Earlier this week, two artists were in the final running to represent Russia at the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest in Athens, Greece: Varvara and Dima Bilan. Reliable sources told esctoday.com moments ago that Dima Bilan will represent the largest participating country at the upcoming contest.

This year, Russian broadcaster ChannelOne picked its Eurovision Song Contest entry internally. The decision was supposed to be taken last night, but was postponed for unknown reasons.

Varvara, one of the bigger names in the Russian music industry, took part in the national selection last year with Letala da pela. She submitted a powerful up-tempo song that fits well within her current style. Dima Bilan is a well-known singer. He also took part in last year's Russian preselection. With the song Not that simple he finished second. Bilan is said to have send in a strong ballad.

Awaiting an official confirmation from ChannelOne, it appears Russia will send a ballad to Athens.

To be continued!