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Interview with Javine from United Kingdom
esctoday.com had an exclusive interview with Javine Hylton, who will be singing Touch my fire, a song she also co wrote, for the United Kingdom in the final of the Eurovision Song Contest. Find out more about her background, and how she came to be in the contest, and what her views and feelings on the contest are, and whether she would do it again?
Had you always wanted to be a singer?
Well at the age of three I wanted to be a nurse...but when I found out how badly paid that was I changed my mind! From about the age of five I wanted to become a singer...and I have pursued that since.
Javine first came to the attention of the British public, when she was in Popstars: The Rivals!, when she narrowly lost out to the line up that became Girls Aloud in December 2002.
Was this your first attempt at such a programme, or had you tried Pop Idols before?
No - Popstars was the first show, I never even thought of doing it myself, but I was asked to go and do it. In fact I went to the very last audition in Glasgow . I thought, go with the flow, waste a bit of time, then I realised I was doing well, when I got down to the London heats, and made the final ten.
Had you wanted therefore to be in a girl band?
No, I actually never wanted to be in band. I wanted to be a solo singer, but I grew to like it, we all became good friends. There are pros and cons, in a group you can lean on each other a bit, bounce your feelings off of each other.
How did you feel then when you were eliminated?
I was gutted, I was jealous, upset. However next morning I had offers from Polydor, and I brightened up. so the feelings only lasted a couple of nights.
Within months, her first single Real things, provided her with a chart hit, that kicked off a run of hit singles.
What does it feel like when you heard your song on the radio for the first time?
That is the best feeling I have ever had. Even though you go through the recording of the song, filming the video, nothing beats that first time you hear it on the radio.
Well at the age of three I wanted to be a nurse...but when I found out how badly paid that was I changed my mind! From about the age of five I wanted to become a singer...and I have pursued that since.
Javine first came to the attention of the British public, when she was in Popstars: The Rivals!, when she narrowly lost out to the line up that became Girls Aloud in December 2002.
Was this your first attempt at such a programme, or had you tried Pop Idols before?
No - Popstars was the first show, I never even thought of doing it myself, but I was asked to go and do it. In fact I went to the very last audition in Glasgow . I thought, go with the flow, waste a bit of time, then I realised I was doing well, when I got down to the London heats, and made the final ten.
Had you wanted therefore to be in a girl band?
No, I actually never wanted to be in band. I wanted to be a solo singer, but I grew to like it, we all became good friends. There are pros and cons, in a group you can lean on each other a bit, bounce your feelings off of each other.
How did you feel then when you were eliminated?
I was gutted, I was jealous, upset. However next morning I had offers from Polydor, and I brightened up. so the feelings only lasted a couple of nights.
Within months, her first single Real things, provided her with a chart hit, that kicked off a run of hit singles.
What does it feel like when you heard your song on the radio for the first time?
That is the best feeling I have ever had. Even though you go through the recording of the song, filming the video, nothing beats that first time you hear it on the radio.
In 2005 she was approached to enter a song for the United Kingdom selection programme Making your mind up.
What was your first reaction when asked?
I honestly couldn't see myself doing it.. I know it has the reputation of being cheesy and kitsch. I want to see if I can make it commercial and cool. This is such an amazing opportunity, so go and grab it, as it brings the chance to bring my music to different European ears, and maybe change its style.
How did the reported bitter rivalry between you and Katie Price (Jordan) come about?
At first I thought it was all publicity by her, as she is good at using it, when she called me a 'Silly cow', I just laughed it off. But recently at the soap awards, I met and talked to Peter Andre (her boyfriend), and then she came along, and called me something really nasty, I was shocked, and I thought my god, she really hates me that much!
What did you think of the audience reaction on the night, the audience shouting out for you, while at the same time being so anti Jordan?
Yes, I was aware of it. I knew there was some of my family there, but it just seemed to develop. I actually felt quite sorry for Jordan, to go up there on stage and then to be booed
Would you enter the contest again as a performer or songwriter?
Not as a performer. I think doing it the once makes it special. But yes, I would do it again as a songwriter for someone else"
What was your first reaction when asked?
I honestly couldn't see myself doing it.. I know it has the reputation of being cheesy and kitsch. I want to see if I can make it commercial and cool. This is such an amazing opportunity, so go and grab it, as it brings the chance to bring my music to different European ears, and maybe change its style.
How did the reported bitter rivalry between you and Katie Price (Jordan) come about?
At first I thought it was all publicity by her, as she is good at using it, when she called me a 'Silly cow', I just laughed it off. But recently at the soap awards, I met and talked to Peter Andre (her boyfriend), and then she came along, and called me something really nasty, I was shocked, and I thought my god, she really hates me that much!
