Viktor must be the most exotic of the Finnish Eurovision singers by far. He didn't win the 1965 national final but was sent to Naples anyways. And scored a big flat zero while France Gall won with a similar song her lookalike Katri Helena had sung. Finns are still wondering, what if...
Back to Viktor. He was born in the Russian war camp from cossack parents in 1942 and later his family was posted in Finland. He only got the Finnish nationality in 1973 and actually was in Naples with an alien one. Today he presents himself as "Finland's most famous immigrant". He also participated in Euroviisut 1966 (3rd), 1969 (3rd), 1972 (6th) and 1977 (3rd).
His career can be divided in four different parts: first schlager singer in Finland, from late 1960's and especially in the 1970's international star with wild Russian and Cossack music and image, in the 1980's religious preacher and singer only in the churches and other spiritual places, and now... a multifaced artist who sings all beforementioned mixing it up. He gladly shows up now in any Eurovision related shows and happenings. He has sold several gold and platinum discs both in Finland and Sweden.
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