BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

28/02/2006

Polina is Eurovision Choice for Belarus

Polina Smolova has been chosen to represent Belarus at the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest.

She was chosen from amongst three finalists by a mainly government staffed jury. The song she will sing in Athens remains in doubt and may not be confirmed until the EBU deadline of 20 March. In 2005, the Belarussian performer, Angelica Agurbash changed her song just 24 hours ahead of the deadline.

Polina was initially due to perform the song ' Sait Odinochestva ' at the Belarussian national final. Just days beforehand, she asked to change it to the English language song 'Mama'. After initially refusing the request, BRTC gave in and allowed her to do so.

Yesterday, when her place at Eurovision was announced, it became clear that once again, Belarus planned to keep fans guessing about the song until the last moment.

Sergei Suhomlin, who co-wrote the song chosen by TV Viewers 'Mama' as just being 'the potential song'. He told website esckaz, "We are preparing a different song, as I consider "Mama" not to be the right song for Eurovision, although it was right for the national preselection." He added, "If we do not succeed in finding a new song, then Polina will perform a different version of 'Mama'."

The deadline to submit all details to EBU, including song and preview video is 20 March.

Source:

http://www.doteurovision.com/phpnews/news.php?action=fullnews&id=1030