She was one of the most talked-about singers of Eurovision 2017….despite being banned from the contest.

And today Russia’s Julia Samoylova teased fans with images she describes as “training for Eurovision” — despite the fact the broadcaster has not publicly confirmed her participation.

“This is the start of the training for Eurovision!” the ebullient singer wrote on her Facebook page. “At Last! Met our team with Director-Director Alexei Golubev, discussed the future number. The song has already been chosen, so now we work.”

Alexei, you’ll note, worked with Polina Gagarina on her stunning presentation for Eurovision 2015 in Vienna.

In May, Yulia’s management assisted me on a story I wrote for Billboard and kindly arranged an interview with their star. Following today’s news I reached out to them again to confirm whether her participation is, in fact, on the cards.

This was their response:

“Julia and her husband offered several songs of his own composition. But as a result decided to choose a song of other authors. The Russian broadcaster has confirmed Julia’s participation. Now is preparing for the contest, recording a song and staging a show program.”

The broadcaster has not publicly confirmed participation, and we are waiting for an official announcement and confirmation. But Julia’s team suggest they have been nudged behind-the-scenes.

Her official selection would put Ukraine in a difficult position. By EBU law they must broadcast all performances. By their own laws they are not permitted to broadcast “blacklisted” artists.

Julia prepared two songs for Eurovision

This follows on from the January 13 news that Julia had prepared two songs as potential Eurovision entries. Then, as now, broadcaster Channel One had not publicly confirmed her as its participant, despite earlier pledges.

Russian magazine Antenna-Telesem is reported to have published an interview with the singer where she talks about her Eurovision 2018 bid.

Julia was said to have co-written two songs with her husband/manager Alexei Taran (a romantic who likes to read her poetry under the moon).

One is about a fairytale, the other is on the theme of space. Both space and fairytales are attractive themes for Eurovision songs, as Alexander Rybak and Slavko Kalezic will testify. She did not specify in her most recent Facebook post which she had chosen.

The X Factor runner-up also revealed to the magazine that she is ready to sing in Russian, English or even Portuguese.

She said she’d like to keep the same high-tech staging that was planned for her “Flame is Burning” performance in Kyiv. “I want to show it exactly,” she explained.

Julia also discussed her ideas for the costume. “We will choose a dress for the song, but I do not want anything classic.”

She was clear that she wanted to move away from her X Factor image. During her time on the popular talent show in 2013, she became known for her edgy fashions, with rock chick styles and Gaga-inspired avant-garde costumes.

For a potential Eurovision appearance, Julia imagines soft curls, with “crystals on my face and horns on my head”.

JULIA SAMOYLOVA AND EUROVISION

Julia was originally announced as Russia’s act for Eurovision 2017 back in March. Channel One had internally selected the X Factor runner-up, who would perform the song “Flame is Burning”.

However, controversy soon erupted when Ukraine authorities banned Julia from entering Ukraine for three years after having previously travelled to the Crimea region. This led to Russia withdrawing from Eurovision, which ended Julia’s chance for 2017.

At the time, Russian broadcasters Channel One and Russia-1 issued a joint statement which promised that Julia would have the chance to represent Russia at Eurovision 2018.

We previously heard from Julia in October when she commented on the issue during a live chat with fans. She said:

“Regarding the Eurovision song —  no guys, the song for Eurovision has not even been chosen yet. Well, they say that I will go. I hope that the end of the world won’t come and everything will be fine … And we will go to Eurovision.”

Julia also recently performed on a New Year’s Eve television special. Despite fans assuming the event would also be her confirmation for Lisbon, no announcement was made.

What do you think? Which of Julia’s two songs is best for Eurovision? Should Channel One select her as their act for Lisbon? Share your thoughts below!

GET MORE RUSSIA EUROVISION NEWS HERE

 

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Charli Cheer Up
Charli Cheer Up
6 years ago

I just hope this time her song entry will be better than Flame Is Burning. That one was boring!

