Externally, everything looks like a return to zero ... Where it all started, a few years ago! Nothing has been easy, on the contrary! A journey full of surprises and challenges. With only a little money in his pocket, they risked returning him to Albania only because he could not afford to travel to the promised land, neighboring Italy, but with a dream in his heart. The desire for art, music in particular did not deter Elhaida Dan for her voice to be heard by the whole world. Once upon a time there was a small, fragile Elhaida full of desire! Today, critics call it a strong and brilliant Esmeralda. Because she does not sing, or merely interprets Esmeralda in the musical "Notre-Dame de Paris". She's an Esmeralda! And such assessments only remind us of what an extraordinary artist Elhaida Dani is. It doesn't matter if she interprets a role for the 100th time, as she's obviously done on her last tour around the world, she knows how to be original in every new scene she treads. It has the ability to make the public stand by itself, bringing it to the feet and extended applause to carry the heart weight. Because being an artist means not "selling" the facade, but giving the essence and inspiration that comes from the soul. This is for Elhaida a return to the authenticity and essence of an artist! On the way to success on the Italian scene, but not only, luck was able to meet the man to whom he is deeply grateful today! He bestowed the victory on "The Voice of Italy" and we all remember their thrilling emotions and interpretation. The renowned artist and singer whose music is a hit today and his songs are all memorized. Riccardo Cocciante, the beloved singer for Albanians as well, is the absolute mentor to Elhaida Dan's artistic success and development. Together they have given voice to another world masterpiece such as the musical "Notre-Dame de Paris", where the Albanian singer has one of the most important roles and is part of a select cast of performing artists. They have crossed the world crossing the most popular scenes.

It's only a few days since they've returned from Beijing, and as emotions haven't faded from there yet, the fantastic pair of artists are getting ready for the most likely release for them. The tour of Italy that has just begun will culminate in the Verona Arena, where for years they have left traces of excitement and performances, diva of Italian and world music. For Elhaida Dan, this is definitely a culmination of her artistic career, for which she can't help but feel lucky and appreciated! She actually deserved it! It has vocalistic potential that it has exploited. Worked hard! God loved and met her on the road to success with the great Italian music Cocciante, and together today they form the pair of professional artists that people love for the music and songs they produce. In this interview for Class, Elhaida Dani probably confesses for the first time with some dumb truths that few have known to date. From the difficulties of starting, to the afterlife, from the moment's projects to the big surprise she has for her fans. What about love? That important ingredient that is attached to the recipe for success in life and profession, especially when you are famous ... The singer talks about this part too! Don't miss her interview!

Elhaida has just returned from a world tour, with performances in various countries and continents as the absolute protagonist of "Notre-Dame de Paris". How do you feel like an Esmeralda?

I've just returned to Europe after a long world tour. I have touched and sung in different continents and cultures and this has grown me very professionally and personally. Esmeralda is that character that has been living in me for almost three years now, it has become part of my daily routine.

The audience standing up applauding you is a great thrill for any artist climbing the stage. Which of your performances in all these months would you exclude from the world tour?

In this magnificent production where I perform I get the chance to experience the audience 'standing ovation' every night. I can't single out any public in particular as every spectator and every show is unique.

You have just returned from Beijing and soon return to Italy to begin the extraordinary tour of shows with "Notre-Dame de Paris". What do you think will be different about Italian land?

I have just returned from Beijing, and the next day after a 16-hour flight I have started rehearsals in Rome. It is my first time performing this show in Italian and on Italian soil so for me it is a new challenge. But seeing the success it has carried through all these years just makes me impatient to climb the stage to perform.

What are your expectations for your Italy show tour?

The calendar of this tour is really busy with dates, it will be a year of many trips and performances throughout Italy. Going back to the country that welcomed me and gave me a career six years ago with such a great project makes me very happy.

In this artistic engagement you are not alone! Together with the great artist Riccardo Coccianten who is also the composer of this musical you form a fantastic pair of professional artists. Do you think Riccardo has found an Esmeralda in you?

Riccardo is the one who brought me the victory at 'The Voice of Italy', he is the one who has humbly traveled to Albania to support me at important events and has known and loved our culture. It is he who for three years has entrusted me with the lead role in this masterpiece he has composed. So I believe he has found a little Elhaida in me that has grown over the years and turned into a strong Emerald!

Whatever it means for an Albanian artist to carry the weight of such an important role that has been performed over the years in the world's most magnificent scenes by various artists. What does it mean for you to be an Albanian Esmeralda of "Notre-Dame de Paris"?

This world is so big and the Albanian people are not so big in number, so it is always a great pride to receive news that Albanians succeed in any area of life outside of Albania. Therefore, for me to be an Albanian who touches the world stage makes me just proud.

