It has been an incredibly busy season so far for Austria’s PAENDA, and Eurovision hasn’t even happened yet! She has performed at three pre-parties, alongside rehearsals and promoting her upcoming album. Now, in an interview with Austrian media, she has revealed some hints about her staging.
Ever since she was revealed as ORF’s internal selection for Austria’s representative in Tel Aviv, PAENDA has been promoting herself and “Limits” across Europe. Recently, she announced announced a set of tour dates ahead of the release of her sophomore album Evolution II, which is released tomorrow (26 April). She has also been one of the most prolific artists of the pre-party season, appearing at three pre-parties (Amsterdam, London and Moscow).
Hints at the staging emerge
Less than two weeks ahead of the start of rehearsals in Tel Aviv, PAENDA has revealed what we can expect from her performance of “Limits” in Tel Aviv. Firstly, she will be joined by backing singers on stage for the performance, one of whom is her actual sister! All of the details of the staging are yet to be finalised, but in an interview with APA, she said the following:
My sister is coming to do the backing vocals. It would be very strange to jump around on stage to the song. So [the performance] is going to be calm. But there is still much to clarify.
Translation of PAENDA speaking about her staging
It is believed that the ‘calm’ tone of the performance will be reflective of the introspective and etherial music video for the song.
Who is PAENDA?
As revealed in an interview with Eurovision scout Eberhard Forcher, “Limits” has a different feel to PAENDA’s previous music. He said the song is not one he would describe as “radio-friendly” and he is sure it will divide audiences in Tel Aviv.
The 31-year-old from Styria is relatively unknown in the Austrian music industry, but does have a few minor hits to her name – her most recent being “Paper-thin”. She says that her stage name comes from the fact that when she wakes up in the morning, her eyes look like a panda bear’s. I’m sure we can all relate there.
Austria in the Eurovision Song Contest 2018
PAENDA will be succeeding Cesár Sampson, who represented Austria in Lisbon with the song “Nobody But You”. Thanks to his captivating vocals and striking staging, he came 3rd in the final with a total of 342 points. He even topped the jury vote, receiving 12 points from nine national juries! Not to forget, his qualification to the final extended Austria’s qualification streak to five finals in a row. Can they keep up these results in 2019?
PAENDA will be defending Austria’s streak at the second-final of Eurovision 2019 in Tel Aviv on May 16th. She will be performing 9th on the night.
Are you looking forward to seeing Limits’ staging? Do you think PAENDA will bring Austria to the final for a sixth consecutive 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! We’ll also be posting plenty of content on our YouTube in the run up to Tel Aviv!