Combo
Combo
6 years ago

Russia is not a stupid state to decide something and change its decisions. They decided to send Julia in April 2017. How many times should they confirm their decision?

Plum
Plum
6 years ago
Reply to  Combo

Absolutely. It was confirmed once the last year and I don’t know what are so many people are still waiting for.

Jurgis
Jurgis
6 years ago

Why does William think that Ukraine would not broadcast Julia’s performance? She’s been banned from the country, not from their TV. The Ukrainian TV channel “Inter”, which is widely considered to be “pro-Russian” and is hated by many Ukrainians, still does demonstrate videos and performances of a lot of those artists banned in Ukraine for their support of Putin’s aggression or illegal visits to Crimea. So there won’t be any TV bans.

Combo
Combo
6 years ago
Reply to  Jurgis

Ukraine is a failed state of double standards. They banned Saakashvili from entering their country, now they don’t know what to do with Saakashvili 😀 Thousands of Russian artists who have visited Crimea, enter the country every year.

Jurgis
Jurgis
6 years ago
Reply to  Combo

Learn what a failed state is first and do not embarrass both of us. I seriously doubt that “thousands” of Russian artists visit Ukraine. Dozens, maybe. And even if not all of them are banned from the country, well, give Ukrainian border services some time. Finally, everyone should be in the list. I would do the same in Lithuania.

Surrogat
Surrogat
6 years ago
Reply to  Jurgis

No there are literally thousands of them. Ukraine was 79th in the list of most corrupt countries, now it is 133rd. Ukraine was 90th in the list of countries by GDP per capita, now it is 121st. We can give Ukraine more time. If they closed 11 TV stations, 5 newspapers and 22 radio stations in 4 year, they can close more in 4 years. We will give them time to become the North Korea of Europe. And yeah, I’m from Ukraine.

Skimur
Skimur
6 years ago
Reply to  Surrogat

Name these 11 TV stations, 5 newspapers and 22 radio stations – I doubt that at least one of a hundred Ukrainians has ever heard of them. “Thousands of them” – firstly, there are not thousands of good artists in Russia, and secondly, I forgot when I last saw the posters of Russian artists, maybe they perform in small clubs, but certainly not in big concert halls. About Samoylova – in Russia there are many artists much better than this singer, if they want to send a weak representative, I will not object. I’m just afraid of speculation about her… Read more »

Jurgis
Jurgis
6 years ago
Reply to  Jurgis

As long as I know Ukraine was comfortable with Julia performing via satellite, it was Russia that did not agree with that solution. There’s no Ukrainian law banning performers from appearing on TV, that would be absolute nonsense. What is your source? Sputnik? Then, I see. You should obtain your info from reliable sources, not from Russian propaganda outlets.

Erasmus
Erasmus
6 years ago
Reply to  Jurgis

Of course who would agree to have an disadvantage..? And what bothers me the most is that how Ukraine(talking about government) didn’t let an artist in as an exception, this isn’t really a modern Ukraine, as they were presenting it to us.

azaad
azaad
6 years ago
Reply to  Erasmus

It wasn’t the broadcaster’s fault. They are banned by law from showing Julia.

Ugnius
Ugnius
6 years ago
Reply to  Jurgis

Robyn wrote it very clearly – Ukraine wasn’t comfortable with Russia performing via satellite. They rejected this idea. You should read more carefully, Jurgis 🙂

Jurgis
Jurgis
6 years ago
Reply to  Ugnius

Still that does not mean showing her performance is illegal according to some law. No one has provided any links to OFFICIAL statements from Ukraine, everyone seems to retranslate Russian propaganda sites. Well, I think the blog should be renamed as usefulidiotsbloggs.com. Western Europeans and Anglo-Saxons never learn from their mistakes.

