Just over two weeks ago, Sarlote Lenmane was announced as the Latvian participant for Junior Eurovision 2010. As the winner of the Latvian Television childrens contest ‘Lord of Voice’ in March 2010, Sarlote was given the right to participate in Junior Eurovision. Also as the prize of this contest, she took part in a professional photoshoot, where all the pictures from this article are from. We also had the oppertunity to interview Sarlote. You can read this below!:

ED: Hello Sarlote! Congratulations on being chosen to be the Latvian representative at Junior Eurovision. How does it feel to be part of the biggest child music contest in the world?
My feelings are very very surprised and happy, because this is the most serious contest of my music career. I will try to prove myself as well as I can.

ED: Tell our readers about yourself. How old are you? Where in Latvia do you live? Besides singing, what are your other passions and hobbies?
My name is Šarlote Lēnmane and I am 12 years old. I live in Riga within the district of Jugla, within a pretty small community. We often have various activities here in the community. I love to play ball with my friends, go swimming and dance.

ED: Have you watched previous editions of “Junior Eurovision” before? What have been your favourite entries from it?

No, unfortunately, I haven’t. This is because Latvia didn’t participate in this contest for many years since now, that’s why I didn’t have an opportunity to see it on TV.

ED: What genre of music do you most like to sing in?
There is no ‘one’ definite genre. But, I like to sing melodic and emotional songs the most, in which I can show my whole vocal range through.

ED: You are already experienced in participating in music festivals outside of Latvia. Do you think this will help you at Junior Eurovision?
In 2009 I participated in a contest in Poland “Majowa nutka” and Germany “Berline Perle”. Experience from these contests will definitely help. For me, every performance and festival is a new adventure and new experience.

ED: Tell us about your daily life. How do you balance your schoolwork and singing at “Juras Akmentini” studio?
Rehearsals at “Rīgas Akmentiņi” are two days a week – Mondays and Wednesdays. But unfortunately it happens exactly the same time that choir rehearsals at school are. But singing at ”Rīgas Akmentiņi” is most important for me, so I never miss that. Teachers at my school know that I sing at vocal studio and they support me a lot. When I won LTV contest “Lord of Voice – 2010”, my music teacher even gave me mark 10. I try not to miss school lessons, but if it happens, then I go to additional lessons to catch up.

ED: Have you received any good luck messages from your friends, family and music teachers? What have they said?
Yes, I have received various good luck and cheerful messages from my friends and family. My friends wish me all the best and success, which I think will certainly help me. Family wish me good luck and success, and hope that I have the patience and willpower for the contest. They also hope that I’m happy and not stressed on stage. But in my opinion, from this contest I will gain a lot of experience from this.

ED: Have you had the opportunity to listen to other entries in the contest that have already been selected yet?
Unfortunately, I have not have the chance to listen to them yet. I could not find them at the official website (www.junioreurovision.tv) But I will listen to them soon, when they are all chosen.

ED: Tell us about the song you plan to sing at Junior Eurovision. What is it called, and what style is it in?
We are still working on it. I can I only say that the song will be cheerful and I hope that the chorus stays in everyone mind. That’s very important for a contest like this, isn’t it?

ED: What are your plans in terms of preparation for the event in Minsk?
First of all, I will plan to learn to perform the song very well. I will visit a vocal teacher and choreographer, and we’ll also make a new stage costume. Waiting for Junior Eurovision like it’s a huge celebration!

ED: Thank you for the interview, and good luck!
No problem

Thanks to Ilze Šlukuma for help with translations. You will be able to find more information about Sarlote at ESCDaily.com within the coming weeks.