Russian broadcaster Channel 1 is about to make a decision on how to organise the Russian selections for the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest. The current plans include three semifinals, scheduled for 4th, 11th and 18th February. The final would take place on 25th February. A definite confirmation will follow soon.

Several established Russian artists have submitted songs for the Russian Eurovision Song Contest selections. Among the artists who are trying their luck this year are Anastasia Stotskaya, Dima Bilan, Polina Griffits, Chai Vdvoem, Reflex, Varvara, Natalia Podolskaya, Marina Sudas, Lada Dance and Anton Makarsky.

A professional jury including representatives of Channel 1 and the Russian music industry will judge the songs in the upcoming days, resulting in a final decision on the format to be used to select the 2005 Russian entry. In the final, the audience will make the decision by televoting.

According to our colleagues of eurosong.be, Eurovision Song Contest winners Marie N and Ruslana have been invited as guest performers in the Russian selections.

In Istanbul last year, Julia Savicheva qualified Russia for the final of the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest in Kiev.