News - Russia does not want to win again this year | Eurovision Song Contest News - 2010 Oslo, Norway 

The host broadcaster of the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Moscow, Channel One Russia held its press conference today. Present were apart from channel management the hosts for both the semi-finals and the final and the Face of Eurovision, this year�s Miss Russia, also Miss World.

General Director of Channel One Russia Konstantin Ernst wished the members of the press welcome by saying that in the 15 years Russia has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest it has wanted to win, not so much to beat other countries but to host the event in Moscow. He said the goal was to do their best and host a modern show. Mr. Ernst said he wanted rest of Europeans to see Moscow as another European city which has changed from the times people might have experienced before. As answer to a question Mr. Ernst then made it very clear Russia is not looking to win again this year, as the team are not getting much sleep at the present.

Mr. Ernst said the event was not meant to make a profit. He said it was only a cost for Channel One Russia. Apart from grants from the Russian Government, the City of Moscow government and Eurovision the rest will be paid from Channel One budget. He could not quote an exact figure, as every day there are unexpected developments that will cost more money. He said the main investment in this expense is creating a positive image and dispelling stereotypes of Russia.

As for the hosts, it was revealed that the decision has been known for quite a while. Mr. Ernst admitted that the team had been in negotiations with a Hollywood actress, but it was not possible to pay the fees she asked for. So it was eventually decided, that singer Alsou would host the final. She said she has no experience of presenting, but is honoured to be part of the host for the first time. Her partner in the final will be famous TV host Ivan Urgant, who showed himself to be a master of dry deadpan humour during this press conference. He maintained that he had replaced the Hollywood actress and that he only heard just today that he will no host alone, but was happy to have Alsou there. The male semi-finals host Andrey Malakhov revealed that he found out that he had been chosen via the Eurovision.tv website in March. His female partner Natalya Vodyanova, a model said she had no experience of being on stage but wanted to do her best. They all admitted to being nervous of the big task ahead.

Miss World 2008 Kseniya Sukhinova said she was proud to be the first ever Face of Eurovision and told about how she enjoyed modelling in different settings representing all the 42 countries taking part. These images are also seen in the postcards before each song. Of the postcards Mr. Yuriy Aksuta, Head of the Music Department of Channel One Russia, and Executive Producer of the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest, said they wanted to display elements from the country on the stage rather than images of Moscow. Andrey Boltenko, Creative Director o Channel one Russia and Creative Director of the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest, Andrey Boltenko could only take part to the press conference very shortly as he was still busy finishing the psotcards for the second semi-final and th final.

The concept for the different shows was then explained to the press. Before each live  show there will be 3 special programmes  on Channel One Russia on the preparation of the Eurovision Song Contest. The concept with the first semi-final is set the stage for a great series of events. This is done via traditional Russian elements like fairytales and very national style. The second semi-final will be more humorous and funny. There will be things like graffiti on national Matroshka dolls and dancing bears, in a self-ironic take on Russian stereotypes. The final will again be very different in style with involvement amongst others from a comedy troupe, last year’s winner Dima Bilan and also Miss World Kseniya Sukhinova will be involved in presenting the trophy.

The assembled press heard loads of technical gadgets were used here for the first time in Europe. He would not go into any technical detail, but said that as 2000square metres of projection screens are used for this event now, no other events in Europe could go ahead as all the available screens are here.

The panel was also asked for their opinion in the alleged banning of a gay pride march on the day of Eurovision. Ivan Urgant believed that all aggressions and negative feeling will disappear on the day of Eurovision Song Contest and the streets will be filled with only happy people. Mr. Ernst said he had not heard of any ban, but he had even seen the planned route. He believed everybody should be free to express themselves as long as they did not breach public order.

The panel also gave their opinions on Russia’s victory in the Ice Hockey World Championship last night and also about whether they would follow Prime Minister Putin’s example and vote for the United Kingdom. Most of the panel did agree with Mr. Putin indeed, and Kseniya, Alsou and Natasha all said they also had homes in Britain so would be happy to vote for their second home and still stay patriotic. Ivan Urgant also said he had believed his father to be British and would so choose to vote for the United Kingdom. Mr. Ernst said he could not vote as he was part of the reference group, but would go for France’s Patricia Kaas, as she brought a much needed star level to the show. Mr. Aksuta would go for the home entry by Anastasia Pridhodko.