Romania's Ilinca talks Eurovision return and "Balkan Mama"

Опубликовано 29 ноября 2024, 18:30

Ilinca Băcilă, who represented Romania at Eurovision 2017 alongside Alex Florea, is back with a new song, "Balkan Mama." Inspired by a TikTok trend showcasing Balkan lifestyle, Ilinca chose to write the song in English rather than Romanian, aiming to resonate with people across the Balkans. The track has a distinct Eurovision vibe, which has sparked her desire to return to the contest, especially after the enthusiastic response from fans.

Ilinca shared that, although she once believed Eurovision should be a one-time experience, her perspective is now shifting. She also revealed the stories behind the "Balkan Mama" music video and reflected on her recent participation in Eurovision on Tour, where she performed her 2017 hit, "Yodel It," once again.

Drawing inspiration from Romani culture, Ilinca mentioned artists like Mahala Rai Banda and Shantel as key influences, while her playlist also includes Ariana Grande and the soundtrack from the musical Wicked, reflecting perfectly the variety of music genres she likes.

Ilinca expressed her hopes for Romania to make a strong comeback at Eurovision. If selected to compete again, she would want to collaborate with Andreea Gheorghiţă, the Romanian accordionist featured in "Balkan Mama." She also suggested that Theo Rose would be an excellent choice to represent Romania in the future.

Looking ahead, Ilinca is working on an upcoming EP, where every track will incorporate Balkan and Romani influences.

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