It’s Eurovision Song Contest time again, and Russia’s Sergei Lazarev has made it to Saturday’s final with a horror-themed ballad.
The annual celebration of kitsch — which is more famous for its over-the-top staging and shameless political voting than the quality of the music — takes place in Israel this year, and the guest performer will be Madonna. Last year, 186 million people worldwide watched the spectacle.
Lazarev, who also represented his country in the contest in 2016, challenges none of the stereotypes about the tortured Russian soul with his song “Scream.”
Clad in white, he sings of “rivers of loneliness” and “acid rain from your fingertips” against a stark background of lightning bolts and mirrored coffins.
Lazarev is an outspoken performer, who has said he is against Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea. The producer of the band t.A.T.u, the faux-lesbian pop duo that represented Russia in 2003, said Lazarev shouldn’t be allowed to compete for the country.
Russia last won the contest in 2008 with Dima Bilan and his song “Believe.”
Enjoy your Eurovision party!
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
