Russia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2003


Russia participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2003 in Riga, Latvia. The Russian entry was selected internally by the Russian broadcaster Channel One Russia. t.A.T.u. represented Russia with the song "Ne ver’', ne boisia", which placed 3rd and scored 164 points at the contest.

Before Eurovision

Internal selection

In late January 2003, C1R began airing television adverts where interested artists and songwriters could submit their proposals during a submission period until 1 March 2003. A jury panel reviewed all the submissions and announced on 19 March 2003 that the duo t.A.T.u. had been selected to represent Russia with the song "Ne ver'’, ne boisia".
Other artists that sent entries for consideration included Smash!!, Plazma, Kristina Orbakaitė and Avraam Russo.

At Eurovision

Russia performed 11th at the 2003 Contest, following Germany and preceding Spain. After the voting concluded, Russia scored 164 points and placed 3rd, one point behind 2nd placed Belgium and 3 points behind the winner, Turkey. This guaranteed Russia automatic qualification to the final of the 2004 Contest.
The voting spokesperson for Russia was Yana Churikova.
After the contest, Channel One Russia complained that Irish broadcaster RTÉ had used a back-up jury, and that it had cost them victory. A statement by Channel One said "Considering insignificant difference in points between the first and third places, there are grounds to believe that the contest results could be much different for Russia." RTÉ responded by publishing the unused results of the Irish televote, which showed that had the jury not been used, Turkey would still have won. and Russia would be second.

Points awarded to Russia

Points awarded by Russia

Points awarded by the Russian jury:
12 points
10 points
8 points
7 points
6 points
5 points
4 points
3 points
2 points
1 point