BELIEVE in Eurovision 2008

The 53-d Eurovision Song Contest, hosted by Serbia, came to an end on the 24th of May. 25 participants, who represented their countries in the final, were trying to win the main prize and get the right to host the well-known contest in their capital in 2009.

Among the favourites, Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey were named. As the final showed, the representative of Russia, Dima Bilan, knew perfectly well, why he decided to take part in the contest for the second time. Among the large number of possible representatives of Russia at the contest, Dima represented his country with dignity and won – Russia is №1 this year and Eurovision 2009 will take place in Moscow. Dima Bilan and his friends figure skater Evgeni Plushenko and violin player Edvin Marton created unforgettable atmosphere on the stage and made the whole Europe BELIEVE! Dima claimed that the number 24 is lucky for him – he was the 24th at the final and was born at this very day!

As for other leaders of the contest, they are Ukraine and Greece – beautiful girls from these countries managed to make the real hit of their songs and the hall in Belgrade danced with them. Ukraine is trying to duplicate the success of Ruslana who won Eurovision 2004. Last year Verka Serduchka was the second and this year Ani Lorak again only the second… But I think the representative of Ukraine Ani Lorak was very convincing with her Shady Lady! Armenia is the fourth in the draw.

All countries who took part in the contest and all the audience were really fascinated by this bright show and thanked Belgrade for this nice opportunity to have rest and to enjoy the number of the most talented representatives of different countries all over Europe.

It is interesting to point out, that the contest like Eurovision became very popular and the rights for organizing such a show went to East and America. So perhaps, in the near future, some other countries will enrich their culture by organizing such contests!

As for Eurovision 2008, it didn’t lose its originality and novelty. The contest contained a number of interesting and original shows, thus, the procedure of voting and choosing the best from the best was not quite easy. At the same time, Dime Bilan managed to win with the large advantage.

The only possible problem which I see in connection with Eurovision is its policization. I’m afraid the contest may turn into political rivalry and playing numerous political games. I wish it remained the festival of art and song – and not politics and dirty political games!