EscAU
EscAU
6 years ago

Maybe she can pull something off in russian this time, but not english. I couldn’t understand what she was saying last year, her accent was so stereotypically russian you get the feeling she doesn’t know what the sounds from her mouth actually mean. Let’s be honest, she’s not the best singer and her special ‘something’ is just like salvador, I’m sure she could sing something in russian but plsss don’t try singing something in english again, especially not a dodgy song like last year. It’s like they knew they would get disqualified, sending a song like that in the face… Read more »

Denis
Denis
6 years ago

Would Russia gain anything from sending her? or from not sending her? I don¨t get the thinking behind it..Or why the team are so adamant they will go?
As for Julia I don’t care. It’s not like her disqualified entry was any good to begin whit. Had it competed Russia would have finished in it’s worst position in a while, it might even have given them their first non qualification. It was that pointless. Doubt whatever entry she has come up will be much better.

Combo
Combo
6 years ago
Reply to  Denis

They will not get anything but better campaign for equality for people with disabilities. Last year was “the year of equal opportunities” in Russia with campaigns all over the country and some federal laws adopted so that disabled people have equal rights when studying at the school and university, being hired by employers etc. First inclusive schools were opened in Russia last year.

Luz
Luz
6 years ago

I honestly don’t know what to think about all of this. Why would Julia and her husband confirm her participation, but the broadcaster has yet to say anything? I find this so odd. This would be Russia’s golden opportunity to prove everyone who thought (including me) that Julia was just a pawn to provoke Ukraine. However, they are silent. My question is: Why? What’s going on here?

We’ve been having an enjoyable NF season with some eurodramas here and there but I honestly don’t want another Russian drama. Ugh! It’s exhausting and it’s giving me a headache.

Luz
Luz
6 years ago
Reply to  Luz

Sorry meant to say: “prove everyone (including me) wrong…

Combo
Combo
6 years ago
Reply to  Luz

because the broadcaster confirmed her participation back in April 2017 and doesn’t need to confirm her participation every week.

Luz
Luz
6 years ago
Reply to  Combo

No one is asking for a confirmation every week. No need for the sarcasm. While they did confirm in April 2017, that was almost a year ago. Seasons change and people change. I’m pretty sure that the EBU would request an updated confirmation in 2018. I honestly don’t care if Russia participates or not this year. I personally did not miss them last year. I just don’t want the political drama and circus.

Héctor
Héctor
6 years ago

This situation is a bit ridiculous. I don’t want her neither on the Eurovision stage. I think this is going to bring some unnecessary drama (Ukraine vs Russia) and attract some sympathy votes, plus all the Russian diaspora votes. So a top 5 place for Russia and we don’t even know the song yet!

If this statement turns out to be true, I hope she choose a better song. “Flame is burning” was dated and just bad, nothing special. Let’s not talk about her English… all in all a terrible entry.

AzeriChico
AzeriChico
6 years ago

There’s no official confirmation from the broadcaster, but she and her manager is like “We have the song, everything’s ready for Eurovision! They chose us.” This is ridiculous yet annoying at the same time. I’m sorry, but I seriously don’t like her attitude.

Frisian esc
Frisian esc
6 years ago
Reply to  AzeriChico

She has all the right to that attitude you know. After all rt promised her she would be their representative this year.

RTW
RTW
6 years ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

Exactly. Can’t wait to see her in Lisbon.

Aaron GR
Aaron GR
6 years ago

That song last year was so lame. That’s why everyone is skeptical. Last year Russia wanted to stir the pot, this year they have nothing to gain from sending Julia, or a weak song. I strongly doubt she’s going.

