belarus alekseev lukashenko

It’s the landlocked Eastern European nation, that sent a song in Belarusian to Eurovision for the first time last year and finished 17th on the night of the grand final.

But this year, Belarus won’t be represented by a Belorussian. Instead Ukrainian popstar Alekseev will fly the flag for Minsk at the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 in Lisbon. Now the country’s President, Alexander Lukashenko, has intervened after criticism over Alekseev’s selection.

Speaking to BelTA, Lukashenko said:

“I am okay with a Ukranian singer representing Belarus at the Eurovision Song Contest. There is nothing bad in it [a non-Belarusian representing the country], especially when this is a Russian or Ukrainian person.”

Lukashenko added that as a self-styled “internationalist”, he thinks Alekseev’s participation will be a good thing for the state. Alekseev’s popularity in the former Soviet states could also help secure 12 points from nations like Russia and Ukraine.

Belarus at the Eurovision Song Contest

Lukashenko also discussed his decision for the country to participate at Eurovision. He said he sees it as a way for the world to see Belarus and to make a statement.

The former Soviet state has a mixed track record at Eurovision, qualifying from the semi-finals on four occasions since 2007, including a 6th place finish at the final in 2007 with “Work Your Magic”. Naviband last year made it to the Grand Final for the first time in two years.

Alekseev is currently on an extensive promotional tour of Europe. He’s set to perform his entry “Forever” in seven nations, after recently performing in Baku, Azerbaijan. He’ll visit the Netherlands, Lithuania, Spain, the United Kingdom, Estonia, Moldova and Israel.

“Forever” faces stiff competition in Semi-Final 1, which many Eurofans anticipate will be the more competitive of the two semi-finals this year. Alekseev will perform in the first half of the semi-final on May 8.

FOR MORE BELARUS NEWS CLICK HERE

 

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Just me
Just me
5 years ago

If that great dancer can participate in Lisbon, then Alekseev will definitely win.
Take a look…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqvaFzr739U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xtZ3GiK6xA

Sarah Boucher
Sarah Boucher
5 years ago

The Tolmachevy Sisters also gave out a concert in Minsk with guest star Polina Bogusevich. Also, The Sisters are appearing in Alekseev’s Promo Tour

Victoria
Victoria
5 years ago
Reply to  Sarah Boucher

Hi, why are you guys bringing the Tolmachevy Sisters in here? who cares about them. Geez… 🙂

And where do you see them on Alekseev’s promo tour? have any links, articles, etc. ? Txs

redfox
redfox
5 years ago

it is just a typical slavic schlager, which havent changed in style since the soviet era. maybe that´s what Lukašenka likes

Vlad
Vlad
5 years ago
Reply to  redfox

Agree, this song is so post-Soviet… Would never won Vidbir. I think he was the best choice from Belarus, even though I liked Shuma more.

blondboybc
blondboybc
5 years ago

Where was he when Naviband was the Belarus rep last year??? I don’t recall them getting any official/political recognition….hmm, I wonder why? Corrupt much?

Max
Max
5 years ago
Reply to  blondboybc

Could be it just wasn’t covered as Alekseev’s win and participation in the NF was more of a scandal…

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago

I’m 100% supportive of Alekseev being an international model. But, his live singing ability in the English language needs to improve in order for him to do well singing the song “Forever” in English. Fortunately he and his team are aware of this, and Alekseev’s recent live appearances are demonstrating an improvement. 🙂

What would be really daring: Come and sing live at the London Eurovision Party. Please. 🙂

Victoria
Victoria
5 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

(second try to comment/reply) Wiwiblogs, are you censoring comments? Hope not… and that my previous comment just disappeared in the ether. 🙂

I like Alekseev, and I am pretty sure he will not disappoint in Lisbon. He is quite a good entertainer.. and can do wonders.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-AtTqXkAwg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SIpFhrUKmk

