Alexander Panayotov appears to be the the main candidate to represent Russia at the Eurovision Song Contest this year.

On 30 December 2016 on First Russian Channel finished the main vocal TV show – The Voice of Russia. The winner was Dariya Antonyuk. But from the start of show (since September 2016) a lot of people supported a popular Russian singer Alexander Panayotov. He finished in second place. It was a shock for many viewers. People could not  believe that Panayotov was not the winner. Many people want Panayotov to be the representative of Russia in ESC 2017.

In autumn 2016 Alexander spoke in some interviews, that he wants to represent Russia at ESC with the mission of kindness and song, which can to reconcile Russia and Ukraine. Alexander was born in Zaporozhye in Ukraine.
A few days ago the musical producer of First Russian Channel, Yuriy Aksyuta, spoke in interviews, that Panayotov is the main candidate for Eurovision 2017. An official decision will be made soon.

In the final of show (on 30 December 30 2016) he sang the song Careless Whisper  by the late George Michael. You can see that performance below.

ARTICLE BY: Eliana Goncharova