What did you think of the audience reaction on the night, the audience shouting out for you, while at the same time being so anti Jordan?
Yes, I was aware of it. I knew there was some of my family there, but it just seemed to develop. I actually felt quite sorry for Jordan, to go up there on stage and then to be booed
Would you enter the contest again as a performer or songwriter?
Not as a performer. I think doing it the once makes it special. But yes, I would do it again as a songwriter for someone else"
Since winning the final, it has been a hectic schedule, that has taken her to Greece, Cyprus and Ukraine, as well as countless interviews and photo shoots.
What do you think of Kyiv?
Well I had been to another part of Ukraine, for a big festival. It just seemed empty by comparison, with no one around. Except when it came to the festival. But Kyiv itself, I've had a tour, I think wow, what an amazing city, its been around since something like 300 BC, it has such a lot of history, and I am aware of what the people have been through recently.
Have you seen or heard the other songs?
Just a few, I have been so busy working, I've heard Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and the Maltese entry. I'm going to watch the semi final to see some of the competition.
As you are drawn at the infamous number two position, would you prefer to follow a ballad, a rock song or an uptempo song, or does it make no difference to you?
I think possibly a ballad, if I follow a slower song, then I come on after with my uptempo song. I'd love to do well, but I won't be making any excuses if I do badly, I will do my best... but I do want to win!"
So how are you feeling about Saturday night, appearing on the big stage, in front of what may well be the biggest audience of your life?
Feeling nervous, excited and intrigued as to what will happen. The stage is amazing, and I will be on there in all my 'bling, bling', and doing my performance, wow!
How do you feel for those artists in the semifnal that will not be going to the final?
To come all that way, and not make the final must be awful. But they should each be proud, that they represented their country here. I'm glad I don't have to go through it.
What advice would you give to your successor?
To keep an open mind. Everyone here is so nice, there is no bitchiness, everyone is very supportive. It's an amazing experience
You've had lots of interviews recently...and no doubt you are prepared for most of the usual questions...but has anyone asked you a question, that surprised or shocked you?
Well at the press conference the other day, I was asked a question from a Swedish journalist, who asked about my ex boyfriend, and my sex life...as if I am going to talk about that publically! But well done on her for even asking!
Finally Javine, best of luck for Saturday
Thank you. I just want to thank everyone for the support they have given me. I will do my best!
esctoday.com would like to thank Javine for the interview, and to Simon Jones for all his assistance.
What do you think of Kyiv?
Well I had been to another part of Ukraine, for a big festival. It just seemed empty by comparison, with no one around. Except when it came to the festival. But Kyiv itself, I've had a tour, I think wow, what an amazing city, its been around since something like 300 BC, it has such a lot of history, and I am aware of what the people have been through recently.
Have you seen or heard the other songs?
Just a few, I have been so busy working, I've heard Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and the Maltese entry. I'm going to watch the semi final to see some of the competition.
As you are drawn at the infamous number two position, would you prefer to follow a ballad, a rock song or an uptempo song, or does it make no difference to you?
I think possibly a ballad, if I follow a slower song, then I come on after with my uptempo song. I'd love to do well, but I won't be making any excuses if I do badly, I will do my best... but I do want to win!"
So how are you feeling about Saturday night, appearing on the big stage, in front of what may well be the biggest audience of your life?
Feeling nervous, excited and intrigued as to what will happen. The stage is amazing, and I will be on there in all my 'bling, bling', and doing my performance, wow!
How do you feel for those artists in the semifnal that will not be going to the final?
To come all that way, and not make the final must be awful. But they should each be proud, that they represented their country here. I'm glad I don't have to go through it.
What advice would you give to your successor?
To keep an open mind. Everyone here is so nice, there is no bitchiness, everyone is very supportive. It's an amazing experience
You've had lots of interviews recently...and no doubt you are prepared for most of the usual questions...but has anyone asked you a question, that surprised or shocked you?
Well at the press conference the other day, I was asked a question from a Swedish journalist, who asked about my ex boyfriend, and my sex life...as if I am going to talk about that publically! But well done on her for even asking!
Finally Javine, best of luck for Saturday
Thank you. I just want to thank everyone for the support they have given me. I will do my best!
esctoday.com would like to thank Javine for the interview, and to Simon Jones for all his assistance.
Related polls
- ISRAEL: Your favourite song in the national final?
- SERBIA: Your favourite in the national final?
- UK: Your favourite in the national final?
- GERMANY: Your favourite in the national final?
- SWEDEN: Your favourite in the national final?
- ESTONIA: Your favourite in the national final?
- GREECE: Your favourite song in the national final?
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