Dmitry Koldun's participation in the next Eurovision Song Contest representing Belarus is in danger as his management company, NMC have withdrawn permission for him to take part. Despite agreeing to Koldun's participation in the Belarus national final, NMC are now saying they do not feel that the artist is ready to participate. It is becoming clear that there is a financial stand-off with NMC trying to take additonal money from BTRC and or Phillip Kirkorov to allow Koldun to represent Belarus.

After winning the Star Factory talent show in 2006, Dmitry signed a seven year contract with the National Music Corporation (NMC), which is co-owned by the Russian Channel One and Victor Dobrysh, a Russian producer. Initially, Dobrysh did not want Koldun to participate in Belarus, but his view was changed after Philip Kirkorov appealed to him and the right song was decided on.

Philip Kirkorov, the composer of the winning song Work your magic and Koldun teamed up to win over the Belarusian televoting public and the national jury, who decided that Koldun would be the ideal representative for the country at the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest.

After Koldun's victory in the Eurofest, NMC took the line that Koldun, as a relatively new artist does not have the experience required to participate in such a demanding event such as the Eurovision Song Contest and are threatening to take legal action should the artist decide to go ahead with his plans.

This begs the question why they allowed him to enter Eurofest in the first place. It seems clear that they are holding out for an enlarged financial offer, especially considering that Eurovision is synonymous with unknown talent making a name for themselves through participation. Acts such as Bucks Fizz, Gina G and Rosa for example, became famous only through the Eurovision Song Contest.

esctoday.com are investigating the situation and have spoken to several parties. BTRC told esctoday.com this morning that they are hoping there will be a way to solve the problem in the end. We have spoken directly to Dmitry Koldun who has told us that he has no comment to make before tomorrow evening. It is known that Koldun himself is very keen to represent Belarus in Helsinki. This suggests that he is awaiting a decision between the broadcaster, Philip Kirkirov and NMC, and his fate is being decided above his head.

Esctoday.com are in direct communication with BTRC and Dmitry Koldunand we will keep you updated on the latest developments.