There Was Always A Bit Of Eurovision In Me!

It's all go this weekend and in a few hours time it's the Dutch Nationaal Songfestival. There's a potential schlager stompathon taking part, and judging from the 30 second clip we've heard, "Chocolatte", will be a Eurodisco classic for years to come. Oh! My! God! It's Raffaëla Paton.

Schlagerboys: We've only heard a short clip of your song so can you tell us what is it actually all about? Is it really about a chocolate flavoured coffee drink?

Raffaëla Paton: My song "Chocolatte" is about chocolate. And nothing more! How much I like like chocolate and what it can do to make me happy! But it.s not about a drink.

SBs: What will your performance be like on Sunday? We've seen photos of you with dancers wearing sailor hats – will they be making an appearance on stage?

RP: Sunday I'm going to own the stage. I'm going to dance with dancers (girls) to show how much we like chocolate. And the guys with the sailor hats.. hahaha they are members of the band I'm in. That night we had to perform on a boat. That why we're wearing the hats! This is us in action.

SBs: Have you got a fabulous outfit planned?

RP: My outfit.. people gonna talk about that's for sure..

SBs: How did you get involved with Eurovision?

RP: When I was 8 years old I first entered a stage and performed. I promised myself that moment, that this was going to be my job work life. A few years later my uncle Humphrey Campbell represented Holland during the Eurovision. He came 9th. The year after his (now ex) girlfriend Ruth Jacott represented Holland in the Eurovision and came 6th! PROUD! So there was always a bit of Eurovision in me.

SBs: So you’re sort of related to Dutch Eurovision icon, Ruth Jacott. Has she given you any tips and advice? Has Ruth still got the fabulous flared trouser catsuit outfit she wore on stage in Ireland? Does she let you try it on when you go round for tea?

RP: Ruth told me last Sunday to act in stage like I always act. With dance and fun and love and laughter. And then I got this..! She gave me a hug for strength.

SBs: Besides Ruth who are your other Dutch Eurovision icons?

RP: "Without You" from Reunion, "Hemel En Aarde" from Edsilia Rombley and Maxine and Franklin Brown "De Eerste Keer".

SBs: It was a travesty when Sieneke and her giant organ didn’t make the Eurovision final in Oslo wasn’t it? Were you as disappointed as we were?

RP: I was disappointed when Sieneke didn't make it to the finals but more because were fighting so hard the last few years and we don't even make it to the finals. Its a shame..

SBs: You won Idol a few years ago. What have you been doing since? What other music have you released? Is it all like "Chocolatte"?

RP: I did a lot after Idols. At first I became a mother of a lovely girl called Beautifull. After that I taped a lot of songs and what's the most important I performed a lot so when I'm on stage now it's like a second home. I also went to Afghanistan in 2010 to perform for the soldiers there. It was a life changing experience.

SBs: Have you got a message for the readers of Schlagerblog?

RP: My message is: You live only once, make the best of it. Don't care what other people say. Live the life YOU thing is right. VOTE FOR RAFFAELA- CHOCOLATTE!!!

What a fabulous motto Raffaëla!! Good luck tonight!!