Maja Keuc, also known as Amaya, said she decided to withdraw from this year’s EMA, the Slovenian qualifying competition for the Eurovision Song Contest, citing conflicting career plans.

“I’ve really been looking forward to this year’s EMA. It would be great to perform in front of my home crowd in Slovenia, but everything happens for a reason. Me and my reps have decided to take a different approach to my career. While I wouldn’t rule out a future appearance at EMA, the universe had different plans for me this time around, and I feel I have to follow that path,” said Keuc.

Mario Galunič, editor-in-chief for Entertainment at RTV Slovenia, said he regrets but respects her decision: “Maja and her label have always been very professional in the dealings we’ve had with them. EMA will still feature 16 participants – even after Maja’s withdrawal. We’re in the final stage of negotiations with a number of acts and authors who were invited to fill the vacancy. The show’s rules allow for such changes.”

Why the change of heart?
Keuc is currently based in both Sweden and South Korea, where she and a team of Swedish producers and musicians write music for Asia’s hottest acts. Moreover, she is currently putting the finishing touches on her debut album under the moniker Amaya, which is geared towards an international audience.

The Maribor native recently signed a record deal with the Swedish label Cow Pow Studios, which is best known for writing songs for artists such as Britney Spears, Celine Dion, Westlife, Backstreet Boys, II Divo, Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, and Christina Aguilera. The label said that Maja’s career plans conflict with EMA’s schedule; therefore, Maja was forced to withdraw from EMA.

“I’m really sorry Maja had to withdraw from EMA, but a rare opportunity came up and we believe Maja should jump at it. We would like to thank RTV Slovenia for their patience and understanding,” said Jacob Schulze, a representative of Maja’s label.

T. H.; translated by D. V.