Dima Bilan

Alexander Rybak can apparently do no wrong in Russia. Having shot to stardom following last year's victory, the young violinist has gone on to make quite a name for himself in many of the former Soviet republics, including naturally Belarus, his country of birth.

Tonight, Russian broadcaster for the Eurovision Song Contest, RTR, hosted the show that would decide who would represent Russia in Oslo. Peter Nalitch won the ticket with the song Lost And Forgotten.

Russian figure skater Evgeny Plushenko, who accompanied Dima Bilan on stage when he won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2008, won silver last night at the 2010 Winter Olympics held in Canada. He is however not at all satisfied and speculations already have started that he was deliberately robbed from the gold.

The Russian broadcaster for the Eurovision Song Contest, RTR, has announced that the Russian final will be held on 7th March.

The European Broadcasting Union held a press conference today where many issues were raised, including dates for the 2010 contest and the possibility of the return of Italy. Two 'special guests' were also introduced.

Most people seem to think that Romania stole their spot for the final and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s statements are beginning to annoy me. In the meantime Iceland and Portugal appear to have stolen quite some hearts among the fans and the press – and Lys Assia is being abused.

The tradition welcome reception had been transformed into a gigantic party where several former participants, including a lot of winners, performed. In seven videos EuroVisionary show you performances from Dana International, Marija Serifovic, Teach-In, Dschinghis Khan, t.A.T.u, Dima Bilan, Carola and Ruslana.

Sixteen acts tonight fought for the honour of representing Russia on home ground at the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest. Who took over after the successful Dima Bilan? EuroVisionary brought you live updates from the show.

A Russian magazine has revealed the interval act for the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest. In a video you can see the children preparing for the big event in May where they will all be small look-a-likes of Eurovision winners like Dima Bilan, Ruslana, Helena Paparizou and more.