Two weeks ago he achieved Bulgaria’s best-ever Eurovision result when he reached second place with his song “Beautiful Mess”.

And now that he’s back at home in Moscow, Kristian Kostov is pondering his post-Eurovision future.

Speaking to the Russian edition of Hello! , the 17-year-old delivered a mature and realistic assessment of how one can capitalise on the Eurovision glory.

“It is important to act quickly,” he said. “In fact, there’s only a month after the Eurovision that you’ve not yet been forgotten.”

Thankfully for Kristian, who was born and raised in Moscow to a Kazakh mother and a Bulgarian father, he’s already experienced a surge in popularity in several markets — namely Bulgaria and Russia.

As a teenager he moved to Sofia to compete on X Factor Bulgaria.

“I was an outsider,” he says of landing on Bulgarian soil. “And now after the ‘silver’ [at Eurovision] they all say: ‘Here he is — our boy!'”

He considers Moscow his home but holds his Bulgarian roots close to his heart and was living in Bulgaria in the months prior to Eurovision Song Contest, so that he could fully commit to preparations.

As he told wiwibloggs during the London Eurovision Party in April, he considers himself from “somewhere between Russia and Bulgaria.”

After finishing second on X Factor he developed a solid fan base in Bulgaria, which led him to sign with Virginia Records.

Speaking to Hello!, he also revealed details of his Eurovision selection.

“Bulgaria strives to be young, progressive, dynamic — and although there were other contenders, let’s say, a little older, the country was not afraid to take a risk in sending me. At first I didn’t accept the proposal — I was wildly tired — over the last few years, I literally wandered from one competition to another. Secondly, I knew deep down inside — well, the competitive atmosphere isn’t for me. And then suddenly I thought — why not? I believe in the whole country! And I risked it for those who follow and believe in me.”

Kristian, who worked with Eurovision legend Dima Bilan on The Voice Kids Russia, says that he would have been honoured to sing for Russia at Eurovision.

But he points out that the selection process in Russia is rather closed — it’s handled behind-closed-doors by the state broadcaster. Furthermore, and as an illustration of how humble he is, he also admitted that he doesn’t yet have the profile for the gig.

“[Russia sent] Dima Bilan, Sergey Lazarev, Polina Gagarina,” he said. “And then 17-year-old Christian, whom no one knows? I myself, like the audience, would be in an uproar!”

Post-Eurovision plans

Being a Bulgarian Muscovite with a career and a fanbase in both countries, he’s had to think hard about who to target moving forward.

“Russia is a large market and I certainly would not want to lose it. So now I’m working on new material, including some in Russian. I will say this. My aspiration is as follows: 50 percent for the whole world, 50 per cent — separately — for Russia.”

Kristian also talked about his future studies in music, explaining that he went through the audition process for the prestigious Berklee College of Music in November. The school is located in Boston, Massachusetts, in the United States, but his audition took place in Germany, where Kristian travelled along with his brother Dani.

Kristian tells the Russian magazine that he completed all stages of the audition and has been accepted into the school. But, as with most private institutions in America, it’s very expensive: full-time undergraduates paid $40,082 per year in 2015-2016. He doesn’t want his family to pay for it, so has postponed his studies until 2018.

Kristian won’t be the only Eurovision alumni from 2017 who knows the school, as both Croatia’s Jacques Houdek and Portugal’s Luisa Sobral are former students. Jacques attended several summer seminars in Europe while Luisa finished a BA degree in music at the school in Boston.

Are you loving Kristian’s interview with Hello! as much as we are? What do you think of his future plans? And will you be following him? Let us know in the comments box below!

