Eurovision Eurovision 2017 Russia

EBU offers Channel One in Russia to perform at Eurovision 2017 via satellite

A few minutes ago and after all the sad news which came to light yesterday regarding Russia’s participation at this year’s contest in Ukraine, EBU has now something to offer to its public broadcaster Channel One: the country could still enter at this year’s contest by a satellite connection where Julia Samoylova would be allowed to perform “Flame Is Burning” from Moscow, as she is was barred her travel to Ukraine in May.

EBU stated the following on their official press release: “Taking into consideration that this ban might be upheld by the Ukrainian authorities, and in order to maintain the non-political nature of the Eurovision Song Contest, the EBU has been working hard to find a solution to this situation and has taken the unprecedented move to offer Channel One Russia the opportunity for Julia to still participate in this year’s Contest by performing live in the 2nd Semi Final via satellite. Should the Russian entry qualify for the Grand Final the same solution would apply.  This is something  that has never been done before in the Contest’s 60 year history but, in the spirit of Eurovision’s values of inclusivity and this year’s theme of Celebrate Diversity, the decision has been taken to ensure that all 43 entrants are given the opportunity to participate.”

Eurovision Song Contest Executive Supervisor, Jon Ola Sand said: “We are continuing our dialogue with the Ukrainian authorities with the ambition to have all artists present to perform in host city, Kyiv, which is, of course, our preferred option.  It is imperative that the Eurovision Song Contest remains free from politics and as such, due to the circumstances surrounding Julia’s travel ban, we have felt it important to propose a solution that transcends such issues. We have offered Channel One Russia the opportunity for Julia to perform live via satellite as it is the EBU’s intention that every broadcaster that has chosen to take part in the Eurovision Song Contest does so, as has been the case for all previous events in the contest’s history.

ESC Reference group chairman Frank-Dieter Freiling expressed his hope though, that the political leadership of Ukraine will not implement the travel ban and find a solution in line with the contest’s slogan “Celebrate Diversity”.

Would this be a proper solution for Julia to eventually sing at Eurovision 2017 if the ban is imposed? Tell us your opinion either below or on our social media platforms.

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