Ukraine is the best in Europe, in Ukraine the best songs and the best performers! In the Turkish capital, Istanbul, something happened that we were even afraid to think about. Ukrainian Ruslana and her “Wild Dance” conquered all of Europe and became the winners of the most prestigious and very popular in the Old World song contest Eurovision 2004.
Eurovision 2004: The Triumph of Ukraine and Ruslana
Even before the official start of the competition, many called Ruslana Lyzhichko the favorite. In the semifinal, which took place on May 12, she stood out among all the participating countries (there were 36 in the competition) with national color and extraordinary energy. In the finals, representatives of 24 countries fought for the victory – 10 performers made it to the finals, having passed the preliminary stage, in which 22 countries participated.
The live broadcast of this event was watched by 100 million viewers in 36 countries, who “gave” 280 lucky points for Ruslana and Ukraine during the TV interview.
The main struggle was fought between Ukraine, Greece and Serbia with Montenegro. But nevertheless, the Ukrainian and her “Wild Dance” won.
Ruslana won first place, gaining 280 points. Here’s how they voted for Ruslana: Andora – 10 points, Albania – 5, Austria – 4, Bosnia and Herzegovina – 6, Belgium – 5, Belarus – 10, Switzerland – 0, Serbia – 10, Cyprus – 8, Germany – 6, Denmark – 5, Estonia – 12, Spain – 8, Finland – 8, France – 2, Great Britain – 5, Greece – 7, Croatia – 8, Ireland – 7, Israel – 12, Iceland -12, Lithuania -12, Latvia -12 , Monaco – 6, Macedonia – 8, Malta – 8, Netherland – 7, Norway – 7, Poland – 12, Portugal – 10, Romania – 6, Russia – 12, Sweden – 10, Slovenia – 8, Turkey -12, Ukraine – I did not have the right to vote for myself.
The main struggle was between Ukraine, Greece and Serbia with Montenegro. The second place at the 49th Eurovision Song Contest 2004 rightfully went to Serbia and Montenegro. Ruslana’s main alleged rival – Greece took third place.
Ruslana and her “Wild Dances” have proved that Ukraine is today the best in Europe. And now, after a huge triumph in Turkey, we must prepare for the 50th anniversary Eurovision contest, which will be held in Ukraine in 2005.
This post is also available in:
English 
Русский (Russian)
