Russia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2014


Russia participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The Russian entry was selected internally by the Russian broadcaster Russia-1. The Tolmachevy Sisters, winners of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2006, represented Russia with the song "Shine", which qualified from the first semi-final and placed 7th in the final, scoring 89 points.

Internal selection

The Russian entry for the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest was selected through an internal process. On 15 March 2014, RTR announced that The Tolmachevy Sisters, who previously won the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2006, were selected to represent Russia – a choice made internally by an expert jury. The Russian entry, "Shine", was premiered on 19 March 2014. The song was composed by Philipp Kirkorov and Dimitris Kontopoulos. The lyrics were written by John Ballard, Ralph Charlie and Gerard James Borg.
Originally, the broadcaster had planned a national final format titled Kto? to select their entry. On 1 September 2013, RTR opened the submission period for artists and composers to submit their applications for the selection. Between September and October 2013, it was planned that a special jury would shortlist the applicants to 25 finalists for a televised show on 31 December 2013. However, in December 2013, RTR announced that the selection would be postponed until March 2014 and that the application deadline would be extended until 28 February 2014. Plans for the national final were later abandoned by the broadcaster.

At Eurovision

During the semi-final allocation draw on 20 January 2014 at the Copenhagen City Hall, Russia was drawn to compete in the first half of the first semi-final on 6 May 2014. In the first semi-final, the producers of the show decided that Russia would perform 7th, following Albania and preceding Azerbaijan. Russia qualified from the first semi-final and competed in the final on 10 May 2014. During the winner's press conference for the first semi-final qualifiers, Russia was allocated to compete in the second half of the final. In the final, the producers of the show decided that Russia would perform 15th, following France and preceding Italy. Russia placed 7th in the final, scoring 89 points.
At the contest, the Tolmachevy Sisters were joined on stage by four backing vocalists: Anna Nilsson, Jenny Tärneberg, Anna Strandberg and Rui Andrade. The Russian performance featured the Tolmachevy Sisters performing with long translucent sticks and interacting with a platform that moved like a balance and eventually opened into a white sun-like canvas.
Following the revelation of Russia's qualification into the final during the broadcast of the first semi-final, the announcement was met by an audible booing from the venue audience. The negative reaction was believed to be a response to Russia's involvement in the crisis in Ukraine and its stance on LGBT rights.
In Russia, both the semi-finals and the final were broadcast on Russia-1 with commentary by Olga Shelest and Dmitriy Guberniev. The Russian spokesperson revealing the result of the Russian vote in the final was 2000 Russian contest entrant and Eurovision Song Contest 2009 final co-presenter Alsou.

Points awarded to Russia

12 points10 points8 points7 points6 points

  • 5 points4 points3 points2 points1 point

  • Points awarded by Russia

    Semi-final 1

    Points awarded in first semi-final:
    12 points
    10 points
    8 points
    7 points
    6 points
    5 points
    4 points
    3 points
    2 points
    1 point

    Final

    Points awarded in the final:
    12 points
    10 points
    8 points
    7 points
    6 points
    5 points
    4 points
    3 points
    2 points
    1 point

    Split voting results

    The following five members comprised the Russian jury:
    The Russian votes in the first semi-final were based on 50% jury voting and 50% televoting results.

    Final

    The Russian votes in the final were based on 50% jury voting and 50% televoting results.