Olena Usenko, Ukraine’s representative for Junior Eurovision 2021, has today released the music video for her entry Vazhil. The video tells the story of how she overcame stage fright and bullying to find her moment in the spotlight and embrace her own creativity and talent.
Have a look at the video here!
The video was directed by Dmytro Aydeev, who said this about the song and story:
“The music video is based on Olena’s personal story. Sometimes you realize that you needed support so much that you want to go back to your past and say those important words to yourself. I am sure that Europe will understand our message because the idea of self-help has no borders.”
About Olena Usenko
14 year old Olena Usenko won Ukraine’s national final and therefore the chance to represent the country at Junior Eurovision in Paris. Her song, Vazhil, translates as “leverage”. She topped both the jury and public vote.
She had this to say about the video for Vazhil:
“I was 7 when I first went on stage, and that performance turned out to be a nightmare. Everything went not according to plan, I was very scared. After that I even told my mother that I would never go on stage again or sing! If I could go back into the past, I would hug myself and say, “Keep going, girl, never stop!” These days when I feel nervous before performances, I imagine myself as a grown-up, successful artist going back to the present self and saying, “Olena, you made it!” I believe that so it will be.”
“I was bullied at school because of practicing creativity. My parents noticed how excited I got singing or dancing in front of a mirror, how I held my breath watching concerts of stars on TV. They supported me, found a vocal coach, and since the age of 10 I have been doing what I love most,”
Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2021
Junior Eurovision 2021 will take place in Paris, France following Valentina’s victory in JESC 2020 with “J’imagine”. The contest will be held in La Seine Musicale on December 19th. 19 countries will be competing in the 19th edition of the competition:
- 🇦🇱 Albania – Anna Gjebrea with “Stand By You“
- 🇦🇲 Armenia – Maléna Fox
- 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan – Sona Azizova with “One of Those Days”
- 🇧🇬 Bulgaria – Denislava & Martin with “Voice of Love”
- 🇫🇷 France (Host) – Enzo with “Tic Tac“
- 🇬🇪 Georgia – Nikoloz Kajaia with “Let’s Count The Smiles”
- 🇩🇪 Germany – Pauline with “Imagine Us“
- 🇮🇪 Ireland – Maiú Levi Lawlor with “Saor (Disappear)“
- 🇮🇹 Italy – Elizabetta Lizza with “Specchio (Mirror On The Wall)”
- 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan – Alinur Khamzin and Beknur Zhunibekuly with “Ертегі әлемі (Fairy World)“
- 🇲🇹 Malta – Ike & Kaya with “My Home“
- 🇳🇱 The Netherlands – Ayana with “Mata Sugu Aō Ne”
- 🇲🇰 North Macedonia – Dajte Muzika with “Green Forces“
- 🇵🇱 Poland – Sara James with “Somebody“
- 🇵🇹 Portugal – Simão Oliveira with “O Rapaz”
- 🇷🇺 Russia – Tanya Mezhentseva with “Mon Ami”
- 🇷🇸 Serbia – Jovana and Dunja with “Children’s Eyes“
- 🇪🇸 Spain – Levi Díaz with “Reír“
- 🇺🇦 Ukraine – Olena Usenko with “Vazhil”
You can keep up to date with our Junior Eurovision 2021 coverage here.
Ukraine’s Junior Eurovision Journey
In 2006, Ukraine made their debut to the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, with Nazar Slyusarchuk and the song “Khlopchyk Rock ‘n’ Roll” (Хлопчик рок ‘н’ ролл), which placed 9th. Since their debut, the Eastern European nation has participated 15 times and even won once in 2012 with Anastasiya Petryk and her song “Nebo” (Небо).
In 2020, Ukraine selected its representative through a national final, where Oleksandr Balabanov won the right to represent the nation with “Vidkryvai (Open Up)”. Oleksandr managed to place 7th receiving 106 points from the jury and online vote.
Do you like the video for Vazhil?How do you think Olena will fare in Paris? Let us know in the comments below or on social media. Don’t forget to follow ‘THAT Eurovision Site’ over at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
News Source: UA:PBC
Photo Source: UA:PBC
