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After four years of absence Laima Vaikule has appeared at “Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk once again.” The Lady of the stage, the one, the only Laima, a variety show performer of European style, an extremely beautiful woman has always been in the public eye. It seems everything is well known about her, however, journalists’ questions never stop and she never stops answering them. Thus, during the “Star Hour” she anticipated one of them about the latest events.
- I’ve met Placido Domingo, and received a lot of compliments from him then I’ve made friends with Lara Fabian, so these are very important and interesting events for me. And for those who haven’t been informed yet: I’ve become related with Raymond Pauls, and Igor Krutoy, authors of my songs. Igor and I have become godparents of Pauls’ granddaughter.
- Laima, you are said to be appointed the chairwoman of the Jury of the International Pop Song Performers Contest “Vitebsk –2009”. What will you pay attention to while assessing contestants’ performances?
- We’d rather be givers of opportunity than judges of the fate. It is very important for the singer to have a strong voice. And the rest is all about the chance. When I presented at the drawing of lots ceremony I noticed that the contestants were very nervous. And nervousness means loss. It is also very important for the singer to have a charisma and feelings of prospects.
- If you had an opportunity, what would you change in the process of preparations?
- First of all there is a strong need in somebody who will supervise and assist young performers in the process of preparation, somebody like a fashion-designer, a make-up specialist or a style designer. The performers need dressing up, make-upping, doing their hair. And I think a choreographer, or somebody, who will teach them to move on the stage, is also required because now they are just rushing about the stage. And if somebody is rushing about it means he is afraid. and that won't go.
- What do you think, Laima, will a new star appear after this contest?
- I can hardly forecast…
- Here at the Festival Sasha Rybak' s rider appeared to be a high point at issue, what can you say about your rider at the Festival?
- Sasha Rybak is a charming lad, moreover, he showed a good performance at the Festive Opening… As for the rider, mine is quite professional one. The problem is that sometimes exactingness is mistaken for whimsicality. First of all I stress on the lightning, sound and everything that concerns a performance. My demands for living conditions include candles, ice, lemon, water… As for a car, I need the best car in a city. I prefer a”Mercedes”. Or it can be a “GAZ” or something? (laughing).
- What do you think about the closing of casinos in Russia? Do the artists have fewer opportunities to perform for the rich now?
-Absolutely not. We perform at their houses (laughing). Moreover, casinos are open in Latvia, so, please, don’t worry. I personally prefer casinos in Las-Vegas or Atlantic-City.
- Laima, you are a businesswoman and quite a successful one. Is it because of your stern character?
- No, I wouldn’t say so. I'd rather say I’m a lucky person than a tough person. I’m a rich person and I work with the best composers, Pauls and Krutoy, and I have nothing to complain about.
- Once you’ve said that you would like to adopt a child. What do you think about this “fashion” of adopting children?
- I think it’s a wonderful fasion! Unfortunately, I did not manage to follow it. Actually, I always ask a blessing from my confessor for the most important actions. And he refused his blessing for the adoption of a child.
- Being a famous and rich person, do you support your family?
-Yes, of course. The most important thing I care about is my family.
- Cooperating with Krutoy and Pauls, are you able to plunge into adventure and cooperate with a young unknown author?
-Why not. I’ve done it once with Agutin. It’s everything about the song.
- Do you have your own secrets of looking great and taking care of yourself?
- It is all about the genes. Every woman takes care of herself… One is said to live on his/her own organism for 20 years and then one has to pay for his/her living and good looking. Here’s your plastic surgery… I do the masks and use domestic creams containing natural ingredients.
- How do you relax?
- I like having rest in Africa, Japan, sometimes at the White sea in Archangelsk…
- Have you ever planned the finishing of your artistic career?
- Do you really think that the life stops after 30? I’m not going to give up my work until someone who looks better than I, performs better than I do, appear.
- Have you ever attempted to write lyrics for your songs like, for example, All Pugacheva did?
- I thing it’s a duty of professionals. I’m very selective about the lyrics. However, I have written a lot of poems and my relatives read them very often, sometimes crying…
- Laima, you are very nice person to talk with, will you write a book?
- I’m writing. And this will be the third one. However, I don't publish them.
- Several years ago you performed at a solo concert at the “Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk”. When are you going to appear on the Festival stage again?
-Moreover, I performed at the Amphitheatre 20 years ago when the seats were wooden ones. And yesterday’s performance also appeared to be festive for me. I’ll perform at the “Slavianski Bazaar” the only thing is that timetables should match.
- Laima, how do you manage to be a messenger of music and arts out of the borders?
- It would be nonsense if music had borders. When perestroika and nationalistic uprise began I was frequently asked in my native country: “Laima, how can you sing in Russian?” And I did not understand those questions.. I like my homeland, and it is not just a formal thing. However, there is no more happiness than to speak many languages and to be popular and famous. Actually, I had a chance to become an American star, but I refused…
- You did right, because you are our star…
- I’d say a world star…
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