Bleona Qereti, also known as Bleona, is an Albanian singer, actress, and entertainer. In 2009, she made the daring move to the US, where she has since worked with producers such as Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins and Grammy award winner David Foster. Having toured the globe extensively, the 34 year old has recently been hailed as the Madonna of Albania and is fluent in German, English and Italian.
The dedicated performer took time out of her hectic schedule to talk to us ahead of her UK tour.
Hi Bleona, how are you today?
Hello darling, I am very well, thank you. I’ve been rehearsing 10 hours a day for my Las Vegas Pride show but somehow I’m still alive and kicking!
Where does this Q&A find you?
I’m currently in the air on my way to New York. The only time I seem to be able to relax is when I’m travelling, but I wouldn’t have it any other way and at least there’s Wi-Fi! My schedule for the next few days is pretty hectic as after this I’ll be flying to the Dominican Republic to meet my family, then on to Atlantic City for a music conference followed by a trip to Dubai for a concert.
Having been described as Albania’s answer to Madonna, tell us about your rise to stardom in South-eastern Europe. Where did it all begin for you?
Well, it all began when I joined the Alabanian equivalent of the Mickey Mouse club. After that I always seemed to get chosen to give flowers to government officials, which probably explains why I’m so comfortable being around the big shots today! Having grown up in the spotlight, onlookers think that they know me, but in private I am different from my public persona. However, I still get that childlike excitement when performing, like there’s a part of me that’s still 12 years old.
Music is my life and I am not sure what would become of Bleona as a person if singing was removed from the equation. I love what I do; my job has never been a 9-5 thing! I live for the applause that I receive from my fans when I’m on stage; it’s like air to me.
Having gained a BA from the Academy of Performing Arts in Tirana, and with the ability to speak and sing in no less than four languages, performing seems to have been a constant part of your life. Was there ever a time when you considered following an alternative career path or was world domination always your agenda?
Ha-ha no! The thought to follow a different path has never once crossed my mind. I have spent more nights on tour buses and in hotels than in my own house, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have pursued my passion to the point where my wildest dreams are coming true. If I didn’t sing, I have no idea what would become of me!
We hear that you are also a talented violinist. Was becoming the next Vanessa Mae ever an option?
Growing up, I remember being told that I would have always a black spot under my neck and bad nails. That was the last day I touched violin! My mom tried to convince me otherwise, but I’m glad I stuck to my guns.
You made your television debut as a fortune teller in the US series True Justice alongside Steven Seagal. Do you possess any real life psychic abilities?
No psychic abilities, unfortunately, but I do have very strong instincts about life and people which I follow strictly. If my gut tells me to go after something, even if it doesn’t seem like a good idea at the time, I still stay true to my heart. Heading to America is a good example of this. Albania is as far away as you could possibly get from the US and everyone thought I had lost my mind, but I was determined to take a gamble; all or nothing. Given the choice, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
Any further acting projects on the horizon?
After Las Vegas Pride, I’m heading straight to LA to shoot the video for Take It Like A Man with acclaimed director Chris Applebaum. I’m also scheduled to perform at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which I’m really looking forward to. Another movie may also be on the cards…
Following eight incredibly successful Albanian language albums, what inspired you to make your first English speaking record?
The love of music and my constant hunger to perform. Breaking into a different market means that I will have to perform more; for me more is more, and too much of a good thing is just amazing! Joking aside, I think people are potential fans no matter what language they speak. The mark of a really good entertainer is one who can make people dance and sing along, even if they have don’t know who you are. That’s when you know you’re good at your job! Don’t get me wrong, it can be an enormous challenge, but, as I say, I love a challenge and that’s why I’m here.
How does the Albanian music industry differ to the US and UK?
People in Albania are really tough, but if they love you you’ll know to it! You kind of have to prove your talent to them 100 times over, but when you win them over, it’s the best feeling. The celebrity economy in America and the UK makes it seem really easy with specially made television programmes for people to essentially try out on. Albania is a tough competition, simply because market is very small compared to the rest of the world, and there’s not space for everybody. I know entertainers who have conquered the rest of the world but who would probably not be successful in Albania. There are some singers in Albania who, if given half the chance would rock the place to its foundations!
New single Take It Like A Man has a more dance-pop vibe to your usual style. Having recently collaborated with the legendary producer on previous offering Pass Out, could this be described as the Timbaland effect?
He has an incredible talent and, even though he’s not a straight pop producer, he loves my songs. We both think that this is the right direction for me as an artist.
What can your UK fans expect?
I’m really proud of my latest music video and the live debut show is going to be amazing. I just can’t wait to perform to my fans in the UK.
What are you hoping to achieve this year?
I hope to raise the bar higher for every other pop artist out there, in every sense of the word.
Having sung to more than 3 million fans worldwide, touring seems to be a central part of your life. So much so that you fronted a documentary (Walking Through Albania) that charted life on the road during a tour of outdoor arenas. What is your favourite aspect of live performance?
When I have 100,000 people screaming at me! There is no other feeling in the world that can replace that.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to any young fans who may wish to follow in your footsteps?
Never stop following your dream, no matter what anyone else says. Anything looks impossible until it gets done.
Bleona’s new single Take It Like A Man is out now.
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