Bosnian daily "Vecernje novine" May 28:

Without Precise Predictions

Beautiful French Beatrice will represent Bosnia at this year's ESC in Jerusalem. We used our team's preparations to talk to Beatrice.

She, herself, says that this is very new to her, firstly since she has not cooperated with any Balkan artists.
-Solely thanks to my manager I opted to sing Putnici at Vas slager sezone with Dino. I did not know much about him prior to this. To tell you the truth, I still do not know his entire repertoire, but from what I have seen and from working with him these past few months I can see that he was born to be a musician and a composer.

Beatrice is French and that is why we asked her if she had heard the French song. She said she did and that she considers it a good song. To our question as to which country she will support, she said:
-We should not prejudge when it comes to music. I do not intent to compare the two countries and the two songs. Because, I am, first of all, a musician and I do not care where something comesfrom as long as I like the music and the lyrics. That's why I have no comments regarding your question, but I will say, since I am representing Bosnia together with Dino and the others, that I will do everything for Bosnia to achieve as good a placing as possible.

Also, we were interested if she liked the costumes, the make-up and the choreography. She said that as soon as Vas slager sezone was voer she went to America and arrived to the press conference in Sarajevo directly after getting off a plane from USA.

-But I did see the costumes and I have to say that I like them. Make-up will ,as I have heard, be very trendy and the choreography is good.

Her predictions of the Big Night are not clear. Beatrice said that she hopes Putnici gets more than 120 points for Bosnia to participate in 2000.

Bosnian daily "Vecernje novine" May 28:

Musical Spectacle

Eurovision Song Contest, which has been broadcast al over Europe since 1956, is probably the longest running TV show in EBU's history. This year's Contest starts at 22:00, and BHT will, as usual, broadcast it live, beginning at 21:00.

Beside Bosnia, the Contest will be broadcast by 30 more countries. This year not only TV crews are accompanying the representatives, but there will be about 2000 journalists and everything will occur at ICC (International Convention Center). It is expected that only 3104 people will make up the audience. Eurovision budget is sufficient for a festival like this and it is about six-seven million US dollars.

There will be three presenters this yeas; Yigal Ravid, Dafna Dekel, and Sigal Sachmon. All three are young, attracivte, successful and speak two world languages each.

1999's Grand Prix was designed by Yakov Agam, which will be givento the winning delegation. The trophy will be handed over by Israeli star Dana International, who will show the audience what Israel is all about during a seven-minute film. She will also entertain the audience during the interval act by singing a remix of Stevie Wonder's Free and the song The Freedom Will Come.

Bosnian daily "Vecernje novine" May 28:

Mirsad Imamovic, A Music Manager:
We Won't Get Near 120 Points, Unless Money Plays A Role

The problem with our delegation is not the quality of the song, but the only problem is the organizer of our final, BHT. We at BHT have a smart lady Ismeta Dervoz, who is very skillful, but she cannot do it all by herself. Around here we have a whole bunch of "musical experts," marginal musicians and others who do nto know anything about the ESC business. They need a good manager and a smartly-designed marketing, as well as some money.

Will Dino and Beatrice succeed in getting the needed 120 points for Bosnia to come back in 2000?
-We absolutely have no chance of getting the needed points, unless someone is prepared to pay. 

But, can you at least, predict what will the Top 5 look like?
-Actually, I am all but interested in that. It is clear who will get the poitns by inertia. Three songs will get the most and all the others are just shades of each other, especially since we have this new televoting.

Croatia Is Not Interesting

Croatians are opting for a victory this year. Do they have a chance to bring the ESC to Croatia?
-They did the first part of the job well. They brought someone who knows how to compose/write songs and Doris who can really sing, but they don't have much chances, because they are not interesting to the world anymore.

No Looks Nor Voice

What do you think about Dino's song?
-It is a nice song. The choreography probably won't be bad, but I want to add that Beatrice is usually a back vocal to Grade-C singers in the US and France. We needed a stronger name, especially since Dino hasn't a good image in Europe. Our song is nice and mellodic, but Dino cannot possibly energize the audience neither by his sinigng nor his looks.

