They’re the team that brought us Eurovision classics like Sergey Lazarev’s “You Are the Only One” and Ani Lorak’s “Shady Lady”. And, if social media is any indicator, they may be on the verge of giving us another hit.
Recently members of the Dream Team have been uploading lots of pics that could be taken as hints about Eurovision. Famed composer Dimitris Kontopoulos uploaded an Instagram story that shows him cooking up something in a Moscow studio along with Ilias Kokotos, Phillipp Kirkorov and Alex Panayi. Has Russia found its creative head, composers and voice coaches for Tel Aviv? History would suggest so.
The image definitely confirms that the team has reunited in some capacity and is busy making some tunes. That leaves the question open as to who they’re working with and for what.
The search for Russia’s next Eurovision star has been under intense scrutiny, surely because Moscow is hungry to get back in the final after last year’s poor result. Nothing has been officially confirmed or hinted at yet. But Illias — who acts as a project manager and creative head for the Dream Team — has been very busy in Moscow. His Insta suggests that a meet-up with Russia’s Eurovision act or shortlist has likely happened.
It’s been reported that met up with one Aleksandr Panayotov — as both walked down the same eye-catching street in Moscow, not far from Red Square. Could it be just networking? Or has Kokotos given a proposal to the singer? To add fuel to the fire, Sergey Lazarev has liked the aforementioned post. Hmmm.
Who is Aleksandr Panayotov?
Panayotov is no stranger to Eurovision and competition. The Ukrainian-born Russian singer tried to enter the contest on multiple occasions, with several entries in the Russian national finals (and one in Ukraine) throughout the 00s. He almost won over one Dima Bilan and his Eurovision winner “Believe”.
He has since released two albums and competed on the Russian version of The Voice, placing second, with many of his performances reaching the top of the charts on Russian soil.
With Eurovision dreams and experience, maybe now could be the right time to launch a bid with a superstar team.
The Dream Team’s Journey
Together and separately, the Dream Team has left its mark on Eurovision on multiple occasions, with songs that have scored highly and are beloved hits even to this day. From Sakis Rouvas to Ani Lorak and on to Farid Mammadov and DoReDos, their efforts have been nothing but top notch, with well produced entries and even bigger and better live performances.
While results have been lukewarm recently, with Demy’s “This is Love” and Aisel’s “X My Heart” underperforming, there is no doubt that this team can put together a dangerous entry.
What do you think? Do you think Panayotov’s the best bet for Russia in Tel Aviv? Who do you think the Dream Team is working for? Is it actually Sergey Lazarev? Let us know in the comments below!
The other week I said on here how Russia will want to/really needs to play it a bit safer and with a much more reliable act/team behind them, I actually don’t think the Dream Team is that, they’re definitely not consistent even if they have high peaks. Maybe working on the Russian act again will bring them back to top form.
I want Nyusha
Stop trying to make Lazarev 2019 happen, it’s not gonna happen
another Ukrainian singing for neighbors in Eurovision? lol
he looks cute and has a good voice, why not?
Well, he moved to Russia years ago. He has always been a bridesmaid, never a bride. Trying and trying to star but fails.
Nobody even know him in russia, he is just some guy who was in all talant shows in russia and ukraine and flopped
Nobody will send him to eurovision
You count running up as flop, don’t you?
He is like the russian lead member of Alcazar. Its a no