Russia notches up first Eurovision win

Sunday, 25 May 2008

Russian Dima Bilan has won this year's Eurovision Song Contest in the Serbian capital Belgrade

Russian Dima Bilan has won this year's Eurovision Song Contest in the Serbian capital Belgrade.

Bilan's ballad 'Believe', produced by US R&B star Timbaland, gave Russia its first ever Eurovision win.

British entrant Andy Abraham came joint last with his 'Even If', gaining just 14 points, the same as Germany and Poland. The former X Factor contestant only received points from San Marino and Ireland.

Bilan won with a stage show that included Olympic figure skating champion Evgeni Plushenko performing on a small ice circle. Bilan is a well-known performer in Russia and beyond, being a winner at the country's MTV Awards.

He took part in Eurovision in 2006, finishing second behind Finnish rock monsters Lordi.

The show was opened in front of 20,000 fans at the Belgrade Arena by last year's winner, Marija Serifovic.

Sunday, 25 May 2008

The GuardianTramp

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