Speaking to Hungarian news site Bors, Joci Pápai has revealed that “Az én apám” received a revamp shortly after winning A Dal. In an interview, Pápai explained that he was a perfectionist, and felt that ‘something was missing’ from the original track. This makes Hungary one of several countries to reveal that their entries will be revamped ahead of the contest, including Spain, Montenegro and Albania.
‘I felt that something was missing’
Speaking to journalist Levente Harsányi, he revealed the following:
I know that I’m a perfectionist and very critical of myself. During my A Dal performances, we continually made changes, but even after the final I felt that something was missing, so I went to the studio two days ago. I wanted to make sure that I had no shortcomings with the song.
Except of Joci’s interview with Bors about the revamp
He didn’t reveal the exact details of how the track has changed, nor when the revamp will be released. However, he did elaborate on the meaning behind the lyrics. ‘Az én apám’ means ‘my father’ in Hungarian.
In this fast-paced world we have to slow down and pay close attention to our loved ones and show our love in the present, because if we lose them, it can create a very big wound.
Except of Joci’s interview with Bors about the lyrics of Az én apám
Second-time’s the charm?
This of course will be Joci’s second time competing at the contest, having previously won A Dal in 2017 with “Origo”. This song was warmly received and ended up finishing 8th in the grand final in Kiev. Returning a mere two years later, it is no wonder that Joci wants his song to be as strong as possible.
He also revealed his expectations of the contest as a returning artist.
Even before the 2017 contest I talked to people who have been to Eurovision, they all said that Joci, try to enjoy the events. Well, you cannot do it. When I took to the monumental stage, dizzy for a moment, I understood why they need two weeks to go before the show. Now I try to look at myself and enjoy it a little more, to live in the moment as I should.
Except of Joci’s interview with Bors about his expectations for Tel Aviv
Joci will perform Az én apám in the first semi final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 on the 14th of May. Whilst the running order remains unknown, we know he will perform in the first half.
Hungary in the Eurovision Song Contest
Hungary first appeared at Eurovision back in 1994 with Friderika Bayer’s ”Kinek mondjam el vétkeimet?” finishing in fourth place. So far, that is still Hungary’s best ever result at the contest.
In total, Hungary have taken part at the contest sixteen times. Ever since returning to the contest in 2011, they have managed to qualify for the Grand Final every year. After Kati Wolf was internally-selected for Düsseldorf, the broadcaster invented A Dal as their new national final. Their best results in the A Dal era are a fifth place in 2014 with “Running” by András Kállay-Saunders and Joci Pápai’s “Origo” finishing in eight place in 2017. Coincidentally, both acts returned to the A Dal final in 2019.
In 2018, the band AWS represented the country with their metal entry “Viszlát Nyár“. They also managed to qualify for the Grand Final in Lisbon, but then only finished in 21st with 93 points.
Are you looking forward to the revamp? Will Joci be bringing Hungary back to the top 10 this year? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates!
