Interview with Gjon's Tears. The singer will represent Switzerland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 with the song "Tout l'Univers". Tonight will kick off the Eurovision Song Contest 2021. After interviewing Elena Tsagrinou (the representative of Cyprus) and Tusse (Sweden), it is now Switzerland's turn. The country will perform in the second semi-final (Thursday, May 20) and will be represented by Gjon's Tears. The young talent, of Albanian and Kosovar origin, will sing his new song entitled "Tout l'Univers". 
Hi Gjon's Tears, thank you for agreeing to spend this time with us. It's a pleasure to be able to talk with you. Do you want to tell us a bit about your life? How did your passion for music come about and who were the idols that shaped and influenced you in your artistic journey? My passion for music was born with the piano. I discovered this instrument around the age of 8 when I was looking for a hobby. I was fascinated by the greatness of composers such as Mozart, Beethoven and especially Bach. It was following the discovery of these great figures of classical music that I decided to start learning to play the piano. The following year, my grandfather came to my house on vacation and asked me to sing him his favorite song "Can't help falling in love" by Elvis Presley. Listening to me, moved, he starts crying. These tears became symbolically so important to me that I wanted to keep them in my artist name. After this episode, my grandfather invested a lot in me; he introduced me to Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Leona Lewis because of my high-pitched voice. Much later, I met Grace Jones, David Bowie, Queen.
During your young career, you have already had the opportunity to participate in two great talent shows: in 2011, at the first edition of "Albania's got talent", in 2019 at "The Voice: the most beautiful voice". Expected so soon to be able to take such important steps and what advice do you give to the new generation who would like to follow the same path as you?
Participating in competitions was a great chance for me because I was able to experience many things. I feel lucky to have been able to take part. There are now almost 10 years for the first issue. At that time, social networks were not as impactful as they are today. It is an experience that due to the current circumstances I would particularly advise against at such a young age.These programs are increasingly taken seriously by parents, whereas in my time, the innocence of participating in a television program took precedence.
You had the honor of working with one of the greatest artists of recent decades: Mika. Can you tell us a bit about how you ended up working with an artist of his caliber? Did he give you any advice about your career?
The experience "The Voice: The Most Beautiful Voice" allowed me to meet extraordinary people. I was able to meet vocal coaches who work with international artists, renowned choreographers and exceptional technicians. I am happy to have been able to meet Mika there; He is an artist who made me understand what the world of television and the music industry was. I was very happy to have been able to know the reasons for the creation of his title "Relax" and to have been able to benefit from his experience.
Last year, you had to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest representing Switzerland with the song "Answerez-moi". How have you experienced this last year of restrictions? What did you miss the most? And what's the first thing you want to do when everything is back to normal?
This year has been very frustrating for everyone. I feel lucky to have been able to stay active thanks to Eurovision. What I miss most are social and professional meetings, travel and discovering new experiences. So what I will do first as soon as I return to normal is a real trip!
When you were younger, did you imagine being able to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest? What is the song or performance that you liked the most and/or would have liked to have sung from previous editions?
Little did I know I would one day be able to participate in Eurovision! This festival is still the biggest show that an artist can do in Europe. So I feel very proud to be able to live this experience which, whatever happens, will be rich. I must say that one of my favorite ESC songs is "Un jour, un enfant" by Frida Boccara.
In a little over a month, you will finally have the chance to perform on the Rotterdam stage to the tune of your new song "Tout l'Univers". How did this song come about? And what message do you want the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 audience to receive?
This song was born during the first music camp we did in Zurich at the Powerplay Studio with Wouter Hardy, producer who composed Arcade, and Nina Sampermans. We first wrote this song in English. After being worked, the song was then translated into French with Xavier Michel, who had also collaborated with me on the song Répondez-moi. This song means for me renewal, reconstruction, the cycle of life. In any case, this is what we tried to represent with the name "The whole Universe": to represent optimism by the grandeur of space and to recall that it is the strength that each one possesses within oneself that allows us to rebuild oneself.
Do you have any plans for the future after your participation in the Eurovision Song Contest? Which artist would you like to collaborate with?
Having signed with a French label (Jo&Co), I am preparing my first album. I also have other projects in progress that I hope you will enjoy. For me, the most important thing in music is the values we defend. Also, the essential thing for me is the "humanity" of the artist. That's why I would especially like to be able to collaborate with caring artists. Thank you again for your availability and … Good luck! Thank you very much for your support!
