She’s the Russian X Factor star whose ticket to Eurovision 2017 was cancelled. But Julia Samoylova is determined to make it to Portugal. The star has reportedly told Russian media that she has prepared two songs as potential Eurovision entries. But broadcaster Channel One is yet to confirm her as Russia’s act for Lisbon.
Russian magazine Antenna-Telesem is reported to have published an interview with the singer where she talks about her Eurovision 2018 bid.
Julia is said to have co-written two songs with her husband/manager Alexei Taran. 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.
The X Factor runner-up also revealed 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”.
But as busy as Julia has been, she still hasn’t been confirmed as Russia’s act for Lisbon. Broadcaster Channel One is yet to make any statement on Russia’s selection for Eurovision 2018, though it is assumed they will again internally select their act.
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!
She’s obviously not the victim. She knows how to play the game..
To be honest, I think the silence from the the broadcaster says it all. They don’t want her at all but has her as the back-up if they can’t get the high-profile act they want. I think they know Russia wouldn’t do well with her so that’s why they don’t want her..
Can’t wait to see her in Lisbon! Go Yulia! <3
Same high tech staging? LOL 2017 promised to be rather boring. Beware that she herself doesn’t use the words ‘promised me’ or says anything about a guarantee from the broadcaster. So it’s not claiming, it’s just saying you would like to be the Russian entry. Well if they can’t find a suitable they will pick Yulia and they (and we) will have to take the singing skills for granted. Whether in Russian English or Portuguese, as her pronunciation is troubled, swishes caused by her disease it won’t be understood after all. I wish her luck and strength and anything positive,… Read more »
If she is about to perform it’s already two too many. Russia is smart on not telling anything yet as this keeps the gossip and news ongoing. I never believed Yulia was planned to be actually on stage. Not in 2017, not in 2018.
In Europe people actually keep their word and if they say that theye gonna send an artist to eurovision , they will do it , in Russia artist sends YOU! 😀 They dont like her guys , all they wanted is to mess with Ukraine , now they are stuck with her , i bet they feel sorry that Putin said that they will send her this year so now eurovision fans will hold them accountable to keep their word … but hey thats Russia , wake up!
They always can hack the voting system.
I’m not really a fan of her music, but I will be pleasantly surprised and happy if Russia actually keeps their word.
Russia has a better chance of doing well w/ the juries this year as there’s less political stuff going on that would bias against them. So if they want to have a strong chance of winning they need to send someone stronger than Julia and certainly not that saccharin ditty from last year.
what someone like, Zelimkhan Bakayev?
No, wait they can’t, because he went missing last August, believed to have been sent to one of the ‘concentration camps’ in Chechnya and murdered, because he’s gay.
But still, there’s “less political stuff going on that would bias against them”?
They tried to use her, now it’s her turn. Good for her!
Anyone but Julia pleaseeeeee! Her song was god awful last year they need to come back with a bang!!
I really don’t like her attitude. She’s literally pushing the broadcaster to choose her and obviously they don’t want it. It’s sad to admit but she was just a propaganda tool that Russia used against Ukraine last year. And ofc they now want to send a strong entry to the contest. I mean her live singing isn’t even good.
Oh Russian broadcaster, please give this woman the chance to go to Eurovision 2018 that she was promised last year. I feel like it would be a bit of a PR disaster if Yulia wasn’t selected
Hopefully Yulia sings in Russian for a change. 🙂
Julia’s playing the PR game like an expert. Even if Russia doesn’t pick her, she will still have her say. I might disagree with her on some issues, but I admire her strength of will.
“One is about a fairytale, the other is on the theme of space.”
Aaaand issa no from me…
She visited Crimea again in May 9th when was SF1 in Kyiv, and then again … she just cinic propaganda tool, and now she fights for her place under the sun, she is very creative in this fight, already issued a news that she has songs… haha…
It’s so incredibly disrespectful to Julia. Those broadcasters even issued a joint agreement that she will be Russia’s representative in Lisbon. If it’s so clear, just make the d*mn announcement!! That’s the least this artist deserves, instead of being played.
When does Russia usually announce its act?
In the very last day.
So there is hope for Julia then?
If Julia doesn’t go we may see a first Russian non-qualification cause Russia will be facing the hate and wrath of fans and probably jury too!
I think the Broadcaster’s silence speaks volumes. Sounds like she is begging to go but the Broadcaster is just stringing her along as a back up in case they can’t get the real act they desire.