Read more Bulgaria Eurovision news

89 Comments
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Why
Why
6 years ago

I love Kristian! Good luckk?

lalaland
lalaland
6 years ago

oh God how this Francis J person’s comments are allowed here…
all od them are just offensive

Enthusiast
Enthusiast
6 years ago
Reply to  lalaland

Indeed! Such a behavior is getting ridiculous and deserves even ban…

Danielle
Danielle
6 years ago
Reply to  Enthusiast

You have so much hate in you, buddy. I feel so sorry for you:( You need love! Music is love and not hate! Grown up! Kristian is gentle and loving soul, you can learn from him. Nobody can’t stop our love for Kristian! Our love is untouchable!
Love xx

Danielle
Danielle
6 years ago
Reply to  lalaland

“…No matter what they say or do
Our love is untouchable ”
Love for Kristian <3

Enthusiast
Enthusiast
6 years ago

For me is really really strange how such comments appears… Where is the heart, where is the sense… ?! I feel like into absolutely other world of perception and I’m happy with that, ooh yeah.. Hopefully Kristian will be wise and strong enough not to be hurt by such an attitude…

Ana
Ana
6 years ago
Reply to  Enthusiast

For me is really strange how such comment still exist, Wiwi team should do better job in comments section. This is shame for Wiwibloggs.

Francis J
Francis J
6 years ago
Reply to  Ana

This is my opinion. I see him as a stupid and arrogant kid who cares only about looks. You won’t change my mind as it is based on my observations. Many other people also see him as a arrogant ladyboy

Michael Augustine
Michael Augustine
6 years ago
Reply to  Francis J

Troll… yawn

Ruslana
Ruslana
6 years ago

And please stop writing about this man here, he does not deserve it. Eurovision is ofer, and SALVADOR is the winner.

Ruslana
Ruslana
6 years ago

What a cocky man. He is weak, he has voice like a child, he was out of tune and he said- his music is for world? He will never made a career. He falsify. He was the most overrated person in Eurovision. But despite of this big favor, Salvador won Eurovision. I am so happy that this lack of talent man didnt won Eurovision.

Enthusiast
Enthusiast
6 years ago
Reply to  Ruslana

I just feel sorry for people who can’t love and appreciate what they love without being offensive for somebody else’s favorites. Really, I feel so blessed to love Kristian as an artist that I don’t even care that somebody else is placed again before him by the wider audience. For me he is just what I search and crave… And I’m happy I’m not alone – many other people are also deeply touched by him… I’ve heard a lot of times one and the same story which I experience myself – how adult people and musicians were fascinated by his… Read more »

Francis J
Francis J
6 years ago
Reply to  Ruslana

His arrogance is so typical for teenagers from big cites like Moscow. He thinks he is the center of the universe, his voice is meh, heard many better, he completely sucks in high notes. This guy never showed any respect or modesty, he was always boasting about his “achievements”. He is also really narcissistic, just look at his photos on Instagram. Strongly dislike this Russian rabbit, it’s good he didn’t win

Enthusiast
Enthusiast
6 years ago
Reply to  Francis J

Bla-bla-bla… Such a bunch of NONSENSEs together… too much friend, too much to be true 😉 Think about it 🙂

L'oiseau
L'oiseau
6 years ago

I really whish he enrolls in Berklee or in any other school to explore his artistic personality and become a full fledged artist and less concerned with fame and stardom. And on the way he can learn how to his eye disease can work on his favor to win the ESC in ten years… 🙂 just kidding for the last part

Francis J
Francis J
6 years ago
Reply to  L'oiseau

eye disease??? 100000000 people in the world wear glasses due to myopia, etc. Nobody makes a big deal of it, what the f**ck is wrong with this Russian princess?

Sammy
Sammy
6 years ago
Christian
Christian
6 years ago

Bulgaria’s becoming the new Azerbaijan, thus buying music from Swedish songwriters. In my eyes he lost his credibility when he said he would break the trophy in case of winning, just like Iveta last year with the flag.

Darth Thulhu
Darth Thulhu
6 years ago
Reply to  Christian

Azerbaijan leans on both Sweden and Russia, and Bulgaria is now doing likewise. Given that Sweden and Russia both bring a voting bloc, and both take the Contest super-duper-seriously, and both pretty much live in the Top Ten (year in and year out, across a wide range of song styles), it is quite understandable why smaller nations would seek to emulate and draw on the talents of both of them.

Despite all that, Portugal was the winner.

