“A Minute before Start”, Documentary about Eurovision, and Delicious Presents from Belarus

Ivan Toporischev, Moscow, exclusively for Eurovision Mania

Eurovision is one of the most famous music contests. It has been going on for more than 50 years already, and this year Russia hosts the famous Song Contest for the first time. In the documentary people will see how Moscow was getting ready for Eurovision 2009, how the “Olimpiyski” Sports Center was renovated, how the stage was built up, and how the unique computer and lighting equipment was installed. The documentary also tells how the emblem of the Contest came into being. The film is about Eurovision secrets, how the songs are chosen, how the acts are being prepared, and what challenges the contestants have to face on their way to the victory. The documentary also reveals the details that remain unknown to the ordinary viewer.

Up to 1994 nobody knew about Eurovision in Russia. Few people remember that the first Russian singer who came to Eurovision was Maria Katz. At Eurovision she performed under the name of “Judith”. She got the 9th position, and for 6 years none of the Russian singers could get a higher position in Eurovision chart. Even the Russian super-stars – Alla Pugacheva and Philip Kirkorov – got positions in the second ten only.

Only in 2000, Russia finally succeeded at Eurovision. Everybody was very surprised when Alsou, a young female pop-singer, got the second position. The second prize was like a victory for Russia. Alsou was also the first Russian singer, who sang in English at Eurovision.  In 2003, “Tatoo” were the third in Eurovision chart, although many people thought that they were the most probable winners.

At Eurovision 2006, the Russian pop-star Dima Bilan was very close to winning the Contest, but he failed to reach the highest step of the pedestal. Last year in Belgrade, Dima finally won the first prize.

Eurovision is usually thought to be a song contest for novices. However, real pop stars also take part in Eurovision. This year Patricia Kaas represents France. Russians love her enormously!

Patricia Kaas

For many years people have been arguing about the Eurovision voting system. This year a new voting system will be presented. The winner will be chosen by both: TV viewers, as it has been done previously, and by the professional jury.  The premiere of the documentary film about Eurovision is on the 11th of May, at 18.00, “Channel One”.

The rehearsals are going on, and Eurovision fans learn more and more about their favorite singers. Petr Elfimov from Belarus might not get the first position in Eurovision chart, but journalists will never forget his delicious presents: ice-cream, chocolates, and Belarusian vodka.

The Belarusian singer told that they brought the most delicious things produced in Belarus.  And nobody will regret if next year Belarus hosts Eurovision Song Contest. Everybody – the singers, the journalists and the guests – will have enough food and drink! Dima Koldun, who represented Belarus last year, also came to the press-conference. He said that he saw Petr’s rehearsal already and would like to change some things in his performance, maybe to add some dancing. But Petr wants it to be more severe and masculine. Dima Koldun also said that he likes the Ukrainian and Norwegian performances.

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