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago
Reply to  Victoria

Indeed. He is getting better:
https://youtu.be/PtQWuRPkaPo

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago
Reply to  Victoria

Robyn: Are there any plans to upgrade the website’s comment system? I have tried to send e-mails to Wiwibloggs reps about this topic, and so far I either haven’t had a reply or the e-mails have bounced. If possible, I’d like to establish a line of communication so that I could help, if needed. Thanks in advance.

blondboybc
blondboybc
5 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Totally agree…95% of the other singers deliver better than he could live on stage, however supporters deny it. His Belarus final performance was cringeworthy, out of tune, and poorly delivered. If he can’t improve in Lisbon, they’ll be no final for him.

Johan
Johan
5 years ago

Also, Lukashenka said that the singer Gunesh (who took second place in the Belarusian preselection) should, due to complaints about Alekseev in the EBU, leave Belarus. Lukashenka did not specifically mention the name, but everyone understood who he was talking about. She is Azeri native, but lives in Belarus.

Jo
Jo
5 years ago

Rigged results alert!

Ari
Ari
5 years ago

Lukashenko is such an open-minded sweetheart, who knew? 😛

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago
Reply to  Ari

Ah, hahaha. 😀

Anita99
Anita99
5 years ago

Oh wow, that’s cool, man. I wish our president supported our entry like this, too. It would definitely increase the interest to the contest I think.

Marcelo
Marcelo
5 years ago
Reply to  Anita99

I don’t think is a good sign when a dictator and anti-LGBT advocate endorse you. But anyway, good luck to Belarus.

123
123
5 years ago

i think that this epidemic of buying songs from foreign authors and bringing foreign artist to represent you is hurting the idea of Eurovision and should be forbidden…Eurovision is supposed to be a platform where countries are showcasing THEIR OWN talent, whether we are talking about composing, singing or dancing talents and not someone elses…therefore i don’t want countries like Belarus, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Cyprus…etc… to win cause the victory wouldn’t be truly theirs and it would encourage countries to follow their example…as a consequence Eurovision wouldn’t be about talent anymore but about hoe much money you have… and i’m not… Read more »

lluussoo
lluussoo
5 years ago
Reply to  123

Agree.

Maria
Maria
5 years ago
Reply to  lluussoo

The Bulgarian act is performed by 60% Bulgarians and the lead writer of the song is Bulgarian. Please remove Bulgaria from the rest of your list..

Ron
Ron
5 years ago
Reply to  123

I completely agree with you!!!!! But, if it’s Azerbaijan in question, they would give those Swedish songwriters Azeri citizenship like they have done in the Olympics.

KESC
KESC
5 years ago
Reply to  Ron

What is your problem with Azerbaijan?? Why are you always writing bad comments about the country?!

Rayne
Rayne
5 years ago
Reply to  KESC

He is ethnic Armenian from NYC, he said that quite a few times.

Beagle Boy
Beagle Boy
5 years ago
Reply to  Rayne

Oh so he said that.

Beagle Boy
Beagle Boy
5 years ago
Reply to  KESC

He is armenian I think. 90% of his comments are about Armenia and Azerbaijan. While the comments about Armenia are always positive, the ones about Azerbaijan are always negative. LOL

KESC
KESC
5 years ago
Reply to  Beagle Boy

(Pretens to be shocked)

Dimitra
Dimitra
5 years ago
Reply to  Beagle Boy

I also noticed that. He can be armenian, there’s nothing wrong with that. But he’s obviously biased.

Ron
Ron
5 years ago
Reply to  KESC

@KESC – I only stated facts. If you’re not happy about it, take it up with your government. See link below:

https://www.meydan.tv/en/site/culture/16889/

Oh and yes, I am Armenian. But that doesn’t change any of the facts I stated.

ron
ron
5 years ago
Reply to  Ron

This is not the right place for your pointless feud. Take it somewhere else please. You’re being annoying rn. People are here for Eurovision, unlike you.

