Julia Samoilova eurovision russia 2017 2018

On Wednesday afternoon Ukraine’s authorities banned her from entering the country for three years for singing in Crimea in 2015.

But a few hours later Russia’s Julia Samoylova remained upbeat and hopeful, saying that she expects the situation to change quickly and significantly.

“It is very funny to look at all this, because I do not understand what they saw in me — such a small girl,” she told Russia’s First Channel.

“They saw some kind of threat. I am not actually upset. I continue to practice. I think somehow that everything is going to change.”

Julia Samoylova at Eurovision 2018?

Julia’s optimism may reflect the fact that Russia’s First Channel and VGTRK (RTR), the country’s second national broadcaster, issued a joint statement today making it clear that she will have her moment in the sun.

They have agreed that Julia will sing at Eurovision 2018 regardless of which network broadcasts the show. This assumes, of course, that Ukraine does not win this year.

Ukraine’s decision to block her entry to the country has sparked international headlines and prompted a wave of criticism.

Jon Ola Sand, the Head of Life Events at the European Broadcasting Union, said the decision went against “both the spirit of the contest and the notion of inclusivity that lies at the heart of its values.”

He also re-iterated the EBU’s hope that all contestants will be allowed to enter the country.

Criticism, of course, cuts many ways. You only need to read through the comments section of our original post to see that.

Some of our readers have criticised the EBU for not coming down hard enough on Ukraine, whose actions they find insensitive and counter to this year’s theme “Celebrate Diversity”. Still others have accused Russia of deliberately engineering this scenario — choosing a disabled singer who they knew had violated the laws of Ukraine — in order to embarrass Ukrainian officials on the international stage.

No matter where our readers stand on these various issues, they’ll likely agree that Eurovision 2017 has devolved into one of the most politically-charged of all-time. And there’s still two months left to run.

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Daniel
Daniel
7 years ago

I can understand Ukraine’s reaction. The country has been raped by another country, but politicizing the ESC will be counterproductive. Nothing good will come out for Ukraine by doing like this. I feel very sorry for the Russian singer. I suggest that EBU make rules that state that the host country can not refuse an artist, chosen by the participating country, to perform in the ESC. I am going to Kiev, but if I knew that a singer would have been banned I would probably not have gone.

Sass
Sass
7 years ago

Russia knows very well about this law. There have been plenty of artists banned from entering Ukraine because of this. It has been a political game for Russia all the time and to make matters worse, they tried to send a handicapped artist, playing their cards on people’s sympathy. Having read the comments I can say their strategy seems to be working rather well.

Joseph
Joseph
6 years ago
Reply to  Sass

Tell me one Russian artist that hasnt perfomed on Crimea, with the singing hability to go to a show like Eurovision and i will agree with your comment, meanwhile i dont because in my own investigation theres no one who has those characteristics, every artist that russia chose would be banned

As I Lay me down 2 get laid
As I Lay me down 2 get laid
7 years ago

The only fun thing about Ukraine is their people loving to speak Russian.

chemachema
chemachema
7 years ago

here you have what you wanted almost a year ago, making ukraine thw winner. It is very interesting, how they are banning russias entry, with “celebrate diversity” as a logo…

AngieP
AngieP
7 years ago

Of course you shouldn’t be upset Yulia!
Even if you don’t sing this year, you can come back next year or whenever you want! You are welcome!
“Celebrate Diversity”

Oxana
Oxana
7 years ago

Kris,
what exactly I have said ABOUT YULIA? please quote me, not your sick imagination. I haven’t said a word about her as a person, or about quality of her song, etc
seriously, you need help

Oxana
Oxana
7 years ago

Michael
you can’t post your comment because you’re the one Russians call “rukozhopyj” 🙂 it has nothing to do with “double standards”

ESC84
ESC84
7 years ago

@Racal
I see your point but I don’ t see Russia song as a political propaganda.
#LoveLovePeacePeace

Racal
Racal
7 years ago

@Alexander, ESC84: I am not “bitchy” about Russia, but about all countries that use this contest as political propaganda. There have always been hints of politics in the songs throughout the history of the contest, but I just feel like it really exploded in the last few years. It kinda makes sense since these countries are in conflict against each other (Russia/Ukraine or Azerbaijan/Armenia), but it still sucks.

I have absolutely nothing against Russia in particular.

Kamad
Kamad
7 years ago

We dont need Russia on Eurovision with such political background of the song and artist. Its such a cheap provocation! They did now about rules in Ukraine and they picked that girl only to make a mess! Thanx God Ukraina stopped this before she even steped on the stage, great job! And now, we can talk about music wothout politics, finally!

ARvenna
ARvenna
7 years ago

WTF, This is a song contest and it should be known for choosing the best song, not the loudest political statement. However this European Song Contest hast lost it’s credibility, because it is corrupted. While there are so many people watching this broadcast, they deliberately brainwash you into their politics, instead of music. Wake up people, choose MUSIC instead of conflict. Vote for neutral countries, that want to participate, not the ones that want to drag you into their problems, remember to vote for the best song.

