From Stage & Live to the Semifinals? GINAxC on Her San Marino Song Contest Experience

In a few hours, at 19:30 tonight, I will find out whether I advance to the televised semifinals of Dreaming San Marino Song Contest 2026. And no matter what happens, I already know this journey has meant something bigger.

Out of more than 800 applicants, 240 artists were selected to participate in Stage & Live Academy. I was one of them. Just writing that still feels surreal.

Being in San Marino, meeting talented artists from different countries, and standing in front of a professional jury was incredibly inspiring. The entire San Marino Song Contest team was welcoming, professional and genuinely passionate about music. Listening to the jury speak about what they are looking for, what they believe in, and what makes a song stand out was not only educational – it was motivating.

I chose to perform "Liar on Fire" exactly as I am. No rehearsed polished choreography. No pre-planned dramatic moves. I wanted the jury to see me natural, spontaneous and fully present in the moment. I wanted them to feel the song, not the staging.

If I advance to the semifinal tonight, I will absolutely build a stronger Eurovision-style performance with choreography and visual identity suited for television. But for this stage, I needed to prove to myself that I can carry a stage with nothing but my voice, my energy and my truth.

This experience has been a personal breakthrough. Despite stressful days before departure and less-than-perfect circumstances, I stepped on that stage and gave everything. And I now know that I am fully capable of delivering under pressure.

At 19:30 tonight, there are only three semifinal spots left from my group of 30 artists. Whatever happens, I am deeply grateful. Because even if the Dreaming San Marino Song Contest journey would end here, my journey does not.

This is only one chapter.