LiGhts
LiGhts
5 years ago
Reply to  Ron

You know, I’m pretty sure everyone’s sick and tired of you commenting negative things about Azerbaijan. First of all, KESC isn’t Azerbaijan, they are ethnic turkish living in Germany, if you actually did pay attention to anything else apart from how to speard your “hatewave” towards Azerbaijan, you wouldn’t be claiming they were Azerbaijani now. Wiwibloggs isn’t a olace for nationalists like you who always try to promote their motherland and say negative things about the country their motherland is in a passive war. If you have anything to tell about out entry, music video, performance please do, if you… Read more »

LiGhts
LiGhts
5 years ago
Reply to  LiGhts

*Azerbaijani
*our
*have nothing

Rory
Rory
5 years ago
Reply to  123

Oh, shush.

Germany won in 2010 by a song written by a Dane and an American.

But your little mind don’t care.

123
123
5 years ago
Reply to  Rory

ok, so the win was not really earned by germans then and as i said, i’m not ok with that…whats your point? whas that an argument?

Dimitra
Dimitra
5 years ago
Reply to  123

Come on, we need to be open-minded. This is a song contest, who cares about nationalities behind the entries. I am sure people watch the contest just to find some good songs there.

123
123
5 years ago
Reply to  Dimitra

“who cares about nationalities behind the entries”
well you do know that every entry represents a country and its nation? and that when the points are being given, you don’t see names of all entries on the screen but names of countries that are competing?

Tyster
Tyster
5 years ago
Reply to  123

Yeah this is nothing new. Switzerland won in 1988 with a (now famous) non-Swiss singer. Luxembourgh won at least twice with a French singer. France won once with an italian descended singer who was born in Morocco. So how can it ‘hurt’ the idea of Eurovision now when the newer countries do it? Also you seem to be of the opinion that culture and nationality are synonyms and that it all stops at the border when in reality there is spill over in tonnes of ways and places. So Cyprus’ singer is from Albania but she identifies as ethnically Greek.… Read more »

123
123
5 years ago
Reply to  Tyster

Eurovision is a tv show in which countries come together to showcase their talents and compete…so basic logic tells you that if countries are being represented in a tv show then they should be represented by someone from that country…the fact that someone didn’t care about that in 1988 is irrelevant…also i didn’t mention word “culture” even once in my comment so stop imagining things….regarding Cyprus, i really think you are overthinking this and yes it all does stop at the borders because when the voting time comes and you see some of the 43 flags on your screen,… they… Read more »

Kit Kat
Kit Kat
5 years ago
Reply to  123

Agree 100%

Bring Denise
Bring Denise
5 years ago
Reply to  123

The last time Belarus send their own artist it was trash

Ya
Ya
5 years ago
Reply to  123

Please stop spreading hate! In the Romanian selection we had some spanish and ialian acts, and one from Moldova but they are not perceived as foreigners. They were not that good, otherwise they would have qualified, in 2011 we sent an Englishmen(our biggest flop)! If Alekseev entered our competition I’m sure he would have won and I hope our president, a German from our tiny German comunity, stood by him. Stop bashing and enjoy the music!

Ron
Ron
5 years ago

The dictator has spoken. That is the only seal of approval Alekseev needs. For “straight” dictators, Lukashenko, Putin and Aliev sure have a soft spot for Eurovision. Secret rainbows alert.

azaad
azaad
5 years ago
Reply to  Ron

Eurovision in the East isn’t an LGBTQ+ centred event. Different cultures impart different things from the contest.

While I’m all for it being an LGBTQ+ thing, it’s not like you have to be in the community to like Eurovision.

kivanc
kivanc
5 years ago
Reply to  Ron

no, in eastern Europe people don’t even know that lgbtq likes eurovision too. and the fact that the bubble in west is lgbtq, is still not relevant for 200 m. viewers.

Sasha
Sasha
5 years ago
Reply to  kivanc

Who told you that??! here is in Ukraine, we know very well about lgbtq and Eurofans strong connection/love, even more, in local public media ESC always mentioned as contest for gueers and houswifes, its a clishe for local people for almost 15 years here,lol

Polegend Godgarina
5 years ago

Doesn’t he know Russia and Ukraine are in the other semi tho? Their 48 points will go to someone worthy in the final thankfully.

Sasha
Sasha
5 years ago

Do you mean 24 points?

Polegend Godgarina
5 years ago
Reply to  Sasha

24+24 since they’re two countries.

Sasha
Sasha
5 years ago

Ah yes, I forgot the jury and public votes are separate for a moment.

Pavel
Pavel
5 years ago

the points are going to Rybak surely

Tahnee
Tahnee
5 years ago

Nikitaaaa ?

Tahnee
Tahnee
5 years ago
Reply to  Tahnee

Where are my hearteyes 🙁

Yulia ftw
Yulia ftw
5 years ago

he needs to 1st be voted for the final. I can see him definitely getting 12 points from our russian televote. Not sure about the juries. Sevak or Elina probs will have the juryvote. Maybe Netta.

Polegend Godgarina
5 years ago
Reply to  Yulia ftw

Y’all think Armenia will be in the final? I think it’s pretty chanceless, the song (what’s the title again?) is so forgettable.

Catriona Colville
Catriona Colville
5 years ago

Do you have anything than your personal opinion on the song to prove why it won’t qualify? For me, it’s touching, powerful and instantly memorable. So my irrelevant opinion just negated yours.

Ron
Ron
5 years ago

Does anyone know what time the revamp and the music video will air for the Armenian song? It was supposed to be today. Maybe, Armenian TV forgot?

Polegend Godgarina
5 years ago

Yours is irrelevant as you said!

Pavel
Pavel
5 years ago

Armenian diaspora is powerful enough to pull ”Qami” through

Ron
Ron
5 years ago
Reply to  Pavel

@Pavel – Not really. Last year Artsvik finished like 21st with televote in the final and did better with jury vote than with televote in the semi-final. But, I think Qami is going to qualify to the final because Sevak is an incredible vocalist and the Armenian TV does really well with staging their entries in recent years.

David
David
5 years ago
Reply to  Ron

It’s not just about vocals, pls. -_- Lindita had one of the best vocals in ESC 2017 and look at that result she got in the first semi.

The main problem here is the song, it goes nowhere. Absolutely boring. I will be so mad if he makes it the final over songs like from Lithuania, Austria, Cyprus, Macedonia etc etc. ffs

Anita99
Anita99
5 years ago
Reply to  Pavel

They don’t deserve to be in the final though. There are much better songs in the first semifinal imo.

Polegend Godgarina
5 years ago
Reply to  Anita99

This. The voters will do their job and let him rot in the semi tbh!

Colin
Colin
5 years ago
Reply to  Anita99

But let’s be honest here – Azerbaijan has weaker song than Armenia and if THEY qualify over… well anyone… it will suck.

But yeah, ballad-wise, Lithuania’s is stronger.

jorge
jorge
5 years ago
Reply to  Pavel

I also think that they’ll qualify undeservedly. That’s such a boring song and there’s something off-putting about the singer, too. It sucks cause there are so much better acts in that SF.

José
José
5 years ago
Reply to  Pavel

Speaking of Armenian entry, they have now added electric guitars to that fast part of the song. LOL. I know people expect them to be in the final thanks to diaspora voting, but I don’t see that happening especially in a semifinal like this. To be honest, none of the Caucasian countries deserve to be in the final this year. They need to stay in the semifinals and start thinking about their 2019 entries. :p

blondboybc
blondboybc
5 years ago
Reply to  Yulia ftw

Last time I checked, Russia and Belarus are NOT in the same semifinal, so not sure how he’s going to get that Russian televote 12 points…..

Yuliya
Yuliya
5 years ago

Why so much hate around Belarus?

