Ukraine has banned RussianEurovision entrant, Julia Samoilova, from performing at this year’s Song Contest.
The singer has been barred from entering the country because of a previous visit she made to Crimea, which was annexed by Moscow in 2014.
It has been reported (via BBC News) that Julia contravened Ukrainian law by entering Crimea directly from Russia in order to perform there.
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Russian Eurovision entrant Julia Samoilova has been banned from Eurovision
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The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which founded Eurovision, confirmed Ukrainian authorities had issued a travel ban on Julia.
They said they were “deeply disappointed” in a statement addressing the story.
“We have to respect the local laws of the host country, however we are deeply disappointed in this decision as we feel it goes against both the spirit of the Contest, and the notion of inclusivity that lies at the heart of its values,” they said.
“We will continue a dialogue with the Ukrainian authorities with the aim of ensuring that all artists can perform at the 62nd Eurovision Song Contest.”
Julia was chosen to represent Russia with the song ‘Flame is Burning’.
The Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Kyiv on 14 May.
UPDATE: The EBU has offered Russia the chance for Julia to perform in the contest via satellite.
A spokesperson said: “The EBU has been working hard to find a solution to this situation and has taken the unprecedented move to offer Channel One Russia the opportunity for Julia to still participate in this year’s Contest by performing live in the 2nd Semi Final via satellite.
“Should the Russian entry qualify for the Grand Final the same solution would apply. This is something that has never been done before in the Contest’s 60 year history but, in the spirit of Eurovision’s values of inclusivity, and this year’s theme of Celebrate Diversity, the decision has been taken to ensure that all 43 entrants are given the opportunity to participate.”
12 Acts To Send To Eurovision
Little Mix(01 of12)
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Currently churning out banger after banger in the run-up to the release of their third album, Little Mix would be perfect representatives for the UK. They're fun, they're energetic, they're young... and even Electro Velvet themselves couldn't mess up a chorus as monster as 'Black Magic', 'DNA' or 'Salute'. (credit:Christie Goodwin via Getty Images)
Seann Miley Moore(02 of12)
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If we know 'X Factor' (and after 11 years we're pretty sure we do), then all the attention that Seann Miley Moore has been getting at Bootcamp and the auditions means we can probably assume he's a shoo-in for for live shows this year.His experimental dress sense and thundering voice would undeniably go down a storm with Eurovision viewers, who crowned Conchita Wurst winner just over a year ago. (credit:Syco/Dymond/Thames/Corbis)
Lauren Goodger(03 of12)
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The Goodge has been teasing the launch of her music career for as far back as remember, and frankly we're growing impatient.Eurovision would be the perfect way to give the public the chance to hear her voice, as well as an opportunity for the UK to show the rest of Europe our favourite national treasure... Lauren Goodger. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Geri Halliwell(04 of12)
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Geri's ill-fated 2004 track 'Ride It' sounded so Eurovision we half-expected to hear Terry Wogan muttering inanely through the second chorus, so we know she has it in her to deliver for a Eurovish audience.More importantly, she's been teasing lately that she's recording new music - and Eurovision would give her the perfect platform to showcase it (and leave that 'Half Of Me' debacle far, far in the past...) (credit:Rex Shutterstock)
Steps(05 of12)
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Since the surprisingly glossy Steps reunion tour, the five-piece group have gone all quiet, with Claire Richards appearing on 'Celebrity Big Brother' and Lisa Scott-Lee touring the nation in 'Celebrities On Ice'.As much fun as all that sounds, we do think it's time for Steps to reclaim their throne as the nation's favourite guilty pleasure act, and what better way for it than with Eurovision? (credit:Ken McKay/Rex Shutterstock)
La Roux(06 of12)
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Alternatively, if voters are looking for something a bit more credible, look no further than La Roux. Her last album, 'Trouble In Paradise' boasted some of the most sophisticated Europop-inspired choruses we've heard in a long while, but still managed to keep a catchy, disco-inspired feel.In other words: she'd be Eurovision gold. (credit:Tabatha Fireman via Getty Images)
Aston Merrygold(07 of12)
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Something a bit different, perhaps, but Aston's debut single 'Get Stupid', while not exactly setting the charts on fire, did represent quite well exactly what's going on in the UK music scene in the moment. (credit:Rex Shutterstock/Rob Cable)
Tulisa(08 of12)
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If ever there was a tale of a phoenix rising from the ashes (and then rising again, and then again) it's our girl Tulisa.Her most recent musical offering, 'Living Without You', didn't exactly sound like it cost millions of pounds to create, but that's half the joy of Eurovision, and if that's a sound she wants to explore, she could have Eurovish in the bag. Plus, as anyone who's seen her perform in the past year will attest, she's the stuff Eurovision dreams are made of. Topless men, wafting around a load of women, that fabulous pout. Amazing. (credit:Jo Hale via Getty Images)
Zayn Malik(09 of12)
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THINK OF THE VOTES FROM TEENAGE GIRLS. THINK OF THEM! (credit:Jason LaVeris via Getty Images)
Michelle might seem like a bit of an odd choice, given that she's best known to most Brits as Katie Hopkins' American mate on 'Celebrity Big Brother', but there's so much more to this diva than just that.She's actually had a rollercoaster music career, appearing on 'The Bodyguard' soundtrack as well as in the 80s girl-group, Seduction. Michelle has never actually released any solo material, but given her huge UK fanbase we think the nation could easily take her to our collective bosom.Plus, those votes from international 'RuPaul's Drag Race' fans would speak for themselves. (credit:David Fisher/Rex Shutterstock)
Katie Price(12 of12)
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But then again, we could always just go with an old favourite? Katie Price sadly never got to represent the UK at Eurovision (we blame this catsuit), eventually losing out to Javine Hylton.Katie reckons performing on 'Making Your Mind Up' is the only thing she regrets from her whole career - so surely it's time she was given her redemption? (credit:YUI MOK/PA Archive)