Special - Interview: Moldova's Natalia Barbu | Eurovision Song Contest News - 2010 Oslo, Norway 

Natalia Barbu will be the voice of Moldova at the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest, a voice that with only moments to go before the submission deadline, was set to be muted by the national broadcaster by withdrawal from the competition due to last year's poor result and a funding shortage. A last minute change of heart, and a hurried national final to ensure that the representative could pay for their expenses was held, and Natalia Barbu overcame Zdob si Zdub to win the right to represent her country. In her first interview about the Eurovision Song Contest, Natalia Barbu speaks exclusively to esctoday.com.

How does it feel to be representing your country at the Eurovision Song Contest?
"It's a new feeling. Actually, I've had a lot of experience with contests but Eurovision is different. It's very important for every country and singer. It's amazing, I'm really happy".

Were you surprised to win when Zdob si Zdub were expected to win easily?
"I love them, we're very good friends actually, and it was hard because it's tough competing against friends. Of course, I really wanted to win and that's normal, naturally I'm really happy that I won. They were very happy for me and wished me all the best with the Contest. We're still friends now, and we will be for many years to come, I'm sure. Music is music after all".

Are you changing the song in any way for the performance in Helsinki?
"Yes, you have only heard the demo version so far. Now we're working hard to finish the song and we've changed some things around. I think we're going to Russia to record the final version. I'll do my best with the composer and all the production team. The song will be in English and it will will still be called Fight.

Are you preparing a big stage performance and have you chosen the dress yet?
"It's going to be a dream to be on a big stage at the Eurovision Song Contest, I have a big plan but it's not quite finished yet. There will be two girls doing backing vocals, and I'd like two violinists as well. I'm a violinist myself, and there's a strong instrumental part for them in the song, I want them to play and to jump and to make a real show of the music. I can't say about the dress, it will be a big surpise but believe me, it will be very interesting!".

Do you know anything more about why TRM changed their mind about participation?
"I don't know why the broadcaster changed their mind. I don't really know why the decision was so early, it was suddenly a rush, we thought the preselection would be in February, then we found out it was in two weeks. They told me that they decided to it this way because they wanted to be sure that the participant would have enough time to prepare of Helsinki".

We know that the artist for Moldova is expected to pay for their own expenses. How will you fund the project and Are you seeking sponsorship?
"Yes, and it's very difficult. I thought 'what? Oh my god', but we have a chance to find the money here. Everyone in Moldova knows of me and a lot of big companies are offering financial help to us to help support Moldova in the competition. So I'm sure we'll be OK".

Does it help to be a star when you have to participate at a competition as big as the Eurovision Song Contest?
"I'm an modest person and I wouldn't say 'on my god, I'm so famous'. I'm a musician, I've studied a lot of music, I love playing the violin and all my family are musicians. It's a part of me, it's in my blood and I can't live without music. I have a lot of festival and concert experience, and that's what helps the most".

Is this your favourite song that you've recorded?
"I really love this song and I believe in it. I have three albums already and they are very different to this kind of style. It's soft music, kind of pop but this song is rock with strong character but I really love it. I believe that this song will mark a big change in my career, I'd love to do more music like this. You have to be lucky, it's very important to be in the right place at the right time. So many people have a beautiful voice, but it's often down to luck if you succeed".

Will you be meeting the fans before Helsinki
"Yes, I'll be seeing the fans and performing across Moldova before I go. The people here are very honest, it's a poor country with big problems but the people are very close and we still have fun here. There are two million people here, and I'm sure they'll be cheering me and our country at Eurovision".

Do you have any plans for the promotion of the song abroad yet?
"We have some proposals for Malta and Germany and hopefully some others will come. It's normal to go to Romania too as they are our neighbours. We still have to make a video for the song and work on the show. It's not a problem for me to go to these places, it's just a problem of time because the most important thing is to be ready for Helsinki. I think it's important too to let people know you and see you".

esctoday.com would like to thank Natalia Barbu for talking to us and wish her the best of luck with her preparations for Helsinki.