CarlosM
CarlosM
6 years ago

(From an actual Eurovision fan with a disability) Gee, William, you’re supposed to be ass-kissing your husband, not Putin’s puppet! This is such a biased article. You’re coddling J. Samoylova only because you’re equating her with your brother with developmental disability, which is NOT the same as Samoylova’s. (A good journalist would know this.) If she didn’t have a disability, you wouldn’t be gushing all over this lawbreaker. My opinion is the same as last year’s. Putin is using her disability as a pawn against the competition. But, if you believe in real equality, you’ll boo her like anyone else.… Read more »

RTW
RTW
6 years ago
Reply to  CarlosM

Shut up. You cannot read into William’s or anyone’s mind. As someone with a disability, as you claim to be, you should know better that not everything revolves around someoneks disability — and indeed it shouldn’t. Also, let me break it to you, Russia is a participating cou try at Eurovision, and stories will be written about Russia and their acts. If you have a problem with that or for some far-fetched reason think this is political propaganda, just go bury your head in the sand and stay there. That way, you’ll be alright and not offended, little snowflake. Also,… Read more »

Someone
Someone
6 years ago
Reply to  CarlosM

Oh come on Putin are you serious? He doesn’t give a f about ESC. + it’s Ukraine’s problem that she broke the law and not Russia’s why would they send someone that is “legal” for another country? Yeah maybe they used her last year, but I don’t know why Ukraine didn’t make an exception, I mean it’s a song contest she didn’t kill anybody. But Ukraine’s government still holds a political criminal Saakasvili who murderd 300 people, and they rather have him in the country than someone who’s sang in a place, which isn’t theirs anymore + I’m from Slovenia… Read more »

Jonas
Jonas
6 years ago
Reply to  CarlosM

Show some respect, CarlosM.

Even aside, from the unnecessary personal (and offensive) nature of your post, you are talking complete garbage. I had hoped we had moved on from the idiotic “booing” of the Russian contestants.

Kris
Kris
6 years ago
Reply to  CarlosM

Let him speak whatever he wants. He already said he has disability and based on his comments it looks like it’s intellectual disability.William is very understanding as you see. We need to cut this guy some slack.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago

Sure Jan

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

Jan is not in right now. But if you’d like to leave a message… :p

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

William raised an interesting point:
“Her official selection would put Ukraine in a difficult position. By EBU law they must broadcast all performances. By their own laws they are not permitted to broadcast “blacklisted” artists.”
– Maybe ask Ukraine’s broadcaster if they know anything?

CarlosM
CarlosM
6 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Russia knows this, so by choosing this puppet, they want to make Ukraine look bad.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago
Reply to  CarlosM

It is a possibility, yes.
However, please don’t be so hard on William. You haven’t lived his life. Remember that, and be kinder to others who you don’t empathise with.

Pavel
Pavel
6 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Ukraine may choose an Interpol solution as long as Julia violated their border and tax laws by performing in Crimea multiple times, so she may not be allowed in Portugal as well. The story continues.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago
Reply to  Pavel

I respectfully suggest that Interpol will have better things to do than to arrest a disabled singer and activist, simply for participating in a Song Contest.

Pavel
Pavel
6 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

”Disabled singer and activist” is not an indulgence of any kind in this case.
And no, this doesn’t mean she will be arrested, she just won’t be given a visa and that’s it.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago
Reply to  Pavel

Ah, ok. My apologies for misunderstanding.

Zafir
Zafir
6 years ago

Russia don t want win Eurovision 2018. With her, chance to be in TOP 3 are so low.

MTD
MTD
6 years ago

Somehow, ESC turns into an American reality program – where sob (life) stories (like before the singers act on stage – like in X-Factor) take the front seat + the light/video show happening on stage while the music itself is waaaaaaaaaay back on the aisle. Some will argue that Amar Pelos Dios is a winner worthy song but it isn’t – and you should face that fact. And no, it didn’t put “music first”. His story was first. Oh, and by the way, his other songs are “hamburgers”. On topic – she will get a ballad, of course. Can someone… Read more »

Pavel
Pavel
6 years ago
Reply to  MTD

His other songs are hardly ”hamburgers”. He performs jazz standards, jazz pop, soul, indie music. Alexander Search is a Radiohead type of neo-prog/indie rock music, which is hardly a ”hamburger”. Noko Woi is a math/indie rock project like Dutch Uncles or Wild Beasts (hardly hamburger as well).

