Laura Rizzotto will represent Latvia at this year's Eurovison Song Contest. She was born in Brazil and throughout her career she has released 2 studio albums and she's worked for artists like Demi Lovato and Jennifer Lopez. In this interview she shares more about her unique roots and the song "Funny Girl".
How do you feel after the final in Latvia?
I feel so honored and overwhelmed with joy! I’m very excited about everything and thankful that Latvia chose my song for this wonderful event.
Tell us something more about your song. What is its story? Who is this „Funny Girl”?
The lyrics tell the story of a girl who falls in love with her best friend. She always makes him laugh and her feelings are her best-kept secret, until she decides to open up. Unfortunately, it was too late: he had already fallen for someone else. To him, she became just a friend, just a “Funny Girl”.
I hope this song inspires people to be brave and embrace vulnerability. Sometimes we let fear of rejection stop us from expressing ourselves, and we end up watching life happen from the sidelines. Taking risks is part of the art of living an accomplished life.
You were born in Brazil, you’ve lived in the USA and now you are going to represent Latvia at Eurovision. How do you combine the cultures of these 3 countries together?
I have dual citizenship in Brazil and Latvia. My mother’s side of the family is Brazilian with Portuguese descent, and my father is Latvian. Every country has a different part of me and I love being this unique mix.
You‘ve worked with stars like Demi Lovato and Jennifer Lopez. What was the feeling like then? Would you like to do this again?
I opened for Demi in Brazil, during her “Unbroken” Latin America tour. It was such an amazing experience. She is a terrific vocalist and performer. I worked twice with Jennifer, as her Portuguese vocal coach in collaborations with Brazilian artists. I admire both artists and look forward to working with them again.
How did you decide to take part in Supernova? Do you follow Eurovision and do you have a favourite song from the contest?
It was serendipity! My family and I had already made plans to visit Latvia in 2018, for the centennial celebrations, the Song and Dance Festival that happens once every 5 years, and to visit my cousins who have moved from Brazil to Latvia. While doing research for our trip to Riga, I came across a piece of news about Supernova and decided to submit my latest original song, “Funny Girl”.
I’ve been following Eurovision for a long time and I am delighted to be a part of it this year. I love Aminata’s entry “Love Injected”.
Your staging in the National Final was really stylish and elegant. Are you planning to keep it like this for Lisbon?
Thank you. I plan on making some staging changes, since the Lisbon stage will be huge. The core concept will remain the same, though.
Tell us about the team behind it. How did you think of the whole thing? Was it hard to make your ideas come true?
My vision was to have a mysterious, dramatic and sexy performance, telling the story of the “Funny Girl”. Latvia has very talented professionals and the Supernova team was amazing to collaborate with. I’m really happy about what we created together.
What are your plans until May? How are you preparing for Eurovision?
I have a busy schedule with Eurovision promos for the next couple of months. I am also recording my next EP, “Amber” and working on my first soundtrack for a very special project in New York. I’m very excited about everything.
What are your expectations from Portugal and the contest?
I am very excited with this opportunity to visit Portugal and connect with the local audience. I also look forward to meeting all of the talented artists that are participating in this amazing song contest. After all, that’s what Eurovision is all about: connecting people from different cultures through music and art.
Have you heard any of the other countries’ songs already? What do you think about them? Which participants seem the most interesting to you?
I haven’t had the time to listen carefully to all of the other entries yet. From what I’ve heard so far, I really enjoy how every country brings a new flavor of their own to pop music. I am sure we will have a wonderful contest this year.
Hear "Funny Girl" here:
