Eurovision!"

Autor: Marin Pelaić, 25. veljače 2011, 19:06(0)

According to reactions of fans all over Europe after the six songs from the 2011 Greek National Final have been published, Nikki Ponte and her song I Don’t Wanna Dance“ have biggest chances for making it to Düsseldorf.

Nineteen-year-old Nikki comes from Toronto. Her father is Portuguese, and her mother Cypriot-Greek. It was in Toronto where Nikki auditioned for Greek X-Factor Show, where she ended third! At the time of announcement of the names of participants of the Greek pre-selection, she was still in X-Factor Show, which made some other contestants protest, since they believed this gives advantage to Nikki. In the interview she gave to out site, check our her opinion about the whole thing, as well as couple of other details.

Hi Nikki, how are you?

I’ve been doing great! I’m really busy getting ready for the Greek Eurovision Final.

Our readers don’t know much about you, beside the fact you’ll be singing in Greek pre-selection show – could you please tell us something about yourself?

I started singing when I was 6 years old, taking classical voice lessons. I was planning to become an opera singer until I was 17, and decided to go into theatre school. Singing, acting and dancing have always been my passions, which is why I decided to try out for X factor in New York City.

You won the 3rd place in this year’s Greek edition of X-Factor. How do you feel now when the show has ended?

I am going to miss the players and the production very much. It is a strange feeling not having them around all the time! It was a great experience and I learned a lot.

Nikki Ponte – “Mamma Mia” (X Factor – Greece)

What can you tell us about “I Don’t Wanna Dance”?

“I Don’t Wanna Dance” is a pop dance song. I like it a lot and was excited about it from the first moment that I heard it.

Are you nervous about the whole thing?

Yes, I am very nervous. It is a huge opportunity and I want to do a good job.

Is there going to be any special choreography?

There will be a concept and choreography. You can expect lots of dancing!

Do you expect to win and represent Greece in Dusseldorf, or you just wish to promote your song and yourself?

It would be really amazing if I am the one to represent Greece in the finals in Germany. Right now I am just taking it one step at a time.

Nikki Ponte – “Respect” (X Factor – Greece)

According to some websites, you are the main favourite for winning and representing Greece in Eurovision 2011. How do you comment this? Is this fact going to create you even a greater motif, or do you think it is going to put some sort of pressure on you?

To be honest, I try not to look too much on the internet or on TV because I find sometimes it distracts me from my work. I plan on working really hard to give my personal best performance, and we will see what happens!

Some other contestants told some bad comments about the fact you’ll be among the contestants for Dusseldrof 2010. Did these comments hurt you?

All I can say is that I am very happy and very honoured to have this opportunity.

What singers do you like most, who are your role-models?

I really like Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys, Aretha Franklin and Micheal Jackson. I would say they are what I aspire to become as an artist.

Are you an ESC fan, do you watch Eurovision? If so, what songs are your all-time favourites?

I did watch Eurovision growing up, it is a dream to go to Eurovision. I like “My Number One” (Greece 2005), “Shake It” (Greece 2004) and “Secret Combination” (Greece 2008).

What are your plans for the upcoming period and summer? When can we expect your first album?

Right now I am working on Eurovision, and I’m not exactly sure what will happen after. I would love to release a single.

Nikki, thank you very much for this interview! Eurosong.hr wishes you all the luck in Greek pre-selection! What message would you like to send to our readers?

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to introduce myself to your readers. X-factor is over, but I am working really hard for the greek eurovision finals. I hope that I will make all of my supporters proud!

Nikki Ponte – “I Don’t Wanna Dance” (Greece 2011?)