Turk to represent another country in Eurovision contest

ROME - Doğan News Agency

Serhat Hacıpaşalıoğlu will make his mark as the first Turk to represent another country at the 
Eurovision Song Contest this year, fronting the challenge from mountainous microstate San Marino. 

Turkey-born Hacıpaşalıoğlu, who made his name heard in Europe in 2014 with his single “Je M´adore,” hopes to represent San Marino at the 61st Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Stockholm this year. 

He will be on stage in the semi-finals with the representatives of 18 countries on May 10, bidding to reach the final in Stockholm. 

Famous French designer Thierry Mugler, who has worked with the world stars such as Beyoncé and George Michael, is Hacıpaşalıoğlu’s stylist and also prepares his stage show. The song and its music video will be launched to the world on March 9 in Paris. 

This year Turkey is again not attending the annual song contest but many Turks will likely be rooting for San Marino, with Hacıpaşalıoğlu promoted on the Eurovision website as “an artist fully representing the new Europe.”

The proposal for the contest came from the Italian manager of San Marino Radio Television, Marco Vannuzzi, and Hacıpaşalıoğlu said he was very surprised by the offer.

“San Marino, the Eurovision Song Contest, and me. this is not a trio that may come together easily but here we are. The success of my latest single ‘Je M´adore’ on dance and DJ lists in many European countries has played a big role in this,” Hacıpaşalıoğlu said. 

 “Eurovision is a peaceful environment away from all political discussions. At the same time all technological innovations are used on this world’s largest stage. Which artist does not want to take the stage in such an environment? Life is full of surprises,” he added, saying he has been following the Eurovision Song Contest since his childhood.

‘Great honor’

Hacıpaşalıoğlu said that although he is representing San Marino, Turkey would be present at the contest through his participation.

“This year, even though Turkey is not joining the contest officially, it will be on the stage again through my existence. So I have double responsibility,” he said.
 
“I felt like I am home in San Marino. I am motivated by their trust in me. I have a big responsibility and believe that I will get through it. We will give a performance to be remembered for many years,” Hacıpaşalıoğlu also added, stating that his Eurovision song will have versions in four languages. 

“We made an agreement with San Marino Radio Television about the song. When I shared the song on my mind with them, they said ‘this is it.’ I am now working in Brussels with a multinational team and very pleased with the results. We have made a very special song,” he said.