Russia Today television Channel is now running the story of a Ukrianian language song representing Russia as one of it's leading news stories. The choice of Anastasia Prikhodko and her song Mamo has hit the headlines for the host nation of the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest entrant.
Anastasia Prikhodko is the 2007 winner of the Russian Star Factory competition and is a popular singer in both countries. Her selection has been criticised by losing finalist Valeria, despite winning 25% of the televote, 9% more than her nearest rival, and taking 5 of the 6 jury votes in the superfinal.
The entry, performed in both Russian and Ukrainian stood out from a largely English language dominated final. Anastasia stated on her website saying that “I will prove that I am worthy of Eurovision. I will do everything I can to make sure Russia is represented worthily.”
Valeriya, who finished second in the televote was said to storm off stage after the result. Her manager, Yusif Prigozhin stated “A song performed in Ukrainian can’t have anything to do with Russia”after his (English language) song failed to win over the jury.
The latest controversy surroundinghost nation Russia at the Eurovision Song Contest comes hot on the Heels of Georgia's entry, We don't wanna put in, which is seen as a political statement about Russia's Prime Minister. It is expected that the EBU, organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest, will have to investigate whether the Georgian song is eligable to compete at the 2009 competition but no statement is likely before the Eurovision Song Contest Heads of Delegation meeting on 16th March.