Bosnian daily "Vecernje novine" May 23:

As If We've Heard It Somewhere Before

After listening to all 23 songs that will be presented at this year's ESC. we got a feeling that most of this year's participants decided to make their songs hits after this May Saturday. Songs were played in the same order they will be played at the Contest, and after hearingthe first two songs, we knew that we will be humming 1999 songs for a long time.

Lithuanian representative, which will be the one to open the Contest, gave us a rich, somewhat mystic image of a song that might become a huge favorite this year. Belgian girl performed second and used the newly-accepted rule of free language. Her song Like the Wind has a pleasant melody which sticks on people's minds easily. Maybe too easily, so that it becomes suspicious. John Lennon was right when he stated that "a hit song is one which people have heard somewhere before, but don't know exactly when and where." There are a lot of songs of that kind and I would be glad if those were real hits, and not copies. It could be that Hari Varesanovic was an innocent wictim, as he plagirized himself.

Recognizable Songs

As the Belgian and Dutch songs go together, the Dutch song was also sung in English; it's memorable, happy and again... recognizable. But all this is nothing comapred to the Norwegian song. Living My Life Without You with a beautiful chorus could be one of the favorites if people are reminded of some other song by it. Representer of Norway faces two problems, though. Firstly, the guys is obviously heading toward the style of music that is based on "sampling" to hide lack of creativity. On the other hand, Finland is not far away from Norway. It's interesting that Norwegian chose a person of color, though they are known for sending a "tall, handsome and blonde" guys. But France decided to stick to their own. They chose a typical chanson and it looks as if they sent an Edith Pyaf clone. If vocal abilities were to be judged solely, France might achieve a moderate success. Otherwise, it'll be very hard. Turkey has been a realy refreshment the past few years, as they were the ones to wake up the audience. This year, though, it looks as if they opted for the stereotypes everyone else has about them. If one wants to place an oriental-sounding song highly, they ought to choose Bosnia's Putnici, as Dino Merlin.

Faded Groups

As for our neighbors Croatians, they, as usual, have a great song Marija Magdalena, which will be performed by Dois Dragovic. It has already become a huge hit inside our infamous peninsula. It won't surprise if this song is palced much higher than Croatia's first attempt at ESC, Don't Ever Cry, which was also a good song. Slovenes also have a good song, which reminds one of Piano and TItanic, but that should not be considered a loss. Au contraire.

We also got a chance to hear Poland and Denmark songs...but they oughtto be forgotten the first time they're heard. Britons, as a spring of high-quality pop, sent a faded copy of the Spice Girls, but they will dfinititely get some high points, due to their reputation. Somewhere along with Britons comes another faded groups...from Malta. Even though UK, Turkey, Malta, Cyprus, Portugal... used to send very good songs, we get a feeling that they all lost new ideas. Cypriot entry is a nice little song and the video clip looks as if it has been filmed somewhere in Orasje [This is a small, small town in Northern Bosnia where I used to live. The reference to it makes this comment very derogatory]. The Portuguese guy might have had a good idea in his mind, but he just did not develop it entirely. So we get a guy who wants to llok like Kurt Cobain, but he sounds like Julio Iglesias.

The Biggest Surprise

Although we presented the Norwegian Afro viking as the big favorite, we ought not to forget other Scandinavians. Swedish Charlotte is one of the rear performers this year who fits a stereotype. And her song has been made in the best tradition on Swedish pop school. And how good that sschool is remind us ABBA, Ace of Base, Roxette, Dr. Alban and Nenne Cheri. The Icelandic singer is traditionally named Selma and she also did not forget that Iceland already has a big star, Bjork, so she did not hesitate to do her song and the video clip in Bjork's style. Another fresh song have us the Austrian performer who also sings in English and who is represented by a song that might give Austria the long-awaited high oints.

