Russia Neither Lost, Nor Forgotten At Eurovision Semifinals

RIA Novosti
01:1226/05/2010

OSLO, May 26 (RIA Novosti) – Russia’s Eurovision contestants, Peter
Nalitch and Friends, made it into the final of the Eurovision 2010
song contest after successfully performing their gypsy-style love
ballad “Lost and Forgotten” during the semifinal on Tuesday.

Peter Nalitch was second to perform during the first semifinal,
held in Oslo’s Telenor Arena.

This year Russia concentrates more on musical capabilities of its
contestant, rather than presenting gimmicks. Wearing a green cardigan,
grey scarf and black trousers, Nalitch did not make a single step
aside while singing the song with a woman’s photo in his hands.

The only special effect was artificial snow, which fell around Nalitch
and his band during the performance.

Other finalists are Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Greece, Portugal,
Belarus, Serbia, Belgium, Albania and Iceland.

The second semifinal is scheduled for Thursday, to choose another ten
finalists among Lithuania, Armenia, Israel, Denmark, Switzerland,
Sweden, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, The Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia,
Ireland, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Georgia and Turkey.

The final is slated for Saturday.

Peter Nalitch became famous after posting a self-made music video
for the song Guitar. In about a month it was watched by 70,000 people
and the number continued to grow.

After his first very popular concert, Nalitch gathered a band, named
Peter Nalitch and Friends. It won the national Eurovision selection
contest on March 7.

From: A. Papazian