Do you scream out loud that you are Albanian?

Always! I want every person I meet for the first time to share with me a positive feeling and curiosity to know more about Albania!

Did everything go according to expectations on your world tour of art shows or was there something out of control?

At one of our shows in Shanghai they had predicted a storm called Typhoon with a strong wind of over 200km / h, so evacuation of apartments and theaters had been foreseen, as we had never seen such a tropical storm before. But, fortunately, nature was fine with us and the concerts went on without a hitch.

Has there been an embarrassing moment while performing on stage for you?

Of course, when you are on stage performing for three hours there can be embarrassing moments. One of the most embarrassing for me is the dramatic moment when Esmeralda dies hanging out and my biggest fear is that one day the stage technicians will not be alert and will really hang me (laughs). But when you die on the stage and still die there it doesn't seem so tragic to me!

In which scene have you experienced the most extraordinary emotions?

How lucky I am to live a life that allows me to have a career that gives me so many emotions. That was the expression that said, 'Do what you want and you won't have to work a day in your life.' I have experienced the strongest emotions since the beginning of this artistic journey in Albania and I experience them every day in every scene I touch.

You said that the highlight of the Italian tour will be at the Verona Theater, where hundreds of thousands of fans and fans of your music will be there to watch you closely. Are you excited?

From a young age I dreamed of singing in the 'Arena di Verona', an artist knows well what it meansâ?¦ We will be performing in Verona on October 3-4-5-6 and I am looking forward to touching this scene for the first time . It will even be the first time my family will come to see me perform Esmeralda and this makes these dates even more special.

From "The Voice of Italy" what has changed from your relationship with great singer Riccardo Cocciante? Would you consider him a mentor to your art and music?

Although we have known and cooperated for years now, I can say that what has changed between us is very little. I continue to look at him with admiration and learn from him every day, keep referring to him by the name of Maestro and continue to have emotions every time I have to go on stage with him.

Is there something Riccardo does not tolerate in terms of work and music?

Riccardo does not tolerate half interpretation! He always asks me if we are just on rehearsals or even if it's 9am and I still haven't warmed up to give myself the most, both vocally and emotionally.

You have a big surprise for all your fans. Two more words on this?

It will finally bring out my newest song: #CLEANUPYOURMESS. This time it's really a different Elhaida. A very modern and new sound that I am loving! It's a collaboration with Dj. German Plastic Funk and a production by Sony Germany record label.

You are already an affirmed artist in the Italian market and a very beloved public figure there, probably in Europe as well. If you turn the clock back and remember, how difficult was the road to fame and success?

It's a road that never ends. You have to see success as a flower, which if it blooms but you stop watering it will fade. It is therefore a nonstop job, a lot of determination and sleepless nights to achieve your goals, in Albania, Italy and everywhere in the world.

What is the worst memory you have of your beginnings in Italy?

I was 19 when I left to participate in 'TVOI' in 2013. I remember when the plane arrived in Rome and stopped at the customs office for passport control I was asked how much money I had with me, I respond by saying that I had a ridiculous amount of money because at that time it was my economic opportunity. And so I'm banned from going to Italy because I didn't have enough money with meâ?¦ I remember 12 hours at the airport between the police, a scared girl who didn't communicate in Italian yet and didn't even have the opportunity to call her family to tell her what had happenedâ?¦

How has your life changed after fame?

I wake up each morning grateful for the life I live. True, I feel the lack of my family and I miss my home because I'm on a nonstop trip, but it's worth it as this life gives me so much emotion.

The idol that inspired you through the years in music?

Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson. Soul music, R&B, Gospel.

What is your biggest career ambition?

Why not Grammy?

Three qualities that identify you for the artist you are today?

Simple, clean, beautiful!

Are there any changes you would like to see in the music industry in Albania?

I have seen many young artists recently added to the Albanian scene. It makes me happy, it means that there is room for everyone and especially for young people, because it is above all those who bring the new to society and music.

Since we are leaving behind the summer season for this year as well, it seems like summer has come to work ... Or did you find the opportunity for a few short days off?

The only vacation week I did in the last two years was two months ago in Bali, but even during the day I was locked up in the studio writing music and only on the weekends did I have the opportunity to rest a bitâ?¦ Now I'm trying to organize some vacations winter in some warm place.

Got a favorite destination you'd like to visit now?

Would love to visit Cuba, for the first time soonâ?¦

You know that apart from art and music, fans "die" to know more about your private life. Is Elhaida Dani's lover?

At the moment I'm single!

How do you define your ideal male?

Someone who respects my freedom and my lifestyle.

But in Tirana, when will we see you again?

I wish soon, as I miss my friends, family and grandchildren so much.

A message for readers of Class magazine?

Love you so much!

Credits:

Design: Xhesika Berisha