Lithuania
Monika Marija (Monika Marija Paulauskaitė), 21 years old, born on May 31, 1998, is the winner of the 5th season of The Voice Lithuania, in 2018.
In 2018 and 2019 she has participated in Eurovision auditions in Lithuania and, both times, went to the finals.
After releasing her first album in 2018, Monika Marija became coach in the popular TV project The Voice Kids Lithuania. This year she is not only the coach for the The Voice Lithuania, but is also teaching The Voice Seniors Lithuania participants.
In the Golden Stag 2019 competition she will perform two songs that she have presented during the auditions for Eurovision Song Contest 2019: Criminal and Light on.
A talented vocal performer, playing piano, guitar and drums, she is a great source of inspiration for those who are just starting their musical history. Not only on television, but on stage, Monika Marija is theatrical, expressive, strong.
The Golden Stag trivia…
1. How and when did you discover your passion for music?
To be honest, I can’t remember, because music has always been a natural element of my life. My dad plays guitar, accordion, trumpet, my sister plays piano, violin and sings, my grandparents used to sings and play various instruments, too. They’ve taught me, that music never should be a job or even a hobby - it should be a way of living.
2. Define your musical style in one phrase.
It’s... diverse and careless! :D
3. Favorite musicians.
Whitney Houston, Jessie J, Chris Stapleton and Paolo Nutini.
4. What do you prefer to read /eat/do in your spare time.
I love to read biographies, very frequently it involves someone from fashion, music or generally - artistic world. My favorite food is definitely Chinese - it’s my comfort food (even when the comfort is not particularly necessary :D)! And I’m sort of crazy about taking up new activities – I love photography, working with computer programs, I adore artistic makeups, so far I’ve worked as a lecturer in two Makeup and Special Effects academies in Vilnius, painting is one of my passions too, also since childhood I loved making handmade jewelry, already have tried about 20 different techniques! Most recently I became interested in designing and sewing clothes, I suppose that came from my grandma, she was very talented in sewing!
5. If not a singer, then you would be a …
Just about anything that made me happy at that moment... A lecturer, a translator, a travel guide, a business woman, a photographer... One thing I know - if I do something, I’ll devote my life for it to be the best.
6. How do you define happiness?
A sense of loving someone or something so much, that it makes you feel fulfilled!
7. Your motto for this Festival.
Go big or go home!
