Find out about Sara James’ Eurovision journey, her Junior Eurovision hopes, and her love of Måneskin in our interview with the young performer.
Sara James will be representing Poland this December at Junior Eurovision 2021. Víctor López spoke with the singer to find out more about her journey so far and hopes for the competition.
Q: First of all, congratulations on this amazing opportunity of representing your country at this year’s Junior Eurovision Song Contest. How are you living these weeks of preparation for the competition?
A: It is such a crazy time for me. I can’t believe this happened. I’m always thinking about how I’m gonna be dressed, or how can I sing the song better. In fact, I’ve been learning some French for my time in Paris.
Q: You were one of the most rumored acts on the running to represent Poland. Who motivated you to apply to the Polish national final, Szansa na Sukces?
A: When I was younger, I was always watching Eurovision and I was impressed by those performances. When I won the Voice, I asked my mum if it was okay to apply to Szansa na Sukces, and she agreed with me.
A: Last year, with the pandemic, I was alone on my sofa, depressed. The song is about (how) we are locked in this big universe, and we need to support each other. If you have a problem, you can say it, because I will be waiting for you.
Q: Poland has won the Junior Eurovision Song Contest twice, in 2018 and in 2019. Do you feel any pressure on representing your country because of those results?
A: I met Viki and Roxie by the way, and they were very proud of me. Something in my mind tells me that I feel kinda pressured. But the pressure has given me the power and the motivation to prepare better and to do my best.
Q: Now that you mention Roxie Wegiel, did she give you any piece of advice?
A: She gave me a beautiful piece of advice: I just have to be myself. People like me because I am myself, not someone else. I’m always gonna remember this because it’s very important.
Q: Sara, you are a true Eurovision fan, as we were able to see with your performance of Húsavik at The Voice Kids. Which were your favourite songs at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest?
A: It was a crazy year for me, I had lots of things to do, but I know Måneskin of course. They are amazing, and I remember being in the car with my mom and listening to “I wanna be your slave”. It was awesome, I love them!
Q: The Junior Eurovision Song Contest will take place 6 days before Christmas. Do you see this experience as a true Christmas gift?
A: Definitely yes, you know, last year it was kinda earlier. I’ve never been to Paris before, so it’s an amazing experience for me. I hope it will be snowing at that time!
We wish Sara James the best of luck at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2021 in Paris on December 19th.
Image Source: Universal Music
Poland in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest
Poland participated in the first Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2003. After two consecutive last-place finishes, they withdrew from the contest and did not return until 2016. From there on, Poland’s fortunes in the contest reversed resulting in Roksana Węgiel winning in 2018 with “Anyone I Want to Be”. In 2019, the contest was hosted in the Polish city of Gliwice. Viki Gabor won on home ground with “Superhero”, giving Poland a second consecutive victory.
