t.A.T.u late? Not a problem. (DotEuroVision.Com)Time of publication: 29.03.2003 |
Russian duo t.A.T.u. look set to be offered special dispensation by the EBU and be allowed to perform their entry to Eurovision in English, despite missing the deadline to submit an English language version of their song Ne Ver, Ne Boisya, Ne Prosi.
The European Broadcasting Union sets a deadline each year for details to be agreed by broadcasters of the song they wish to submit. After this date minor changes are permitted, but major changes, such as the language in which the song may be performed are strictly forbidden, a point explicitly stated in EBU rules. This year the date was March 20 at which time, Russian broadcaster ORT delivered a Russian language version of the song only. Despite this, the EBU have allowed the team behind the girls extra time to prepare an English language version of their song.
The girls' manager Ivan Shapovalov was been busy with damage limitation interviews, claiming that the group would sing in Russian as part of a commitment to their heritage, on the ORT website he stated, "ORT suggested we submit a song in February, at the time when Tatu were working on their second album. We decided to put forward a song from their second Russian album. This is chance for Russia to change attitudes towards the festival and increase the audience for Eurovision. For us it is important to sing in our native tongue and do what we want, something others are scared to try."
The tone somewhat contradicted his views just a week ago when he was adamant the song would be in English, casually adding, "We know nothing about rules of this contest." Today Vlad Yackovlev of Channel One Russia stated that the group would in fact be performing in English with the title to be announced next week.
The song whose title translates as Don’t Trust, Don’t Fear, Don’t Ask, had been an early favourite with bookmakers who had shortened odds on a Russian victory after their participation was officially confirmed. Up until yesterday, t.A.T.u were favourites to win, their odds lengthened after fan site esctoday announced the song would almost certainly be in Russian and second favourite Spain began catching up quickly in early betting.
Just a few weeks ago Julia Volkova told newspapers that she was confident the duo can bring the Eurovision title to Russia for the first time. She said: "No one should be scared of us but we're going to win Eurovision." Lena Katina added: "We wanted to do this because we are Russians, body and soul. We want to blast everything that's gone before with our sexy act."
Julia Volkova and Lena Katina are now involved in producing a professional video of the song to replace the rough cut version presented to the EBU on March 20. The Eurovision song will feature on the girls' album due out shortly in Russia. It has been suggested by Shapovalov that the Eurovision song will not receive public performance and promotion ahead of May 24. Right now the duo are busy promoting Not Gonna Get Us in international markets. "
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