Azernews.Az

Finnish singer Pernilla Karlsson has said the Eurovision contest is ``a good experience for her future``.

Karlsson has been chosen to represent Finland in the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Azerbaijan in May.

``I`m excited to meet a lot of new people and of course I`m very curious about Baku where I`ve never been, so it will be so nice to travel there,`` Karlsson said in an interview with Azerbaijan`s Trend news agency.

She expressed regret she doesn`t know much about Azerbaijan and doesn`t have any friends from Baku but hopes this will change after the contest.

``I`ve just heard that there are good-looking buildings and nice weather in May,`` Karlsson said.

The singer said she was selected to represent Finland at Eurovision because of a very emotional song.

``My country has chosen me, and that is for a reason. I will just be myself and represent Finland as good as I can,`` Karlsson said.

The singer believes representatives at Eurovision Song Contest are chosen by the song, not because of their popularity.

``I`m so glad I will represent Finland at ESC. I have no time to think about an unsuccessful performance.``

She said she wanted her performance to remain a surprise, but stressed it will be very emotional and down to earth.

``The most difficult thing is maybe to really stay focused. I think I will learn so much from the competition, and of course this experience is a very big thing for me,`` Karlsson said.

The 57th Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Baku Crystal Hall, which is under construction near the National Flag Square. The Baku Crystal Hall is an arena with a capacity of up to 23,000 spectators. Approximately 16,000 people will be able to attend each of the three Eurovision Song Contest live shows in May.

The Eurovision 2012 semi-finals will be held in Baku on May 22 and May 24 and the final on May 26.