What previous Bosnian entrants say about Marija
Since the unification of the broadcasting systems, Bosnia and Herzegovina has been represented by six artists. Some of them went to Eurovision by way of festivals, but in the last couple of years, internal selection "behind closed doors" seems to be popular. We asked previous Bosnian Eurovision singers what they think about that and what they expect from Marija Sestic, who has the toughest challence yet, to defend the third place of Lejla. Unfortunately, we could not get Hari Varešanović to comment.
Nino Pršeš, Eurovision 2001 in Copenhagen, Denmark:
"I have not heard the song, but I believe that Marija has exceptional vocal abilities, looks great and I am sure that she will give her all to represent our country in the best light. The only thing is, I think that she would like, as well as other, for the selection to be in the festival style, where young artists, composers and singers, have a chance to show their talents to the general public. That away, twenty-ish more artists could get the chance to show themselves. I know it is the right of the broadcaster who chooses the song, but I think in the future they should think about it, if the goal is to move our culture to a level that it deserves. Mainly, I don't doubt that Marija will give her all and that everything will be in great order. I wish her lots of luck."
Maja Tatić, Eurovision 2002 in Tallinn, Estonia:
"Great! Marija Sestic is ideal for Eurovision. She has all the qualities needed for this contest. If she continues to work as hard, I think that she will repeat Hari's placing, and better if everything falls into place. I am sorry that I haven't heard the song yet, but knowing who has written it, I absolutely believe in a good placing."
Mija Martina, Eurovision 2003 in Riga, Latvia:
"I am more for the comeback of the old Festival style of choosing the represenative, but c'est la vie. Regarding Marija, I think that in the end, not much will depend on her. It is all a big machine and what's very important is teamwork, that is people around here. She will show up on stage and sing her three minutes, but everything depends on how she and the team will present themselves, how much effort they will put around journalists of other countries, how many interviews will be organized and other public appearances... It's all teamwork after all, combining of forces with the goal of a good result."
Deen, Eurovision 2004 in Istanbul, Turkey:
"I had the chance to meet Marija in 2005, and she left a great impression on me. She, aside from being a beautiful girl, is a first-class singer and I like her singing sensibility a lot. Marija holds all the qualities our representative should have. Even though I haven't had the chance to listen to the song, I don't doubg that it will become a great success. I'd like to wish her to achieve a success greater than Hari's last year. May she win! As far as the selection is concerned, there is no need to make noice, there is no need for discussion about that. Every country has the right to make its rules, whether the selection is in style of a festival or something else. I believe that the manner of choosing is actually better. That way a lot of money and effort can be saved, and it offers the singer, Marija in this case, more possibilities to present themselves best way possible.
Feminnem (Ivana Marić-Hodak), Eurovision 2005 in Kiev, Ukraine:
"I think it's all in the song, and I have not heard it yet. But with Marija's abilities in mind, I absolutely don't doubt in a good result. Hari achieved something that seems to be unattainable, but I think that this year quality will be high and that Marija, thanks to her appearance, voice and the song of renowned authors, will be able to come close to Hari's result. The same way Deen gave us a hard task after placing BiH directly into the final, Hari gave a hard task to Marija. But, there's no need to think about that. She just needs to relax and let things go their way. The point is not to justify somebody's placing, but to represent one's country, song and self in the best light. We wish her lots of luck."
