He’s a symbol of Russian popular culture, who performed at the FIFA World Cup 2018 mascot presentation show last October.

And on Saturday — as Russia continues its preparations to host next year’s World Cup — Eurovision star Sergey Lazarev worked his magic again, performing a duet with NYUSHA at the Opening Ceremony in St. Petersburg.

Striking the perfect balance between sporty and chic, the “You Are The Only One” singer slipped into a simple white t-shirt which he paired with a dark blazer — a clear statement that he can relax but still kick it in style!

NYUSHA — full name Anna Vladimirovna Shurochkina — also looked casual but glam, wearing a golden dress with plunging neckline, which she cinched at the waist and paired with a pair of white sneakers.

She’s been rumoured as a potential Eurovision singer in the past and presented Russia’s points at the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest.

Performing alongside cheerleaders wearing red, white and blue, the duo sang an inspirational anthem to help kick off the football tournament, which FIFA organisers are using as a test event ahead of next year’s World Cup.

Alsou, Russia’s Eurovision 2000 singer and the Eurovision 2009 host, also performed.

Joining them on the pitch was one very familiar — and furry — face.

Zabivaka, the adorable wolf serving as the World Cup 2018 mascot, danced along as they served some wholesome we-are-the-world entertainment.

Sergey is well-acquainted with the wolf, as he helped celebrate his selection as the official mascot last October with a joint appearance on the “Vecherny Urgant” chat show.

At the time the singer shared a picture with his newly made friend and the other mascots on his Instagram page, no doubt causing his millions of followers to let out a collective awwwww.

But let’s not forget about the performance of “You Are the Only One”, which remained as charming, vigorous and exciting as it was in May 2016.

This time around Sergey pointed to the wolf as his only one. Adorbs.

Did you watch the Opening Ceremony on Saturday? Did you love Sergey’s duet with NYUSHA? Should they sing together again? Let us know in the comments box below. 

Follow all of our Russia Eurovision news here

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Music is the key
Music is the key
6 years ago

Go Chile! The most fun national football team to watch 🙂 Othwerise, I was very happy when Portugal won Euro 2016. Football is great fun 🙂

Alex från Ryssland
Alex från Ryssland
6 years ago

Was watching the video of Alsou, that awkward moment at 0:27 on the stage, ouch! Hope she’s okay, the camera man did his best to hide it.

ninasublatti
ninasublatti
6 years ago

one of them should go to portugal next year

ESC84
ESC84
6 years ago

deja vu of Ricky Martin~!

#MojaLjubov
#MojaLjubov
6 years ago

The real winner of Eurovision 2016. I just adore him.

Katy
Katy
6 years ago
Reply to  #MojaLjubov

Keep dreaming

Antonia
Antonia
6 years ago

I woke up VERY early just to see him perform that day. I was delighted with his performance and the whole opening which was very austere but entertaining. Hopefully Sergey will be back in the opening for the Fifa World Cup next year.