Philip Kirkorov has explained why he’s returning to Eurovision, after previously stating he’d never be involved in the contest again.
In an interview with KP, Philip Kirkorov has explained why he will be returning to the Eurovision Song Contest next year. Mr Kirkorov last participated in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2016 as part of the team behind Sergey Lazarev’s “You Are The Only One”. Despite winning the public vote, the song finished 5th with the juries, meaning Russia missed out on a second victory. Following the result Mr Kirkorov stated;
I do not see any more sense in my participation in this contest. I was disappointed in it!
In today’s interview with KP, Mr Kirkorov explains why he has had a changed of heart with the contest since 2016. The famous singer puts his return to the contest down to a change in the rules by the EBU. The singer however does not state which rule has changed since the 2016 contest.
Philip Kirkorov revealed earlier this month that he is working with a country that is “friendly” towards Russia, on their song for the Eurovision Song Contest. Mr Kirkorov added;
I agreed this year to accept an invitation from one of the countries, which is in solidarity with the policy of my president. Otherwise, I would not have stood up for any other flag. I hope that this year Russia will finally be appreciated.
It is widely speculated that Philip Kirkorov is working with the delegation from Azerbaijan on their song for the contest in Lisbon. Aisel who was internally selected to represent Azerbaijan has been pictured with Philip Kirkorov a number of times in the past month.
Source: KP
Russia in the Eurovision Song Contest
Russia debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994 and has gone on to be one of the most successful countries in the contest. Since the mid-00s Russia has had a string of strong results including their first and only victory to date in 2008. Dima Bilan won the contest in Belgrade, Serbia with the song “Believe” taking the contest to Moscow the following year. On their last two appearances, Russia has finished in 2nd and 3rd place respectively in the final.
