Overview

• Final proceedings began at Live Arena with an opening duet by Dima Bilan and Polina Gagarina, with broadcasts on Channel One and VK Video.
• President Vladimir Putin addressed the event by video, saying the contest will become widely loved as performers from more than 20 nations take the stage.
• Russia’s entrant Shaman performs ninth with the song “Pryamo po serdtsu,” written by producer Maxim Fadeev.
• Winner selection rests with an international professional jury under non-public voting rules, and juror Igor Matvienko signaled possible future public voting.
• Spectators sang the Russian national anthem and chanted “Russia,” underscoring the state-backed event that was facilitated by visa waivers and substantial government funding.