Yoana is third-generation Adventist – and also third-generation musician –turned the chairs of three out of four coaches at the blind auditions. She was asked to sing a second song and it made her a real star. Her second song was trending at #1 on YouTube for awhole month and generated more than 3 million views, more views than the song sung by the original artist.
She introduced herself as a believer in God right away. Yoana kept witnessing about her faith all through the whole competition. There were many positive comments on her singing on the social media platforms: “We will be praying for you. Thank you for presenting our God in the most dignified way - with words, deeds, talent!”; “A person gets goosebumps uponhearing the beautiful voice and the unique playing of the guitar. Well done, girl! God has given her a talent that most of the Bulgarian singers lack!”; “There is hope for this world once people have managed to appreciate a modest and talented girl without silicone! We are too used to vulgarity and pranks, it's a miracle when something normal appears!” – to quote just a few of them.
Despite the fact that she had been asked several times by journalists not to talk about her faith, Yoana was adamant: “I can’t help it! I owe Him everything!”
After singing her own spiritual song, her coach told her: "In these times, when virtues and values are somehow out of date, you appeared as a bright ray of light and are the absolute antithesis of the reality that surrounds us. You are a symbol of humanity, purity, and sincerity, of a great gift of God. To me, you are a hope!"
Another coach, commenting on her final song “Consolation”, remarked: “You are a believer in God. May He bless you!”
Turning to the audience at the finals, Yoana said: “God is great! God loves you! I am so grateful He has given me the opportunity to be here.”
Her interview with Hope Channel Bulgaria generated unprecedented interest and people keep leaving comments on the great impression she made on them with her witness.
“I met Yoana's family years ago” said Corrado Cozzi,Communication Director, “a family with the gift of music that they transmit with passion and with a very deep spiritual feeling. Yoana could only follow this passion and transmit it with the same enthusiasm. We are proud of her.”
Yoana writes her own music and lyrics and plays a guitar. Last year she won the children’s competition for Bulgarian folk songs. She attends Roma Seventh-day Adventist Church in the town of Kyustendil, south-west Bulgaria. This Roma community has the densest Adventist population in Europe – there are 1,300 SDAs living there among 12,000 inhabitants and worship in two congregations.
You may listen to her final song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_jF41KAq-M
The lyrics of The heavens declare You
And Your glory is timeless. I know You walk before me, I humbly follow You.
Here’s my heart – it is broken. But You are my consolation – I’m waiting on You only
I hear Your voice, And I know You walk beside me. You stretch out Your pierced hands,
You save my soul! Here’s my heart – it is broken. But You are my consolation – I’m waiting on You only
You only!
Music: Billie Eilish, Text: Yoana Sashova
(Based on Matt. 11:28)
(Photo credit: YouTube)
