11-year-old Tanya Mezhentseva has won Akademiya Eurovision and will represent Russia at Junior Eurovision 2021 with the song “Mon Ami”. She is no stranger to the contest, having represented Russia alongside Denberel Oorzhak with “A Time for Us” back in 2019.
Although the final of Akademiya Eurovision is not due to air until October 30th, JuniorEurovision.tv has announced the Russian representative – Tanya Mezhentseva. She is the first returning artist for this year’s contest, having placed 13th at the 2019 contest alongisde duet partner Denberel Oorzhak.
This year I decided to try my hand at a solo song, and I succeeded! I am very glad that I will represent Russia at the competition in Paris. I would like to note that I had strong rivals. All the participants had good songs and beautiful numbers. I wanted to thank everyone who voted for me and my song Mon Ami in the final! And also my family, which always supports me.
Tanya Mezhentseva, Russia’s Junior Eurovision 2021 representative
She is only the third returning artist in the history of the Junior contest, after Katya Ryabova (Russia 2009 and 2011) and Lerika (Moldova 2011 and Russia 2012).
About the selection
Although the exact placements have not yet been announced, the online voting results are as follows:
- Tanya Mezhentseva – “Mon ami” (My friend) – 18.68%
- OCHECHI – “Siyay” (Shine) – 16.22%
- Maria Gulevich – “Moy mir” (My world) – 14.86%
- Yulia Favrilova – “Moyo imya lyubov” (My name is love) – 13.76%
- Polina Etchik – “Vremya mechtat” (Time to dream) – 8.89%
- Lol & Pop – “Tantsuy” (Dance) – 7.38%
- Andrey Dobryshev – “100 dorog” (100 roads) – 5.99%
- Tania Sania – “Zakruzhit” (Whirl) – 5.39%
- Murad Kushlaev – “Naivnaya” (Naive) – 4.06%
- Nikita Varentsov – “7.40” – 2.15%
- Liza Trofimova – “Zachet” (Offset) – 0.43%
- Sofia Fomenko – “Hey Mom” – 0.28%
The other 50% of the result was determined by the jury, consisting of the following:
- Yulia Savicheva – Represented Russia at Eurovision 2004
- Ekaterina Orlova – Head of Delegation for Russia at Junior Eurovision
- Ekaterina Maneshina – Singer and actress
- Valery Kuzakov –Third place on season 6 of the Voice Kids Russia
You can listen to the entry below:
About Junior Eurovision 2021
Only days after Valentina’s win, the EBU were quick to confirm that we will be travelling to France for the 19th edition of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. The contest will take place on December 19th at La Seine Musicale. The slogan of the contest will be Imagine, and the logo was unveiled in August. At this time it is uncertain if the contest will be held in person or remotely once more. Recently the EBU outlined a series of planned scenarios to satisfy the conditions at the time.
In total, the following 19 countries have been confirmed by the EBU as taking part in the 19th edition of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest:
- Albania – Anna Gjebrea
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan – Sona Azizova
- Bulgaria
- France – Enzo
- Germany – Pauline
- Georgia
- Ireland – Maiú Levi Lawlor
- Italy
- Kazakhstan
- Malta – Ike and Kaya
- Netherlands – Ayana
- North Macedonia – Dajte Muzika
- Poland – Sara James
- Portugal – Simão Oliveira
- Russia – Tanya Mezhentseva
- Serbia – Jovana and Dunja
- Spain – Levi Díaz
- Ukraine – Olena Usenko
Among the 19 we see returns for Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Ireland, Italy, North Macedonia and Portugal. However there are withdrawals for Australia again, and of course the expulsion of Belarus. The Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2021 will be broadcast live on December 19 and starts at 17:00 CET. Stay tuned in the coming weeks and months ahead, as broadcasters begin selecting their acts for Paris 2021!
What do you think of “Mon Ami”? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify and YouTube to see our reactions to the news in the run up to the 2022 national final season!