P.S. Party songs are rubbish.

MTD
MTD
6 years ago
Reply to  Pavel

Oh, please, enough with sob songs…we had so many of them already!
And WINNING.

Unknown Melody
Unknown Melody
6 years ago
Reply to  MTD

Excuses from those who can’t accept that Amar pelos dois was Europe’s winner

Kris
Kris
6 years ago
Reply to  Unknown Melody

It has been the second most disliked Winner (by proportion of dislikes) ever!! So not an overwhelmingly positive response you see.

bbb
bbb
6 years ago
Reply to  Kris

Who was the first most disliked? Jamala? If that is the case, we must know that Jamala had political song against Russia, a country with 150 mil citizens, so her dislikes may come from that geographical place.

Kris
Kris
6 years ago
Reply to  MTD

I actually agree 100%.

Marty Mc
Marty Mc
6 years ago

I think she deserves to participate since the rediculous situation of last year. It would be totally unfair for the artist regardless of any poiltical situation to be given a chance one year, (she couldn’t go) and then the tv organisers change their mind the next year when they promised to send her. With a good song she should do well in the competition. Good luck to her, we are looking forawrd to her song and performance.

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
6 years ago

I love How everyone is saying that She won’t do Well If they even havent heard the song. I loved Flame Is Burning, and it was actually My fave last year. I think people could get behind her story, and with a good song and staging She could easily reach the top 5.

Pavel
Pavel
6 years ago

Russia will get top 10 with anything + sob-story = top 3.
Too many neighbours, a very big diaspora.
That’s why they shouldn’t spoil the party and participate in their own Intervision instead.

D
D
6 years ago

ugh

MiYa
MiYa
6 years ago

As long as the channel hasn’t confirmed anything, I won’t believe it (and I hope it’s not true)

MiYa
MiYa
6 years ago
Reply to  MiYa

Also, I’m certain she wouldn’t be allowed to drop any information before being officially confirmed. (And that applies from every internally chosen artist)

MiYa
MiYa
6 years ago

As long as the channel hasn’t confirmed anything, I won’t believe it (and I hope it’s not true)

Polyna
Polyna
6 years ago

Good. She deserves Eurovision, and Russia deserves her.

Pavel
Pavel
6 years ago
Reply to  Polyna

Russia doesn’t deserve to be in Eurovision, since Russia hate it so much (especially after Conchita and Jamala victories)

Teddy
Teddy
6 years ago

Surprised that Russia actually did this (well, at least that her manager says they did). Still not a fan of her though.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

Yes, it is possible. I’m really glad you asked the question, and congratulations for getting an answer! 🙂

Pavel
Pavel
6 years ago

Or maybe Julia isn’t the performer, but rather a songwriter or smth else.

Ariso Light
Ariso Light
6 years ago

I don’t get why people are being so negative about Julia! She will slay if she goes to Eurovision!

luc
luc
6 years ago

I think it’s the right choice… Okay we can’t expect something as good as Surgey and Polina ofcourse but I think it will be better than most people think it will be because she has been preparing for a lot of time and Russia never disappoints in staging

Weißbrot
Weißbrot
6 years ago

Can’t they just let it go? If that whole scandal wouldn’t have happened last year leading to Julia being allowed to participate, I don’t think Russia would have done well despite all their reliable neighbours. The song wasn’t really Special and a wheelchair alone doesn’t bring you sympathy votes. I don’t remember Poland being succesful with that plan… Why can’t Russia just return to their usual amazing Songs instead being so stubborn to send her again? Please… Just send something else, I really want Russia to be succesful once again.

