Just a few more days and then it’s finally that time again: the Eurovision Song Contest. And that brings back memories for former participant and presenter Marlayne Sahupala (52). In 1999 she achieved eighth place in Jerusalem with her song ‘One Good Reason’. But for that she had to dig deep into her pockets. She says this in an interview with ‘Libelle’.
“I had to pay for all the clothing and expenses myself”
Marlayne was 28 years old when she performed for the Netherlands with the song ‘One Good Reason’. She had no experience as a solo artist at the time. She thought singing was fine, but she didn’t dare say anything into the microphone. “It was all very awkward and I hated being the center of attention.”
Yet she won the National Song Contest with her song and was able to prepare for the European spectacle. She says it cost her something. “The organizing broadcaster gave me seven hundred and fifty euros for outfits for me and the background artists. That was tight.” The presenter hardly earned any money herself at the time. The fact that at one point she received requests for performances was her ‘salvation’. “The whole spectacle ultimately cost me quite a lot of money, because I had to pay for all the clothing and expenses myself.”
It seems that her participation has paid off. “Thanks to my participation, I got where I am today,” says Marlayne, who was subsequently allowed to record her solo album in England and had the opportunity to Heart of the Netherlands to present.
Does she have any advice for Joost Klein? No. “If I do that, he will probably think: Marlayne who? But I am convinced that he will deliver a top performance with his vision and number.”
Last year, Marlayne’s 14-year-old daughter, Charlee, took the stage DNA Singers. Her mother sang along behind the scenes.
In the new BLVD Podcast we also delve deeply into all the Eurovision preparations and especially the question: how is Joost doing now? You can listen to it on Spotify or below.
You have not accepted all cookies. To view this content you must have thecookie settingsto adjust.
Tags: Participation Eurovision Song Contest cost Marlayne Sahupala lot money RTL Boulevard
