A sign perhaps that Russia is above the pettiness of (Eurovision) politics. From the BBC:
Or alternatively, a brilliant plan to shame the Georgians for going with an overtly political entry.
Either way, hats off to the Russians.
Full story here.
-- Luke Allnutt
Russia has swallowed its national pride and chosen a Ukrainian singer as its entry for the Eurovision song contest.
Anastasia Prikhodko's song Mama was only put on the shortlist two days before the heats, but won most votes from both TV viewers and judges.
The 21-year-old singer had previously sought to represent Ukraine, but was disqualified after a voting dispute.
Russian-Ukrainian relations are chilly, after a gas dispute which led to winter power cuts in many European countries.
Prikhodko's entry mixes the two languages, with the verses sung in Russian and a Ukrainian chorus.
Anastasia Prikhodko's song Mama was only put on the shortlist two days before the heats, but won most votes from both TV viewers and judges.
The 21-year-old singer had previously sought to represent Ukraine, but was disqualified after a voting dispute.
Russian-Ukrainian relations are chilly, after a gas dispute which led to winter power cuts in many European countries.
Prikhodko's entry mixes the two languages, with the verses sung in Russian and a Ukrainian chorus.
Or alternatively, a brilliant plan to shame the Georgians for going with an overtly political entry.
Either way, hats off to the Russians.
Full story here.
-- Luke Allnutt