Ariso Light
Ariso Light
6 years ago
Reply to  Weißbrot

So you’re just saying that if a singer is in a wheelchair, they can’t go to Eurovision and slay? And they can’t even sing a good song? Just because she’s on a wheelchair, doesn’t mean that she’s going to Eurovision for the sympathy votes. You’re being ridiculous!

Weißbrot
Weißbrot
6 years ago
Reply to  Ariso Light

Literally NOTHING you claimed here is something that I said! I love diversity, anyone can go to Eurovision. I don’t care if the Person is in a wheelchair, blind, old, young, gay,straight, transgender or anything. But I don’t think she’ll have a good song. I’m not assuming that they’re just sending her for sympathy votes but People that would have voted for them would likely be neighbours, or People that are like ”You go Girl!Sitting in a wheelchair must be SO hard for you.” which is completely stupid, because anyone should be treated equally. The last song was NOT good… Read more »

Big
Big
6 years ago
Reply to  Weißbrot

It’s out of respect for her. Ukraine wouldn’t let her enter their country to perform and was against her song even being broadcast from Russia. She was selected to perform and screwed over by the Ukrainian government for political bs. It’s only fair that she should be given a chance to perform since she spent so much time preparing, and the Russians are doing something right.

Weißbrot
Weißbrot
6 years ago
Reply to  Big

No… Russia knew, what they were doing. They knew, that she wouldn’t be allowed to travel to Ukraine and it was Russia who refused to let her be broadcasted from Russia. A Country can’t just change their law. I don’t see what Ukraine did wrong in this case! But never mind. I’m still very sceptical… I mean it must be great for her and a dream coming true, but I would have liked to see another act this year. But who knows… Maybe I’m all wrongand her song is going to be the best thing ever.

Kris
Kris
6 years ago
Reply to  Weißbrot

Ethics matter sir….in my profession they most definitely do.

Pavel
Pavel
6 years ago
Reply to  Weißbrot

Russia will get top 10 result with any rubbish, because they have 10+ post-soviet neighbours with huge diasporas, several soviet bloc countries, big diaspora all over Europe, they have a 150-200 points advantage when they really do plug their entry. The marketing and scamming is now easier with the social networks around.

Tom Schilling
Tom Schilling
6 years ago

Don’t think she will do well, but happy she is participating

Ariso Light
Ariso Light
6 years ago
Reply to  Tom Schilling

That’s what people said about Jamala and Salvador Sobral, but in the end, they won!

Frisian esc
Frisian esc
6 years ago
Reply to  Ariso Light

No they were expected by many people to winn all along. I got winner vibes the first time i heard 1944.

Joe
Joe
6 years ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

Same. I think the idea of “entry as sob story” is stupid – they’re sending her bc they wanted to send her last year, couldn’t, she still wants to do it, and it saves them the time of finding another artist. Like people have said, a performer in a wheelchair didn’t help Poland any in 2015. It’s all about the song. Even when an actual charity group (the Salvation Army) sang for Switzerland in 2013, they didn’t make it past the semis. Send a decent song with a good show and you’ll get votes. (Or be Azerbaijan in 2011, I… Read more »

Ariso Light
Ariso Light
6 years ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

I know that there were many people who thought that Jamala and Salvador would win. I was one of them. The point is, there were still some people who said they wouldn’t do well.

Juste
Juste
6 years ago

why i still dont believe she is going to Lisbon. I bet Russia wants her top 3 crown back.

Kris
Kris
6 years ago
Reply to  Juste

Salvador won with his sob-story!! Why can’t she do the same?
Her song was more current even!!

Pavel
Pavel
6 years ago
Reply to  Juste

Her song was more rubbish rather.

ninasublatti
ninasublatti
6 years ago

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Ariso Light
Ariso Light
6 years ago
Reply to  ninasublatti

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees!

ninasublatti
ninasublatti
6 years ago
Reply to  Ariso Light

she’s BORING

Ariso Light
Ariso Light
6 years ago
Reply to  ninasublatti

Your BORING