But, the biggest surprise have to be Germans. What we saw and heard as their song could be classified as a group of Turkish gastarbeiters who came to Germany in 1970's. Aside with humor, this song is one that is very smartly done. Germans have stayed away from their usual, hard-headed type of songs ithat they're used to sending to the ESC. 

Favorites

Anyway, if we could decipher one characterstic that can describe this year's ESC it has to be the multiethnic character of presentation. Partly that is because many songs are performed in foreign langauges, and partly because many countries decided to use other cultures' musical heritage. Our performer perfectly fits that description. Musically, the song is a mix of different styles with an easy-to-remember chorus sung in French. Even singing in French has its ups. In the flood of songs sung in English this year, chorus of the Bosnian song sounds like a big refreshment.

Therefore, it should not surprise if Dino and Beatrice achieve high points. And even if they don't, they will surely be remembered. Among the favorites, we also have to include Israeli boy-band with the song Happy Birthday, with which they showed that it is not crucial to sing in English, but that is also can be done in Hebrew.

As we wrote before, the ESC is being opened by Lithuania and closed by Estonia. And that's about all we can say about the Estonian song. As for the favorites, they have to include Norway, Germany, Israel, Croatia and Sweden. Of course, the dnagerous Irish are always around, but their female duet soudns as if soeone turned the LP to 33.

Sarajevo daily "Oslobodjenje" May 21:

Journey To Women's Night

Prior to this year's contest for the best song of Eurovision in Jerusalem everything known except the winner. But, that is easy to estimate if the 23 juries disregard politics, language barriers, simpathies and everything else that has nothing to do with music. The winner could be among the representatives of Germany, Israel, France, or Croatia. After them come Sweden, Slovenia and Lithuania.

The strengths of these countries are interesting songs (Ireland and Germany) or superb performances (France, Sweden, Slovenia). Both musically and performance-wise the song from Lithuania is a favorites and Doris' "Marija Magdalena" is very powerful.

Dino Among Women

We fell--after we've seen the previews of the songs on BHT these past two Mondays--that the readers are more interested in where we--Bosnia-Herzegovina--stand. First answer would be: among women.

Namely, eleven countries this year are exclusively represented by women: Lithuania, Belgium, Spain, Croatia, Slovenia, France, The Netherlands, Iceland, Cyprus, Sweden, Austria. Ireland and Estonia are represented by female duets; three women sing for Malta; and UK and Turkey are dominated by female vocals. And all these women have incredible vocal capabilities. Of course, most look beautiful, which is not unimportant for an event such as ESC.

Poland and Portugal's strengths (or weaknesses, for that matter) are male soloists, and Israel and Norway's male groups. 

Only Denmark and Bosnia-Herzegovina opted for a male-female duet, which, according to this year's performers, isn't a very trendy thing in Europe anymore.

If you were to ask for a general grade for ESC this year, it could vary from "nothing special" to "weaker than a year, two ago." Below European average are song from Belgium, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Austria, Estonia. Weaker than years before: Turkey, Cyprus, Malta.

Lyrics are mostly based on universal themes, which is a trace of United Europe: A Bird's Song [Strazdas], Like The Wind, For a Thousand Years, I Want To Give My Voice [Je veux donner ma voix], Happy Birthday, Believe In Peace, Journey to Jerusalem. Love is not present here.

Music varies from ballads to pop-music, and only a few songs are based on ethnic elements (Portugal, Cyprus, Poland...). Putnici (Bosnia-Herzegovina) and Je veux donner ma voix (France) contain similar musical elements. Arangements of France, Israel, Germany, and Poland are very likeable.

In Jerusalem there will be no representatives from Italy, Luxembourg, Finland, Greece, countries whose performers have won or have been in top 5.

All this cna be either good or bad for our song. Maybe the most important thing is that we are back in Contest after a one-year break. Song Putnici isn't as bad as many think, but the question is: is it good enough for us to be hopeful of a good position? But, miracles happen everywhere and can happen here too. And here's why.

Eurovision in Sarajevo?

Bosnian-Hercegovinian team will have audience's support in Jerusalem. An entire colony of Sarajevans (and others) are living in Jerusalem. In addition to that, Putnici has an excellent draw: 22nd or second-to-last. Song Diamond of Night (Estonia) isn't all that good. While the national juries are voting, voters will hear the Bosnian song and "des voyageur..." ringing in their ears. those are our chances. But there are other ones, of course.

If it is destined the next ESC is to be held in Sarajevo in 2000, Bosnian representatives might get points from those whom they never hoped they'd get votes from. This, when thouroughly analyzed, isn't an unfathomable predicament, and it seems like it's "hanging in the air" as no-one is brave enough to say it. Maybe this journey to Israel ends well. Bosnia-Herzegovina, Sarajevo, Olympic Zetra and BHT would be more than delighted if this would happen and they'd celebrate it quite well.

Can Dino hope for the winning position among all those women?

Bosnian daily "Vecernje novine" May 14:

Bosnian Team's Preparations for Eurovision 1999

Dino Merlin and Beatrice, as well as other members of the Bosnian delegation, are being confronted by a tough job. It is too early to say how good a job they will do. Everything wil be much clearer when the winner of Eurovision 1999 is announced. No doubt, though, our representatives are going to the Contest ready. What is left is to wish them luck.

We have only two weeks left until the next Eurovision Song Contest, which will be held on May 29th in Jerusalem. Our representatives are Dino Merlin and French beauty Beatrice Poulot with song Putnici. They will be accompanied by official BHT delegation, as well as other members of the team: Selma Muhedinovic, violinist, Vesna Andree Zaimovic, who will play the saz and two backing vocals Beatrice is bringing from France.

Dino, Selma and Vesna have already gone to Zagreb, where they will consult stylist and creator of their stage image, Sandra Popovic. At this moment, offical press and commercial materials are being printed for the Bosnian team to take to Jerusalem. This job is done by Bojan and Dada Hadzihalilovic. 

This year, 23 countries will compete for the title of winner, and our song Putnici, according to various Intrnet sites has a big chance of entering the Top 15. Dino and Beatrice need to earn 119 points for Bosnia to return in 2000. How easy or tough a task that will be we will find out in Jerusalem.

At the moment it is known who will accompany Bosnian artists to Jerusalem. Those people are Senad Hadzifejzovic, Ismeta Dervoz and Nermina Muhic, who is obliged to take care of contact with media and Eurovision 1999 organizers.

Bosnian daily "Vecernje novine" May 14:

Eurosong 1999 Presenters

This year's organizer of ESC recieved $6 million. Eurovision 1999 is believed to be a real spectacle of good music, because the amount Israeli Ministry of education, culture and sport has approved is enough ot organize a decent manifestation. 

Also, we have found out, after many weeks of guessing, who the presentrs are. They are singer Dafna Dekel, model Sigal Shachamon and TV journalist Yigal Ravid. Eurovision 1999 is the first project those three are working on together.

By choosing these three, a new precedent has been made. Namely, never before have three people presented at an ESC. Until now, there usually have been two people who did the job. Also, it is characteristic of the three that they all speak both French and English.

Bosnian daily "Vecernje novine" May 11:

Thorny Road to Points

To be eligible to participate in Eurovision 2000, Bosnia need 119 points. It's indebatable that Putnici has a tough task. We hope that Dino and Beatrice are THE combination that will win over televoters' hearts. Many analysts and those who know much about European music say that they have much better chances than Hari Varesanovic's Starac i more would have had.

According to various opinions we stumbled across while on the Internet, Dino and Beatrice, for now, have very good chances to enter the top 15. However, if Bosnia wants to participate next year, our representatives would need to gain 119 points. And that is something that will be hard to accomplish, no matter the song's quality.

Maximum 12 Points

Having in mind that previous Bosnian representatives have all accomplished poor results at the musical manifest, it is very possible hat our team will not achieve the needed points. That is why we decided to browse around the official and private Eurovision-related websites and to find out how the poitns are awarded statistically.

