Strasbourg on Friday evening for the opening of the Christmas market, Nice this weekend for Junior Eurovision, showcases on the weekend… At 14, Valentina doesn’t have exactly the same weekends as most teenage girls about his age. “I still go to class like everyone else and it’s not every weekend like that,” smiles the young singer, who just won Junior Eurovision in 2020. Three years later, she has just release a new album, The magic of Christmas. With covers of six classics but also five new tracks. “It’s really my favorite time since I was little,” she assures 20 minutes.
What is your best Christmas memory?
It goes back to the first Christmases I had, when my family was complete. We were all together. Since then, there have been deaths.
And the worst ?
The one from last year, in 2022. I don’t really know why but I found that it wasn’t the same atmosphere. I came back from a trip to magical Armenia, with decorations everywhere, and it gave me a shock when I returned home (in Rennes). It was a bit sad.
Let’s talk a little about gifts. Which ones stood out to you?
What I love most is making it. Yes, I’m still young but I like buying little things. Little mugs, stuffed animals… But I remember that with my big brother, we once ordered a microphone with speakers to start singing. Afterwards, I couldn’t do without it! Otherwise, I hated being given clothes when I was little. I just wanted Playmobil and Lego! Now it’s the opposite, I only want clothes. This year I asked for jeans and a little makeup.
And do you rather open them on the evening of the 24th or the morning of the 25th?
In two times. On the evening of the 24th with the family on my mom’s side and the next day, we’re going to see the grandparents on my dad’s side.
What do you like to do on Christmas Day?
Usually, my little cousin comes to sleep with us on the 23rd. Then we wake up and watch a little Christmas TV movie before making shortbread in the afternoon. I adore !
Christmas is also often about meals. Do you have a favorite dish?
Yes, the chocolate log. In general, I don’t really like starters and I save myself for dessert!
In terms of Christmas songs, any preference?
It is Last Christmas, from the group Wham!. On the album, I covered it with Vicky Gabor and Petar, whom I had met at Eurovision. I like too Small Santa, by Tino Rossi, it’s a classic. One that I didn’t want to sing? Feliz Navidad, it scared me a little because I don’t speak Spanish at all. I didn’t want to interpret it with a catastrophic accent but I was very careful.
When and how did you learn that the Father Christmas did not exist ?
I remember that it was friends at school who told me that. I was little, still in kindergarten, and I was so disappointed! That’s why I remained a little in denial before realizing the facts. You have to believe in it as long as possible, it’s so good.