Julie
Julie
7 years ago

@Adam “…the last thing I would feel is personal responsibility…” I think you missed the point on why people were worked up about “1944”. It wasn’t a matter of feeling “personal responsibility” for events that took place in the Stalin era (though, pay attention to some of the comments here. Some people justify their animosity towards modern-day Russia/Russians because of the atrocities committed in the Stalin era. In other words, they DO hold Russians personally responsible for something they had no part in). People reacted the way they did towards “1944” because it was a not-so-subtle stab at current events… Read more »

Alexander
Alexander
7 years ago

@ESC84
I agree with you completely. I think that Russia was chosing those songs over the past couple of years not because of those conflicts, but in spite of them. What should Russia have done instead? Only pick songs about teenage love? Or sing about LGTB problems as one journalist suggested when talking to Polina Gagarina? When Russia ignores the current political situation when choosing a song, that’s exactly what being apolitical means. But oh well, whatever or whoever Russia picks, people are going to be bitchy about that.

ESC84
ESC84
7 years ago

@Racal
I agree with you that Russia had conflict in those years, but I do believe the representative from 2013, 2014 and 2015 actually want peace and sang the song sincerely. That’ s what the spirit of Eurovision about, to unite, not separate.

Instead of letting or trying to make the wound heal, some country try to make the wound larger, and who’ s fault to blame?

Michael
Michael
7 years ago

It’s interesting how replies from Oxana (all of them go through) but my comment was not published for the 3rd time now 🙂 #DoubleStandards letting nationalist freaks saying things like “there is no reason to kill her outside Russia”

Racal
Racal
7 years ago

@ESC84: I’m sorry but when Russia sings about world peace (something they did in 2013, 2014 and 2015), it is political propaganda. They are involved in many territorial conflicts both inside and outside their borders and they know they have a terrible image in the West, so they’re trying to soften that by singing about uniting humanity together.

That is complete propaganda.

MTD
MTD
7 years ago

@ESC84 – you are right, but, oh well…

ESC84
ESC84
7 years ago

@Racal I think it is unfair to say that Russia use Eurovision as a propaganda, if you looked back in the last 10 years, no song is political. Self-Inspirational-2008 Dima Bilan English “Believe” A story?-2009 Anastasia Prikhodko Russian, Ukrainian “Mamo” (????) Love-2010 Peter Nalitch and Friends English “Lost and Forgotten” Pop-2011 Alexej Vorobjov English, Russian “Get You” Party-2012 Buranovskiye Babushki Udmurt, English “Party for Everybody” Peace-2013 Dina Garipova English “What If” Peace-2014 Tolmachevy Sisters English “Shine” Peace-2015 Polina Gagarina English “A Million Voices” Pop&Love-2016 Sergey Lazarev English “You Are the Only One” Self-Inspirational-2017 Yuliya Samoylovad English “Flame Is Burning” “Banned”… Read more »

mocosuburbian
mocosuburbian
7 years ago

dont really care about russia but does anyone else find it weird that oxana only ever shows up on this site to get into internet catfights with pro-russian people

Kris
Kris
7 years ago

@Wiwi team
A few comments here need moderation on humanitarian grounds.

Alex
Alex
7 years ago

So let me get this straight… She’s banned from the contest because she broke Ukrainian law by performing in Ukraine? Noice. But seriously, Ukraine considers Crimea their own territory (and it is indeed Ukrainian) so why do this? They could just tell Russia to piss off from their land, after all, they practically have the EU backing them.

Kris
Kris
7 years ago

@Oxana
My method to calculate all other reactions is reading the comments!!

Irrespective of whether people are supporting Ukraine’s decision or are against it, they have all been very considerate towards Julia.Well all except you.

You have full right to support Ukraine.But as a human show some humanity as well.

Toni
Toni
7 years ago

Yulia must come next year, she deserves the full experience, not just via satellite.
Next year she can be in the host country, for parties, press conferences, everything. I don’t want her to be in a studio in her country, because that way she will not feel the experience of being inside Eurovision Bubble.

Geoffrey
Geoffrey
7 years ago

I wonder if it is possible for a hologram or live feed of her performance in Ukraine. Find ways around the rules and be creative.

Tom
Tom
7 years ago

@Racal
The law is a democratic and law is undemocratic. Ukrainian laws are undemocratic, because Ukraine is a dictatorial state. Hazardous organize Eurovision in the State of freely running thugs and terrorists.

Galax
Galax
7 years ago

Russia was manipulative, but Ukraine had the final word and missed the chance to look good. I cant forgive Ukraine for not being clever. Now I’m sure that the civil war in Ukraine will never end, because Ukraine is not smart enough.