Francis J
Francis J
6 years ago
Reply to  Christian

Kostov is just stupid, vain teenager with big EGO, he thought it would be funny to smash trophy for views, he didn’t treat Eurovision like a serious contest, only like place where his big ego can get even bigger, where people will admire him and his fancy look. Strongly dislike this cocky, selfish rabbit

Abel
Abel
6 years ago

The many European countries, that have free educational system, should be quiet, otherwise Americans will invade you. Just say nothing, or say is very…very expensive. Actually I don’t know any European country (from Portugal to Russia) that asks money in the public system, but don’t tell Americans.

Athena
Athena
6 years ago

The way he performs on stage is very similar to Justin Bieber and K pop singers. Hope he doesn’t turn out to be a total mess when he’s more successful. He should find his own unique style instead of trying to copying them.

Francis J
Francis J
6 years ago
Reply to  Athena

because he is Russian version of kpop and Bieber, sweet teenager for making cash on stupid girls, I also hate his arrogance

Maia A.
Maia A.
6 years ago

Francis, there is absolutely no ground in what you are saying and I guess your hatred comes from some bitterness in your life that you have still not resolved and in fact you wish to be like Kristian – radiating positiveness all the time, aiming high and knowing you can achieve it… His parents are not mafia and they are not Russian, but Bulgarian and Kazakh with dual citizenship. The boy is always kind and considerate, intelligent, even won partial scholarship from Berklee College of Music which means they saw potential in him. Many people cry after success – what… Read more »

Kris
Kris
6 years ago

Poli’s song I liked more.

Darth Thulhu
Darth Thulhu
6 years ago
Reply to  Kris

Agreed, but Kristian’s is still quite good. His was one of the few live performances that was not a significant step down from the studio-track music video, for which he and his nation deserve serious kudos.

Darth Thulhu
Darth Thulhu
6 years ago
Reply to  Darth Thulhu

OK, having been pointed out that Poli is “Genova”, not “Gagarina”, I actually disagree a bit. Bulgaria 2016 was catchier and more upbeat, but Bulgaria 2017 was a significantly more cohesive package.

I preferred Russia 2015 a little bit over Bulgaria 2017, and in turn I also preferred Bulgaria 2017 a little bit over Bulgaria 2016.

Francis J
Francis J
6 years ago
Reply to  Darth Thulhu

Kristian was awfully out of tune on high notes and he can control air from his mouth, it sounds like hissing snake
So he is arrogant, vain rabbit with voice of snake hahha

Dave m.
Dave m.
6 years ago

Kristian kostov deserves to be a big international star. He has the talent, the charisma and the voice. But sadly, it seems difficult for eurovision stars to make it big internationally.

Enthusiast
Enthusiast
6 years ago
Reply to  Dave m.

He is going to be – its his mission and predestination, its easy to see and feel it 🙂

Francis J
Francis J
6 years ago
Reply to  Dave m.

no, hopefully he won’t be a world star, he is just stupid and cocky teenager with no clue about world, his voice is really average, he can’t control breathing, it sounds like hissing snake, and I don’t like his ignorance towards older and more experienced artists

Joseph
Joseph
6 years ago
Reply to  Francis J

“Oh, because of course, you are the great Francis J, who knows everything” Piss off, you are just jealous that he is right now more famous and talented, that you will ever be, and you find certain comfort on insulting him anonymously, because no one can verify thats your real name, and feel so good with yourself, but lets be real, he will never read your comments, so you are practically screaming to the void, and i bet that you wouldnt have the balls to say what you are saying to his face, so let me give you an advice,… Read more »

Maia A.
Maia A.
6 years ago

He is not going to pay for his studies because he won a scholarship. Going to USA was postponed because of Eurovision and because he wanted to do some music (this is what he said in one of his interviews).

Darth Thulhu
Darth Thulhu
6 years ago
Reply to  Maia A.

