esctoday.com, Netherlands
May 13 2006

Second rehearsal
Andre for Armenia

The second rehearsal for the Semi finalists started at 11:00 local
time today in the OAKA hall, with Andre for Armenia. Whereas in the
first rehearsal there is 40 minutes allocated to each performer, in
the second rehearsal there is 30 minutes, as there is less
preparations required, and everything should just be that bit more
efficient. Andre still though had a few sound problems to start with,
and there were several restarts required before this was sorted out
satisfactorily. The actual performance was a lot slicker this time
around, and the choreography with all the ropes seemed to be more
skilful. The costumes are in red, black and white for the most part.
Andre wears an interesting head dress to start the song, but this is
quickly removed early on in the performance. As there were a lot more
journalists and photographers present than there was on Thursday
morning, the song received a lot more applause at this rehearsal.
Just as there is less time allotted to the second rehearsal, the same
applies to the second press conference. A lot of questions tend to
get repeated, so we will only try to be reporting on any additional
information obtained from the second conferences.

Have you had time to listen to all the other songs and which do you
see as your biggest danger? “I have listened to them all, and I like
the songs from FYR Macedonia and Greece…but I don’t see them as a
dangerous as Armenia is very good”.

What are the ideas behind the choreography? “Its about a man who has
issues about love, and everyday problems and fights to escape, and
wants to trade places”.

What was the last CD you bought? “It was one with Jewish spiritual
songs”.

Which artist have influenced you musically? “Internationally, Whitney
Houston. We also have our own State Music Theatre, which is one of
the best and has produced good artists”.

You were born in Azerbaijan, so how does it feel to represent
Armenia, and what are you memories of the Eurovision song contest?
“Well actually when I was born it was all part of the Soviet Union. I
think its great that the Eurovision song contest unites all
countries, in terms of friendship, and there are no conflicts. I am a
huge fan, but never had the opportunity to vote, but I think the best
songs have won the contest”.

Are you aware that you are no the only Armenian in the contest, that
there is also an Armenian who is a dancer as part of the Turkish
entry? “I think that’s cool. In the same way we have Russian dancers
who are part of our entry, this is what I think is good about the
contest, its perfect”.

Which countries have you been to promote your entry? “Ukraine,
Moldova, Andorra, Russia, Poland, Cyprus and Greece”.

The press conference ended with the photo opportunity. The next time
Andre will rehearse will be at the first dress rehearsal of the Semi
final on 17th May from 14:00.