(J)ESC Fanatic
(J)ESC Fanatic
7 years ago

I’m very happy she will sing at Eurovision 2018! (Ukraine is not winning again)

Racal
Racal
7 years ago

… And I also think it is VERY unfortunate that Eurovision, a TV show that was created to unite a continent divided by war, is now used for propaganda purposes by several countries (be it Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Armenia, etc.).

I might not even watch that show. Don’t want to be a part in a show that is obviously being used to fuel hatred between people.

Racal
Racal
7 years ago

Ok, I’m sorry to say this but now she’s being stupid… “It is very funny to look at all this, because I do not understand what they saw in me — such a small girl”. Just because you’re a small girl in a wheelchair doesn’t mean you can get away with breaking foreign laws… Before anyone starts attacking me, I really have no opinion on this sad story. On one hand, the law is the law and Ukraine should not make exceptions for a TV show; I also think that Russia’s manipulations are quite obvious, they knew very well that… Read more »

Povilas
Povilas
7 years ago

@Tom I can’t understand what you are saying. Freedom and democracy must have damaged me..

Wozzeck
Wozzeck
7 years ago

Of course you are not upset, darling. Your PR campaign just worked out as planed. Now everyone thinks Russia is the victim and Ukraine the heartless villain. Congratulations!

Galax
Galax
7 years ago

Oxana you do look like Oksana Bilozir.

Pink Pussycat
Pink Pussycat
7 years ago

Shame on you Ukraine. Once again you proved you are disgusting nazi state.

rijad
rijad
7 years ago

Ukraine will get a lot of backlash in the final for this… probably last place with 0 points?

Marco
Marco
7 years ago

THe contest this year has become a joke. Politicalvision 2017 calling

Ema
Ema
7 years ago

Oxana,

I’m not the russian, live not in Russia.
Are you Oksana Bilozir which said that Julia is ugliness?

Nickc
Nickc
7 years ago

@Adam and @Erin, great comments. I really enjoyed reading your posts.

Alex
Alex
7 years ago

Cam Russia send Peter Nalitch again? Please??? 🙂

Oxana
Oxana
7 years ago

Ema
“Ukraine loves murderers and thieves.”

well, you Russians always had that crazy idea that we, Ukrainians, love you like brothers while you’re nothing more than murderers and thieves.
I wonder what they add to your water 🙂

Tom
Tom
7 years ago

@Povilas
When Russia badly, for lithuanians (not for everyone, only the foolish) maximum joy. In Lithuania is also not a democracy, because dictatorship Ukraine for lithuanians is best friends.

TwistedFrench
TwistedFrench
7 years ago

Well, if she’s banned eventually, Ukrainian hosts and entry this year will have to think of the best anti-booing techniques of the century. Some techniques Russia will be able to use in 2018.So maybe that’s good. At least sound technologies will improve very fast…

Ema
Ema
7 years ago

@Oxsana
Savchenko is a killer, she killed two Russian journalists. Ukraine loves murderers and thieves.

Galax
Galax
7 years ago

@Jordan

Russia is a country that can send just a baked bread alone and still be in top 10.
That means that huge amount of points from their bloc are going somewhere else now. My guess is Bulgaria, especially from juries.

Alex från Ryssland
Alex från Ryssland
7 years ago

We live in the beginning of the 21st century, but still don’t know how to take advantage of Skype (or another similar technology).

Tom V
Tom V
7 years ago

Shame on Russia. It’s been so plainly obvious from the start that Yulia’s selection was calculated. I’ll give it to those involved in Russia who selected Yulia – they’re clever. How these events have unfolded plays right into their hands, trying to do anything they can to tarnish Ukraine. It’s absolutely disgraceful, and for me, political bullying.

Jordan
Jordan
7 years ago

Galax

Is singer from Bulgaria very popular in countries from Ex Soviet Union. You think it wili be situation like in 2009 when Norway win with good song and huge support from ex soviet union in votes because singer was born in Belarus.
I think Bulgaria can get 10 to 15 points more from that ex soviet block. Armenia and Belarus will give 24 points for Russia and maybe to Bulgaria 20 points. Without Russia maybe he can get 48 instead of 40 . Maybe Armenia 12 points withou Russia wili go to Georgia from juries and televote….

Galax
Galax
7 years ago

This elimination of Russia will benefit second favorite Bulgaria, bloc voting will be behind Bulgaria now. Sofia 2018.

Galax
Galax
7 years ago

@ Adams : Seems that you know many things about how countries react. Then USA should keep making its movies about slavery if americans are not tired of them.

Povilas
Povilas
7 years ago

I hope that russia never returns to eurovision. Stay strong, Ukraine! You made the right decision as law breaking people should not be allowed to enter to the country.

Vanuatu
Vanuatu
7 years ago

The same way the connect trough satelite with each person who give points, year after year, they can easily contact with Julia wherever she was to let her perform her 3 minutes song. And hopefully that place was Crimea, to teach Ukraine a lesson about tolerance, diversity and music. They want politize eurovision?, let Julia sing from Crimea.