This year, 23 juries will award total of 1334 points, 58 points per country. Each jury spokesperson will dial in to Jerusalem after all the songs have been performed and will announce the votes their people allocated for each song. It is factual that each jury awards 12 points to their favorite, and 1 to their least favorite song. Mathematically looking, this means that this year's songs and performances will only partially influence the final outcome of the Big Night. Namely, the previous years' results will also influence the final outcome.

Women's Advantage

The final outcome will also depend on the posiiton the songs are being sung at. Statistics show that the biggest chances have those countries which perform last. Out of 42 contests, 6 winner have come from the last position. 

Moreover, the makeup of each of the national teams is also important. Up until now, most of the winners (61%) have been females, while males took home the prize only 16% of the time. Various bands and groups accoutn for 22% of the winners. That means, when comes the time to give the poitns, 4 will go to women, while males and bands will receive 1 points each.

Language Advantages

The national juries of this year's participants will also look to see whicg languages is used in a song It is not a secret that the English-sung songs have received the most points in the past. Singers and bands which will sing in English automatically receive maximum of 13 points; those sung in Romance languages will get 11 additional points; Hebrew will gain up to 9 points and the Scandinavian languges will receive 8 points. Furthermore, German-sung numbers will get up to 7; Greek up tp 6; Slavic up to 5; and Turkish up to 2 points.

In addition to this, it is expected for the host country to receive 1% of the total points, which will amount to 13 points to Israel.

This is why Bosnian team is under much pressure, because they are the ones who have to carry the burden of making up for the previous poor Bosnian results.

So, we hope that our Dino Merlin and beautiful Beatrice, as well as other members of our team, will at least better our overall artistic and musical image.

Sarajevo daily "Dnevni avaz" April 30:

Two Black-Haired and Two Blond Girls

Dino Dervishalidovic arrived at Sarajevo after being in London, to continue preparations for his performance at this year's Eurovision Song Contest, which will be held on May 29th in Jerusalem. Even before going to London, Dino has finished much of the work and Beatrice Pulaux (spl?) came to Sarajevo, after cutting short her American tour, to be part of the preparations for Eurovision 1999.

In the mean time, the increasingly popular singer and excellent violinist Selma Muhedinovic, who just finished a video for her fourth hit Seherezada and who released a promo CD, was told that she will travel to Israel as part of Dino's team.

Bosnian Vanessa Mae

"Ismeta Dervoz called me one day. We didn't go into details, but she told me: 'You have to be the Bosnian Vanessa Mae!' I accepted the invitation, because I really have nothing to lose. An appearance at such a grand contest can only benefit me. Anyway, recently I have been appearing more in public as a singer rather than a violinist. So, it is very possible that I will appear at Bihac '99 [a music festival] with a song and a violin. I chatted with Vesna Andree-Zaimovic, who is also part of the Bosnian ESC team, and she told me: 'If we end up in the same room, you'd better forget about smoking.'"

Since, in the song Putnici, there are parts where sound of saz [a traditional Bosnian guitar-like instrument, resembling the Scottish bagpipes and Greek flute sound-wise] is heard, Dino called upon Vesna Andree-Zaimovic, who plays saz excellently and who currently works at BHT, to be part of his team. 

Rapid Adjustment

"I know Dino for a long time, we are coleagues," says Vesna Andree-Zaimovic. "His song contains parts with saz, but those are Turkish sazes and there is a difference between the Bosnian and Turkish sazes. But, nevertheless, it's not something I can't overcome." 

"Do I have an idea of my performance at Jerusalem? Well, I have played with those instruments before and it's not heard for me to envision how it will all look on the stage. Especially since I played in surroundings not typical for saz: Hemond organs, electronic guitars and some traditional instruments. That was a pretty unnatural environment for saz, so it won't be hard for me to adjust. I am happy and excited about seeing Jerusalem."