Interview with Tinka Milinović


For a couple of years now you've been hosting one of the most popular shows on Bosnian TV. How does it feel being one of the most popular TV personality in the country?
Well, frankly speaking, I don't really have that feeling because I have the same attitude toward myself and others as I did before. Thank you, that title sounds nice to me, but it is something that only other people can make for you, never you by yourself. And of course I don't mind the weekly hosting of the most popular show in front of an audience of millions, because I really enjoy my job.

You gratuated with a Master's degree from University of Louisiana in the U.S. What is your impression of American life and American people?
America is really a land of dreams, in which anything is possible, and which afforded me a lot. I adore it, and after BiH, it's my favorite country. The only thing that I miss there is the closeness between people. In the West people rarely have time for themselves, let alone to build relationships with other people. No matter how many friends you may have around you, in reality you feel very lonely.

Besides the valuable knowledge during studying, what did you learn living in Louisiana and New York?
Well, having in mind that I went to America on my own at 17 years of age, I'm proud of the fact that I managed and succeeded in fighting for things that nobody has given me as a gift. There I acquired an important experience, that everything in live depends on will and individual abilities. That's something that life teaches you while you're heading to your goal. It's not important how many victories and trophies you get, it's the lessons that you learn on the road to success.

How did you get to America?
In 1991 I went to America as an exchange student to finish the fourth year of high school, in line with that old one "We all went there, but nobody came here." :) A few months later and right before I graduated high school, the war started. I called my parents who told me "Son, we love you, stay there, and manage as best as you can."

Why did you come back to Bosnia so soon?
10 years is not very soon if you ask me, and if I mention that I came to the US at 17 and was alone without my parents for a long time. Now I can choose where I can be and work, and I'm most happy when I realize that there are no more limits and I can travel flexibly, work and live in a few world cities at the same time.

This year, behind the song which you're singing is a team that's very experienced and well-known. Do you hope this to pay off?

I believe in myself, I have a set goal and I want to achieve it. And the fact that I'm singing a song by one of the most successful authors who sold over 30 million discs for SonyBMG only gives me more self-confidence and motivation to win. I hope that the viewers and the jury at the final night recognize the quality of the song and accept my attitude and the wish for victory. In Kiev I would surely represent BiH the best it's been done so far, including the 2-month promotion through Europe, the album which would be released by SonyBMG, and all the way to the performance at Eurovision and the biggest Bosnian promotion party in Kiev.

When will we finally be able to hear an album by Tinka? The masses love you and I'm sure they're wondering the same.
Music is my biggest love, my whole life I have devoted to it so there is no doubt an album will come. But I cannot allow myself to release just anything or something that's "good enough." I am in this business not to be just one of many, but the best, and to get to all those pearls, I have to dive deeper. That's the least I owe myself and my education, and then fans. I want to give to people what they need, and not what they think they like.

What has attracted you to Eurovision, since this will be your third time competing at BH Eurosong, and you've also performed for fans in Germany?
Just the fact that the audience of Eurovision is in excess of 200 million viewers around the world says enough about its attractiveness. I've been lucky to gain a lot of fans in Tallinn, especially from Germany. Since I have not won BH Eurosong yet, I am very content that those fans have seen a future winner in me and support me and favor me for the past three years.

In Tallinn you performed as a back vocal and dancer for Maja Tatić. What are your impressions from that contest?
Magnificent. I understood what in fact Eurovision is, how popular it is and what possibilities it offers to an artist who not only wants domestic but also international affirmation and career, and so I continue to regard ESC with a great dose of respect.

How do you see your career in the next ten years?
It's very interesting working in showbiz and being active at the same time on multiple levels, in a multimedia sense. I am a very creative person, and soon we'll all be able to see coming to life all my ideas on television. And after those ten years, my wish is to be affirmed as an ambassador or an attache of culture and sport in our country.

Are you thinking of coming to America for a longer time, maybe to start a career here?
Thanks to globalization, nothing and nobody is far away any longer, unreachable or impossible. Of course I visit US often, I still have great contacts, and am not yet giving up in the race to world music success.

What can we expect on stage in Sarajevo?

Femininity. :) I am singing the song "Sometimes I Wish I Were A Child Again." The words of the song are very prolific and lyrical. The melody is magical and hypnotic. The song speaks of an ended love between a woman and a mene, about pain, about emptiness, about the wish to be together again, as well as about the universally known desire for our lost childhood when we were just kids, careless and happy without any fears and problems. And I too really sometimes wish I were a child again. The production and arrangement are impeccable and fine tuned to virtual perfection. The backing vocals were picked from a pool of the best professional backing vocals of Germany, whose voices were especially chosen by their tones so that they would afford my vocals even more melancholy.

Recently I read in an interview that Tinka cheers for the "half-breeds." I have to say that this attitude is very refreshing and I have to thank you for it. How would you comment the talk about the "national key" and do you think this is a good criterum for the times we're in?
I believe I am much more capable and intelligent than any national key, and I believe that I will be the proof that the united people of BiH can win here, and not some kind of rotation based on ethnicity. I call the national key to a duet on March 6 (smile)! It's time for it to find its final resting place.




And what does the composer say?
"I am too happy to have the chance to work with a talented and great artist and person such as Tinka Milinović. It is my pleasure to be a part of the Bosnian final and especially with Tinka, because her voice, charisma, professionalism and charm hit the bull's eye for world success. My collaboration with Tinka from the beginning is very exceptional and very professional. She won me with her directness, her beautiful voice and abilities. Nobody else could have song this song the way she dyd. Not only does she sing my song, she lives it, simply she has poured life into it that leaves no one indifferent. That can only be done by a rare few. She is an exceptional talent. I am proud to work with her, and to have the honor to come to love Bosnia and Herzegovina with Tinka." (Serge Bonheur)

(bh eurosong 05)
• In This World -Marija Šestić
• You're Gonna Get... -Nikita
• Groznica me trese... -"IF"
• Baš me briga... -Lea Mijatović
• Everything... -"Unplugged Plug"
• Čarolija -Jasna Gospić
• Dar s neba -Josip Bilać
• Sometimes I Wish... -Tinka
• Zovi -"Feminnem"
• Ružice rumena -Mija Martina
• Jabuka -Igor Vukojević
• U očima -Nedim & Maja
• Ruža bez trna -Ružica Čavić
• No More -"G.D.H."

(2005 lyrics)
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