Russia: Sergey Lazarev makes his Eurovision comeback in Tel Aviv

Today it was officially announced that Eurovision 2016 bronze medalist Sergey Lazarev will represent Russia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 in Tel Aviv. Sergey is returning to the contest after finishing third behind Jamala and Dami Im in Stockholm.

Sergey to save Russia?

After winning the contest in 2008, Russia has placed second twice (2012 and 2015) and third once. After being forced to withdraw in 2017 and failing to qualify in 2018, Russia seriously needs someone to get them back as one of the heavyweights of Eurovision. 

Sergey is again working with the “Dream Team” composer Dimitris Kontopoulos, choreographer Fokas Evangelinos, vocal coach Alex Panayi and Russian superstar Philipp Kirkorov. His 2016 entry “You Are the Only One” was also composed by Philipp Kirkorov and Dimitris Kontopoulos.

Earlier his Eurovision entry was described to be an epic ballad. We also saw the composer Dimitris Kontopolous recording the song with the Moscow Symphony Orchestra. More details will be revealed on Saturday, February 9th at 15:30CET on the Russia-1 show “Hi, Andrey”.

What has happened after Eurovision 2016?

After competing in Stockholm, Sergey has released two albums. In 2017 he released Russian album “В эпицентре“ that included hits “Лаки Стрэнджер” (Lucky Stranger) and “Так красиво” (So beautiful).

His 2018 album “The One” included only songs in English. The album had some new songs, but also English versions of his past hits, including “Lucky Stranger“, the English version of “Лаки Стрэнджер” and “Yesterday“, the English version of his 2017 song “Новый год“.

Earlier this year he released a song “Пьяным, чем обманутым” (Better drunk than cheated) under a moniker LVS. Sergey stated that he released the song under a pseudonym as he didn’t feel like it fit his style, but also to show that he can surprise and be relevant.

In 2017 Sergey also released a duet with Eurovision 2008 winner Dima Bilan.

Before Eurovision 2019 Sergey will tour in Russia and Germany. The tour will start on 1st of March from Khimki and end on 21st of April in Kazan. In Germany he will perform in six cities in late March.

What do you think about Russia choosing Sergey again? Let us know below or on social media @ESCXTRA!