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'I want something magical': Russia's banned Eurovision singer is back

As she prepares for this year’s contest, Julia Samoylova talks about being at the centre of a diplomatic crisis and bringing a big power ballad to Lisbon

Talking with Julia Samoylova, Russia’s Eurovision entry, it’s easy to forget that a year ago she was at the centre of a diplomatic crisis. The 29-year-old chats away, all smiles and nervous laughter, like any other entrant, as she covers everything from her childhood in Ukhta, an industrial town in Russia’s north, to her first singing gig in a restaurant (she belted out the likes of I Will Always Love You until the owner said he wanted something less dramatic).

She wants to “bring light to the people” at next month’s event in Lisbon, and laughs about her dog, Tima – a fluffy Pomeranian Spitz who makes regular appearances in her vlogs.

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