“I prefer to keep details of my choreography under wraps. The fact that Jannik, who is a world-class acrobat, is on our team speaks volumes,” Manuella said before her departure. On Thursday morning, her team will take a look at Stockholm’s Globe Arena.

ManuElla will be supported by four backing singers: Lea Sirk, Karin Zemljič, Mitja Bobič and Marjan Hvala. Hvala co-authored her Eurovision Song Contest entry, “Blue and Red”. The lyrics were written by Leon Oblak. Delegation leader Aleksander Radić, producer Nina Pirnar, and head of PR Maruša Kobal are also part of the delegation. “I had a great team to work with. Looking back, we did everything in our power to perfect our performance,” ManuElla said.

Slovenia’s entrant admitted that she had no idea what to expect in the lead-up to the Eurovision Song Contest. “I knew we had to work hard, but you have no idea what awaits you until it happens. That’s the reason why I’m really grateful to Raay and Marjetka, Maja Keuc, Marlenna from the band Sestre etc. Their advice really helped me during my preparations,” Manuella admitted.

She recently wrapped up her promotional tour which saw her hit the stage in Tel Aviv and Amsterdam. Now it’s time for the final part of ManuElla’s ‘Mission Eurovision’: “I expect an unforgettable experience, a ton of great music, and new musical friendships. I really look forward to the whole ESC adventure, but I don’t want to think about the results. I just want to enjoy every moment and make sure that I represent myself and my country to the best of my ability. I really hope the audience identifies with me and my song,” ManuElla said.

Advancing to the final won’t be easy – a fact she is well aware of – and she has a lot of respect for her fellow contestants. "In the past few weeks, I’ve met some of the other contestants and heard their songs. We may hear a lot of high-quality songs in the second semi-final, but a lot depends on how the songs are performed, so we’ll just have to wait and see,” ManuElla mused.

Focussed on her Eurovision appearance
ManuElla respects her fellow contestants, but she says that she’s not afraid of them: “I’m solely focussed on my performance, I want things to go according to my plans. Anže Škrube put together a great choreography, and I’m aware of the responsibility that comes with my role.”

K. K.; translated by D. V.