Rehearsals are well underway for the 20th edition of Junior Eurovision, and thanks to the team at RAI we were able to interview Italy’s representative Chanel Dilecta just before she went on stage. Learn more about Chanel as an artist and dancer, her passion for competition, and the message behind “BLA BLA BLA” by reading our conversation below!
Hello there Chanel, thanks for interviewing with us here at ESCUnited.com! How are you doing among all the Junior Eurovision preparations?
Hello dear friends from ESCUnited.com, I’m doing great and I’m very excited to see the venue, start rehearsing on stage and make new friends among the other contestants!
Let’s help our readers get to know you a bit better. What is one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I think you know me as a singer and a dancer but do you know I love drawing my own jewels and clothes and that I do realize them knitting as well? One day, I’d love to draw toons for kids, too!
That is wonderful! And you are no stranger to international musical competitions – have you always had Junior Eurovision on your radar or was this a right time/right place opportunity?
– I’ve always dreamt of participating to the Junior Eurovision as I am a big fan of the contest myself but, of course, this year there was the right time, place and song as I think the lyrics and music of “BLA BLA BLA” interpret very well the spirit and message I’d like to convey to the audience.
Speaking of your song, what message do you hope “BLA BLA BLA” conveys to the general audience at Junior Eurovision?
My song invites the adults to listen to what new generations have to say about important issues regarding their own future from peace to climate change to inclusion and respect for everyone. Too often the adults take decisions that will have consequences for kids when they will grow up, sometimes they promise to build a better world but they do not undertake any concrete action and their speeches become just meaningless empty words.
Your profile on the official Junior Eurovision website mentioned that you love to design jewelry in your spare time. Will you be designing any of your accessories for Yerevan?
I’ve already realized some jewels inspired to Armenia and to the claim of this JESC edition, “Spin the Magic”. I’ve designed a round-shaped ring, a charm for a necklace and the earrings that look like a spinner seen from above with some musical notes upon them.
In thinking about your time at the contest and in Armenia, what are you most looking forward to doing or experiencing?
I was particularly looking forward to taking part at the Opening Ceremony as I knew a huge Christmas tree in the main square will be lit up but also to performing at the live show as I know that my family will be watching it from home and also many other friends from all over Europe and beyond!
Now that you’ve crossed Junior Eurovision off your list, what do you hope to accomplish next in life?
I’d like to keep singing in other national and international contests… maybe the Sanremo Festival in Italy and then Eurovision Song Contest!
Well we will definitely keep our eyes peeled to see if you appear in Sanremo one day soon! In closing, do you have a final message you’d like to share with the ESCUnited readers?
Sure, thanks ESCUnited for your support and remember to vote for me starting from Friday on https://junioreurovision.tv/! Lots of love!
Chanel will compete alongside 15 other countries on December 11th with her song “BLA BLA BLA”. Remember that you can support her in the online televote starting on December 9th at 20:00 PM CET!
Are #YOU rooting for Chanel and Italy in Yerevan? Let us know on social media @ESCUnited, on our discord, or on our forum page!