Scholarships in American private universities are rarely even close to the level of tuition. Unless the scholarship in question is *explicitly* a “full-ride” scholarship, covering tuition + housing + fees + food, the only thing that “scholarships” do is reduce the burden of attending from “unbelievably astronomical” down to “absurdly expensive but possibly manageable”. The tuition cost of $40,000 (per YEAR) does not cover travel to the school, nor residence rental each month (in a dense and expensive urban area), nor textbooks, nor special materials, nor field trips, nor food requirements. The final cost per year is almost certainly close… Read more »

Francis J
Francis J
6 years ago
Reply to  Darth Thulhu

he has a lot of money, he is kid of Russian mafia from Moscow who promote him for cash, this is not like ordinary person who must work really hard for any achievement in life

Tanya
Tanya
6 years ago
Reply to  Francis J

Were you serious?
It is so stupid…

Kai
Kai
6 years ago

so..your 2nd place is also 50% russian? ehehhehehe

Evan
Evan
6 years ago
Reply to  Kai

That’s an understatement….. Poli with a better song finished with only about half ad many points as him.

Darth Thulhu
Darth Thulhu
6 years ago
Reply to  Evan

“Number of points” isn’t a helpful metric, when they’ve doubled the number of points awarded per country since 2015, and when the number of countries fluctuates year-to-year. The more important measure is “percentage of possible points”, which naturally adjusts for larger point-allocations. Kostov got 615 points out of a maximum possible (41 other countries x24 points per country = 984) points, so he got 62% or so of the maximum he possibly could have gotten. Gagarina got 303 points out of a maximum possible (39 other countries x12 points per country = 468) points, so she got 64% or so… Read more »

Mattias Sollerman
Mattias Sollerman
6 years ago
Reply to  Darth Thulhu

Poli refers to Poli Genova.

Darth Thulhu
Darth Thulhu
6 years ago

Ah, that makes more sense. The “2nd place” and “Russian” bit made it sound like the comparison was with the last 2nd place person with work in Moscow. My bad. Comparing to “If Love Was a Crime”, I think “Beautiful Mess” earned the improved result as an improved song offering. Both were performed very well, and both had very slick staging, but “If Love Was a Crime” was a by-the-numbers dance song with by-the-numbers multicultural backup-performers and various odd tech-wear gimmicks. By *not* having the distracting tech-wear gimmicks and *not* having the random multicultural backup-performers, “Beautiful Mess” put on a… Read more »

chicken kyiv???
chicken kyiv???
6 years ago

In other words “I’ve got no chance of a global career, but I hope I can use this exposure to get a bit of love from Mother Russia”

tavanana
tavanana
6 years ago

Well at least he’s realistic

R
R
6 years ago

Meanwhile he could do Psychology! (Salvador and Artsvik are both dropouts of Psychology)… 😛 😛 😛

a BG teen
a BG teen
6 years ago

No, he postponed his studies because of ESC. Otherwise, he would have started in autumn of 2017. He also got scholarship for the uni he auditioned for

juiceQ
juiceQ
6 years ago

According to Wikipedia: Esc2017 songwriter Luisa Sobral moved to the United States of America to study music at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, graduating in 2009.

juiceQ
juiceQ
6 years ago
Reply to  juiceQ

she composed and wrote the lyrics to the song “Amar pelos dois”, a bossa-nova inspired jazz ballad composed by Luísa Sobral, with lyrics in Portuguese and sparse minimalistic string arrangement, done by Portuguese composer Luis Figueiredo, was sung by her younger brother, Salvador Sobral.

Lexi
Lexi
6 years ago

His manager mentioned in an interview that a swedish record label and a few music producers has contacted him. Fredrik Kempe seems very fond of him in the swedish pre-Grand Final talk 🙂

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago
Reply to  Lexi

There go his chances to develop an artistic personality… I hope he stays true to himself without selling himself out like that, although I guess his only way to get success is to be featured on some DJ hit like many are finding success now.

Lexi
Lexi
6 years ago

I don’t think he’ll sell himself out like that. He’s done plenty of jazz concerts before and has just filmed a cover of “dream a little dream of me” 🙂

Mattias Sollerman
Mattias Sollerman
6 years ago
Reply to  Lexi

Henric von Zweigbergk said in an interview with ESCinsight that he’s trying to book Kostov for Swedish TV show Sommarkrysset. He also mentioned an ‘Italian gorilla’ which might imply Gabbani is coming too.