Sasha
Sasha
5 years ago
Reply to  Yuliya

what do you mean? nobody hates Belarus here,last year in Kiyv Belorussian Naviband was one of the most adored stars and got so much love from people,this year situation a bit different with Alekseev (for knowing reasons) but nobody hates Belarus or you talking about Lukashenko? lol

Thespb01
Thespb01
5 years ago
Reply to  Sasha

Yuliya – Because he can’t sing, and the song isn’t a patch on Naviband’s last year.

Yuliya
Yuliya
5 years ago
Reply to  Thespb01

Ok, I understand you, he performed not so good at the National Final. But I haven’t heard more negative comment’s than to the Alekseev’ performance

Yuliya
Yuliya
5 years ago
Reply to  Sasha

I speak about both the president and Alekseev.
I’m from Belarus, I don’t like the song of Alekseev but I support him as a young singer. Why not?
I don’t support our president as well, but it’s not a reason say “ha, some dictator approves of him”.

Yulia ftw
Yulia ftw
5 years ago
Reply to  Yuliya

dont mind the haters. they probs just jealous that Belarus has the best milk & pstry in the world *yum*

Yuliya
Yuliya
5 years ago
Reply to  Yulia ftw

Yeees 🙂

jorge
jorge
5 years ago
Reply to  Yuliya

Because the song isn’t good, sorry. I liked last year’s entry.

Yuliya
Yuliya
5 years ago
Reply to  jorge

It’s just your opinion. I have a lot of friends here in Belarus who didn’t like our 2017 entry at all..

Alex M
Alex M
5 years ago
Reply to  Yuliya

If they didn’t like Naviband and now they like Alekseev, well… I’m sorry for your friends.

Yuliya
Yuliya
5 years ago
Reply to  Alex M

My friends don’t listen to both Naviband and Alekseev 🙂
I just think it’s unfair to accuse Alekseev because:
1) He’s an Ukranian
2) He performed not so good at NF

Miguel
Miguel
5 years ago
Reply to  Yuliya

It’s not towards Belarus the country.
It’s towards the song selection system. There is always some sort of drama every year. Songs disqualified or fixed results, with the aledged intervention of political powers. This is why.
We all love the country, the people and some of the songs.

Yuliya
Yuliya
5 years ago
Reply to  Miguel

In Belarus there are always fixed results (and I mean not Eurovision). It’s true.. But at the same time I know that Alekseev is loved by a lot of Belarusians though he was not the strongest vocally at the National Final.

Bring Denise
Bring Denise
5 years ago
Reply to  Yuliya

Naviband also send a male who cannot sing at all so its nothing new. He sing completely out of tune and the juries slurp it up

Sasha
Sasha
5 years ago

Alekseev had no chances to win Vidbir in Ukraine so he went for Belarus,smart move,good for him, not sure if it’s good for Belarus though…hope they did the right choice:)

GEF
GEF
5 years ago

Too bad for him that both, Russia and Ukraine are in Semi 2. Is he known in Azerbaijan or Armenia?

Anya
Anya
5 years ago
Reply to  GEF

In Armenia he isn’t known.

Vlad
Vlad
5 years ago
Reply to  Anya

He isn’t even known in Ukraine, I asked few friends and they had no idea who is this :DD

thespb01
thespb01
5 years ago

Ooh, some dictator approves of him. Woo.

Yannis
5 years ago
Reply to  thespb01

Thank you

esc1234
esc1234
5 years ago

Wondering why participating in eurovision has to be a presidents decision… Anyway, every year there is controversy with Belarus, seems decisions are not only taken by the broadcaster…

Yannis
5 years ago
Reply to  esc1234

In the specific case (a dictator and not a democratic president who puts in jail journalists and political opponents) it must get the approval

Sasha
Sasha
5 years ago

Well he must be a fantastic singer now that he has approval from Lukashenko — I will be sure to vote for him now ?