Eurovision Song Contest 2009 – Russia
Without taking anything away from Dima Bilan’s 2008 win, for he is very popular in the former Soviet countries, there is no doubt that Russia’s win was the result of political voting. This voting problem is the reason for the change in 2009, to a split televoting/jury system which hopes to readdress the issue and balance the votes. We will see if this works and helps move the contest around Europe with greater ease. Countries voiting for their neighbours rather than the songs may hopefully be at an end.
This year Russia has put forward Anastasia Prikhodko singing “Mamo”. It doesn’t have the passion of Dima’s song last year. It’s a bit, well…average. Lots of shouting and audience participation doesn’t make a winner.
Let’s see if we’re proved wrong.
The video is here. Comments are below if you wish to add some.