Life after Helsinki 2007 Eurovision

Besides the possible participation of Julia Samoylova for Russia also some other artists are making themselves available for the contest next year. In Greece Stereo Soul, who were considered also this year but lost to Demy in the last minute are putting themselves forward again asking their fans on social medias to support them.  In Serbia it was revealed Tijana Bogicevic was only the fourth option for the broadcaster after Aleksandra Radović, Jelena Tomašević and Ivana Peters. Aleksandra claimed she's too busy (and some suggest she asked too much money as well) but she's kinda open for the idea to do it in 2018 while Jelena said she's not for the time being ready for all that hassle again, and Ivana, who already was asked in 2016 still can't be flying due to health problems. She did write the Serbian entry last year and would be willing to do it again in 2018. It's still only May, this is going to be interesting. And we can't forget Valentina Monet...

Oh boy. Poor EBU. Poor Jon Ola Sand. I'm sure he needs a proper holiday once this drama is over. And I'm sure secretly he's hoping some less demanding country will win in May! Let's start from the beginning. Russia waited til last minute to reveal their cards and whether they will participate at all in Kyiv 2017 and on March 12 announced it's going to be Julia Samoylova with Flame is burning (my review of the song here )  It didn't take long the Eurovision fandome ridiculed Russia's decision to send a fragile girl in a wheelchair with a sugary ballad to avoid possible booing and making Ukraine look bad should they ban her. And that's exactly what happened on March 22: Ukrainian authorities isssued a travel ban on the Russian artist as she had illegally entered the annexed Crimea (in other words entering without passing via Ukraine) and even apparently posted anti-Ukrainian propaganda in her social medias. According Ukrainian law a crimina...

The Russian Chennel One has just declared: The  Channel One received a letter from the European Broadcasting Union stating that the EBU was unable to resolve the issue of participation in the Eurovision 2017 of  Russia by Julia Samoilova. This EBU reports with reference to the decision of the special services of Ukraine. The Chenel One considers the refusal of the Ukrainian side to be absolutely unreasonable. The reason for this is Ukraine's attempt to politicize the contest, whose goal throughout the 62 year history was to unite people. The European Broadcasting Union continues to offer the option of Julia Samoilova's remote participation or replacement by another participant. But the Chennel One considered both, and the options are unacceptable. Remote performance discriminates against the Russian participant and is contrary to the rules and principles of the competition. The option of replacing Julia Samoilova with another performer, in our opinion, can not eve...

Pictured Russia's national flowe camomille In light of today's events I can as well publish this Russian review that was ment to be published in coming days along with the other  country reviews.  I haven't modified the text in any way, this is how it was ment to be published sometime next week.  Originally this was my number 42.... Russia chose internally Julia Samoylova with Flame is burning ending speculation whether they will participate at all. But the decision to send a singer in a wheelchair was met with disbelief and outrage abroad as it was seen as an attempt to stop booing and critizism. Then came the news Ukraine might ban her as she has performed in the annexed Crimea in 2015.... Headlines guaranteed and the political soap opera goes on.... And poor Julia in the middle of it all victimized. As that's the overal impression I get.  Julia (27) was born in Republic of Komi and started losing the function of her legs after an unsuccesful poliomyeli...

Finnish media reports the controversial Russian Eurovision song contest artist Julia Samoylova is in Finland at the moment and will stay until the end of the week. Apparently she wass operated here already last fall, and in undergoing further treatments and check ups. She chose Finland because the doctors here are better than in Russia. "Finland has the best statistics in these kind of operations, and people don't die after them. They don't take unnecessary risks. I have talked to other people with similiar conditions and thought it over for a long time and chose them in the end" she tells. "I have a lot of spare time here so I will listen to the other songs." As for her participation EBU stated yesterday they have no problem but understand Ukraine has its laws. However the final decision to let her into the country depends on Ukraine alone. Their decision. Samoylova could be fined and let in. Or let's see how this ends....

Russia has made public itss choice for the Eurovision song contest in Ukraine, the country it's in war conflict. And they have found the most pathetic choice possible: Let's send a handicapped singer so no one can boo at her or critisize her. Wrong. The song is a generic ballad, she isn't that great - handicapped or not - and the whole action is a bit disgusting. Poor her. It's not her fault. She's being used in the worst possible way.... Or so it seems at least.  Flame is burning . Makes me woner what is the flame they are talking about.... Apparently she has also visited Crimea in 2015 violating the Ukraine law and publicly supports the annexation. Nice choice, Russia.