Well Schlager fans, it's the turn of Charlotte Perrelli (formerly Nilsson) to recieve the Schlager Systems treatment in an exclusive pre-melodifestivalen interview! Will Charlotte talk of her MF comeback? Why did she change her name? All will be revealed..... well sort of.SS: Charlotte, may we say a big thank you for agreeing to answer our questions! How and when did you become interested in singing?
CP: Can´t remember exactly, but it was when I was a little girl.
SS: You joined popular Swedish group ‘Wizex’, following in the footsteps of Kikki Danielsson and Lena Pålsson. How did you come to work with the band?
CP: They called me and asked me if I wanted to start working with them. I thought that was a great idea.
SS: You won Melodifestivalen 1999 becoming really famous in Swedein, what was that like?
CP: I started to work with media long before so I knew a little bit about it before I won. But of course it was a strange feeling in the beginning. But also a lot fun!
SS: Then you came to international attention winning Eurovision, was that a life changing event?
CP: In a sort of way, yes! I had the opportunity to work in the whole Europe and that was a lot fun.
SS: How did you cope with fame?
CP: I don´t think about it that much, it´s a part of my daily life.
SS: What are you best memories of winning eurovision?
CP: Hmmm...so many! But the moment we realized that Sweden was a winner...is really a good memories!
SS: We are lead to believe that Charlotte Perrelli is entering Melodifestivalen in 2008 with a song called ‘Hero’ can you tell us about the song?
CP: Sorry, I can´t talk about that, no paper is signed. I don´t even know if it will be like that.
SS: Linda Bengtzing, Sanna Nielsen, Charlotte Perrelli and maybe even Carola could be in participating Melodifestivlen 2008, will this the ultimate battle of the schlager stars?
CP: Maybe...I don´t know that much about it yet.
SS: Who were your musical influences growing up?
CP: I listened to swedish popular music. But also gospel!! None special..
SS: As an established artist why did you change your name from Nilsson to Perrelli?
CP: I married, and wanted my children to have the same last name as their father AND mother.
SS: You look absolutely fabulous! How do you manage to stay in shape?
CP: I´m a vegetarian since 14 years. I´m running after my kids a lot...a sort of work out.
SS: Name 3 words that describe Charlotte Perrelli?
CP: Positive, disciplined, and generous.
SS: Do you have a message for your UK fans?
CP: Hope to come to UK soon...and I hope I have a new song to present for you then.
SS: What version does Charlotte Perrelli prefer: ‘Take Me To Your Heaven’ or ‘Tusen och en natt’?
CP: Take me to you heaven!!
Tack så mycket Charlotte,
From Marty, Kethan, Shona and Penny
The Vodka Systems
Queen Carola and 'Cabaret' star Miss Liza Minelli star in 'A Classic Christmas Night' on December 7th-8th at Globen Arena, Stockholm and December 11th-12th at the Scandinavium in Gothenburg.
Sweet Sanna Nielsen can be heard worbling some 'Christmas Carols' at the Helsingborg Konserthuset on December 8th and 9th.
