Eurovision Song Contest from Belgrade - Evrovizija

Russia - Россия

05/13/2008

Это самое потрясающее выступление России на конкурсе. Наличие на сцене Евгения Плющенко и Эдвина Мартина сделали свое дело. Это делает Россию - одним из претендентов на победу в конкурсе.

Номер поставлен просто изумительно. Единственное, что смущает - это парящий Билан в конце номера. В вокальном плане - выступление универсально.

We now have what they call the 'plastic ice' on stage along with a climbing ladder.

Dima has a violinist, an ice skater and 2 opera singers on stage with him.

First of all Dima's diction has improved.  Its still not fabulous but it has definitely improved.

Now, when I first heard this song , I was very underwhelmed and could not understand why this was such a favourite with so many.  Now, when I first heard the first run through today, I thought , "That's it, we're off to Moscow next year"  Then the full routine was performed, which involves the ice skater skating on the 'plastic ice' around Dima, The violinist playing the violin and Dima rising up the ladder.  When the song ends, Dima sings the final notes at the top of the ladder and then extends his arm out, 'Linda Martin style' 
Is it a definite winner for Russia?  NO. It is definitely a possible winner but it is possible that  there might be too much going on onstage. The problem is with the ice skater.  Even though the stage is very big, the performance area is small so when he is skating it can look very cramped on stage.  Also, the draw a country gets in the final can also , I think, have an effect on how a song will do in the final.  For example, will a song that qualifies drawn at position 1 win the final?

Overall, I really enjoyed the Russian rehearsal, more than I expected and it is definitely a song that will be in the final shakeup in the final.