Helene
Helene
6 years ago

Yes it is a television show for elder people very nice but nothing for someone with his ambitions

Toni
Toni
6 years ago

It does not matter who Christian will work for, there are no limits to talent! Bulgaria and Russia love Kristian Kostov and will always support him and will be welcome where he decides!

Kristian take care
Kristian take care
6 years ago

In civilized countries, University is for free.
Forget about Berkley.
Represent Russia, and you will have a career.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

I really like Kristian. I wish him all the best in his career and his life. 🙂

Julie
Julie
6 years ago

Follow your dreams! Just make sure you have a sponsor and/or scholarships 😉 Tuition in America is ridiculously expensive – better not to start out your young life riddled in debt, as most of our youth does 🙁

Alex
Alex
6 years ago

He is a good talented guy, i thought ex soviet countries would give him more points but still 2nd place is MASSIVE! He must be big in Bulgaria now and got a bit famous in Russia as well. Besides Russia his chances of scoring an international career is the same as it for every ESC act: non existent!–> WRONG. it’s all about how you take advantage of the opportunities and manager + label. Lena is very successful and relevant. Conchita was a character only, Mans is big in Swedena and enjoyed success outside as well. Emmelie failed to do something,… Read more »

Tiago S
Tiago S
6 years ago
Reply to  Alex

He might say he doesn’t want to, and that he doesn’t like all the glitter, but the truth is that he just can’t. Until he gets his heart transplant he can’t really afford to leave the country and miss out on a short notice surgery.

Hada
Hada
6 years ago
Reply to  Tiago S

That’s the vibe I get too. He might be chill and lowkey, but part of the thing is he just doesn’t wanna come to the media and tell them “my condition doesn’t let me do this and that”.

escDisney Calling
escDisney Calling
6 years ago

This is a great article. Enjoyed reading it. Hoping for the best for Kristian!

Denis
Denis
6 years ago

Let’s be honest though!
Besides Russia his chances of scoring an international career is the same as it for every ESC act: non existent!
It’s hard to rub off the ESC stamp!

Crystal
Crystal
6 years ago
Reply to  Denis

Lena has managed to make a good career, despite being in ESC.

Denis
Denis
6 years ago
Reply to  Crystal

But outside of Germany how many knows of Lena?
Even in Europe she is mostly seen as a one hit wonder who won ESC.

Legend Godga
Legend Godga
6 years ago
Reply to  Denis

ABBA and Celine

James
James
6 years ago
Reply to  Denis

The global music industry is tough to break into for any artist, but luck and perseverance can go a long way so never say never.

ESC84
ESC84
6 years ago

Remind me of young sergey.Gd luck

Plum
Plum
6 years ago
Reply to  ESC84

Nothing of the kind, they are very different. Anyway good luck to Kristian.

Andrew
Andrew
6 years ago

You can tell this guy is gay, yet he lives in Russia. Gee..

Evan
Evan
6 years ago
Reply to  Andrew

People can be gay in Russia,…..they are just not supposed to publicly come out.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago
Reply to  Evan

Just imagine if he were the first to do so, and be successful.

Poli fan
Poli fan
6 years ago
Reply to  Andrew

lmao you stood near his bed to know he’s CLEARLY gay)))))))

Anna Miles
Anna Miles
6 years ago

he’s a talented singer, but still not the real artist

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago
Reply to  Anna Miles

He has time to built himself an artistic personality, he’s only released 3 songs so far anyway. Still, I don’t get why he auditioned for Berkeley despite not wanting his family to pay for it? I’m pretty sure they have the money anyway, BNT only covered a small part of his participation’s cost.

Evan
Evan
6 years ago

Someone has the money to do something doesn’t mean they will do it…..building up a story is important. you don’t think Salvdor’s family had money to pay for three trips to Kiev?? But if he did go back after each rehearsal there would be no story!!
Cause he had been taking flights to Spain in the same period when rehearsals were on in Kiev….so it’s not that flying was a issue.

