Grannies from remote village to represent Russia in Eurovision song contest.
- 12 years ago
Elderly crooners seem to be in vogue for this year's Eurovision song contest.
The UK picked 75-year-old Engelbert Humperdinck -- now, not to be outdone, Russia has chosen an amateur group of village babushkas, with several over 70 years old, to represent the world's largest country.
The Buranovo grannies won the televote broadcast live on Russian television on Wednesday.
Their song 'Come On And Dance' will be performed in the contest to be held in Azerbaijan in May.
TV host Olga Shelest is excited for their future.
SOUNDBITE: Russian TV host, Olga Shelest, saying (Russian):
"They are basically just beginning -- young artists. Because they're not touring much, they're not on TV too often, I'm not sure if they have many music videos for rotation on music TV channels."
The grannies beat off stiff competition from established Russian pop acts several decades younger than them.
They have been singing for five years but Eurovision will be their big break.
And Moscovites are hopeful.
SOUNDBITE: Moscow resident, Viktoria, saying:
"They have a chance to win, because this all is very traditional, and our culture should not be forgotten."
SOUNDBITE: Moscow resident, Galina Georgiyevna, saying (Russian):
"I think they have a chance (to win), not a big one, but I think there is a chance. The Babushkas have started entering the arena despite their age. This is good."
As for their grannies, they're not too bothered if they end up with the dreaded 'nul points'.
They say their primary aim is to raise enough money to build a new church in their village.
Edward Baran Reuters.
The UK picked 75-year-old Engelbert Humperdinck -- now, not to be outdone, Russia has chosen an amateur group of village babushkas, with several over 70 years old, to represent the world's largest country.
The Buranovo grannies won the televote broadcast live on Russian television on Wednesday.
Their song 'Come On And Dance' will be performed in the contest to be held in Azerbaijan in May.
TV host Olga Shelest is excited for their future.
SOUNDBITE: Russian TV host, Olga Shelest, saying (Russian):
"They are basically just beginning -- young artists. Because they're not touring much, they're not on TV too often, I'm not sure if they have many music videos for rotation on music TV channels."
The grannies beat off stiff competition from established Russian pop acts several decades younger than them.
They have been singing for five years but Eurovision will be their big break.
And Moscovites are hopeful.
SOUNDBITE: Moscow resident, Viktoria, saying:
"They have a chance to win, because this all is very traditional, and our culture should not be forgotten."
SOUNDBITE: Moscow resident, Galina Georgiyevna, saying (Russian):
"I think they have a chance (to win), not a big one, but I think there is a chance. The Babushkas have started entering the arena despite their age. This is good."
As for their grannies, they're not too bothered if they end up with the dreaded 'nul points'.
They say their primary aim is to raise enough money to build a new church in their village.
Edward Baran Reuters.