Russia: New Flame Is Burning video from Julia Samoylova

by Roy Knoops 2,073 views

Julia Samoylova has released a new video to her song Flame is burning. Could the Russian singer be hinting at a Eurovision 2018 participation?

The video of Julia Samoylova‘s initial Eurovision 2017 entry Flame is burning was especially created by Russian broadcaster Channel One to celebrate the new year.

In the video, the charismatic singer is seen in a wintry urban setting, bringing warmth to the cold season – very fitting for a title like Flame is burning.

Julia Samoylova to Lisbon?

With the release of the new Flame is burning video, speculations are rising as to whether Julia Samoylova will represent Russia at Eurovision 2018 in Lisbon, Portugal.

Following her forced withdrawal from the Eurovision Song Contest 2017, channel Russia-1 stated that Julia Samoylova would partake in Eurovision 2018, no matter which country would host the contest.

However, as the selection for Eurovision alternates between Russia-1 and Channel One, no definite news regarding Russia’s representative for Eurovision 2018 has as yet emerged.

In a video (in Russian) in which she thanks her fans, Julia Samoylova looks back at the tumultuous year 2017 and looks forward to the new year, with surprises yet to come:

Julia and Eurovision

In March of 2017, Russian broadcaster Russia-1 announced that they had selected Julia Samoylova to represent the country at the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 in Kyiv, Ukraine.

However, as it became known that Julia Samoylova had performed in the annexed region Crimea in 2015, which violates Ukrainian law, the singer was banned from entering Ukraine for three years – and thus would not be able to perform at Eurovision 2017.

A heavy discussion ensued between Russian and Ukrainian authorities, while the EBU did their utmost to negotiate between the parties in light of Eurovision’s inclusive and politically neutral aspirations.

Various alternatives were offered to both parties, including sending another artist or letting Julia Samoylova perform from Russia via a live broadcast – all of which were refused by the parties.

The dispute resulted in the withdrawal of Russia from Eurovision 2017, and the country did not broadcast the contest. Because of the incident the EBU revised the rules regarding Eurovision-participation, to avoid similar situations in the future.

Julia Samoylova went on to perform in Sevastopol, Crimea, on the day of the Eurovision semi-final she was supposed to feature in.

About Julia Samoylova

Julia Olegovna Samoylova (also Yuliya, Yulia Samoilova, Ukhta, Komi Republic, former Soviet Union, 1989) is a Russian singer-songwriter.

In her childhood she was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, manifesting in a loss of function in her legs and depending on the use of a wheelchair – which has become a symbolic icon of Julia Samoylova’s artistry and perseverance.

Julia Samoylova began her singing career in a restaurant in her hometown Ukhta, performing for the local oil workers. She founded the band TerraNova in 2008, which performed alternative music, and also studied psychology. TerraNova disbanded in 2010.

Her mainstream breakthrough happened in 2013 when she participated in season 3 of the show Faktor A, Russia’s equivalent of The X Factor, and finished in second place. In 2014, Julia Samoylova performed during the opening ceremony of the Winter Paralympics.

Although Julia Samoylova did not get the opportunity to take part in Eurovision 2017, many fans hope that she will get another chance at Eurovision 2018. Meanwhile, Julia Samoylova is working diligently on her career.