GuidoTVA
GuidoTVA
6 years ago
Reply to  Evan

It seems you don’t realize that Spain is right next to Portugal, it’s a 1 hour flight, with many flights each day, it’s almost like travelling to somewhere else in Portugal. The problem for him isn’t going on a plane, is being far away from Portugal for too long a time.
You want to compare that with a 7+ hour tiring flight to Kiev, with few flights to choose from?

Evan
Evan
6 years ago
Reply to  GuidoTVA

Total no. of non-stop flights from Madrid to Lisbon daily = 4 avg. Other flights are one stop with min duration 6.5 hrs. Add 3 hrs of boarding and leaving time…..trip is 4.5 hrs No. of 1 stop flights less than 8 hrs (min 6.5 hrs) from Lisbon to Kiev is 15 avg.( spread over entire day) add 3 hrs of boarding and leaving (9.5-11 hrs) A 5 hr difference….not that long when you know that hearts can be retrieved after upto 24-36 hrs of death. Its very easy yo check these facts using a simple Google search and now… Read more »

Evan
Evan
6 years ago
Reply to  Evan

Forgot to add something.

Peace.

Kris
Kris
6 years ago
Reply to  Evan

The Sobrals are not poor.

How can you say such pointless stuff!! Salvador didn’t even want to do the 3 dress rehearsals in the first place and you think he would have liked to do 6 extra ones at the risk of his health?? It had nothing to do with cost of flights.

Also perfusion chambers aren’t available everywhere. Without them the heart has to be retrieved within 8-12 hrs.

Evan
Evan
6 years ago
Reply to  Kris

Do you have no sense of sarcasm? I said exactly the same thing as you.

The no rehearsal was more Salvador’s likes than his health issues.

Also without a reperfusion chamber hearts have to be retrieved within 4 hrs making even Madrid a step too far. What you forget is that Lisbon is a developed city and has all facilities available. Peace.

GuidoTVA
GuidoTVA
6 years ago
Reply to  Evan

You clearly have no idea of what you are talking about. How is it possible that you count only 4 daily flights from Madrid when TAP has 6 daily direct flights and there are at least 4 other companies with direct flights – 16 direct flights in total on average – spread through out the day. A flight within the EU doesn’t need 3 hours for boarding, and without luggage it can easily be done in less than 2 hours. That means a person can program to go to Madrid for only a few hours, without being “AWAY FROM PORTUGAL… Read more »

Evan
Evan
6 years ago
Reply to  GuidoTVA

I meant the flights are clustered and present only at 4 hours in the day.

But probably he didn’t not come due to medical issues but because he doesn’t like rehearsal at all.

GuidoTVA
GuidoTVA
6 years ago
Reply to  Evan

@ Evan, no, they are not clustered, why do you continue to say things that aren’t true? There are flights almost every hour from Madrid, between 6:50AM and 11:10PM.
What you are saying is sick. He has a medical condition. Why can’t you accept that he can’t be away from Lisbon for too long?

Bart
Bart
6 years ago
Reply to  Evan

I am curious… WTF is your problem?… That goes far beyond of not liking a song…

Hada
Hada
6 years ago
Reply to  Evan

Salvador’s problem is time, not money. I bet you’re the type to ask why Stevie Wonder and Andrea Bocelli are still blind if they’re rich and famous.

MollieLouise
MollieLouise
6 years ago

Wiwibloggs should set up one of those go fund me pages to get Kristian to Berklee, I’m sure there are enough of us in the eurovision community to make a difference 😀

Evan
Evan
6 years ago
Reply to  MollieLouise

I ain’t got any money bud to donate .

Enthusiast
Enthusiast
6 years ago
Reply to  MollieLouise

Yeaaah!! 🙂

2017rules
2017rules
6 years ago

Yeah

James
James
6 years ago

Someone needs to sponsor this kid to Berkeley quick!

🙂