Dima Bilan
Singer and Sochi 2014 Ambassador
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“My Olympic journey began with a visit to Sochi.ru World Russky Dom. For me personally, it left a big impression. Many people stood in line for hours in order to get inside to experience the hospitable atmosphere.
Right away, I want to say that the Olympic Games are definitely worth visiting if you have such an opportunity. I am particularly looking forward to the forthcoming Olympic Games 2014 in Sochi!”
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A talented child, Dima pursued the Arts from an early age, attending the celebrated Gnesin Music Academy before going on to the GITIS (the State Institute of Theatrical Arts). His recording career took flight in 2003 with his notable participation in the Russian festival Jurmala where he recorded his first songs, «Bum», «Night Hooligan», and «You and Only You», later releasing his first album «I am a Night Hooligan».
Dima’s acting career soon followed and includes his participation on the TV show «Fear Factor», shot on location in Argentina in 2004, as well as the Russian reality show «Empire», shot in Poland that same year. He has also appeared in several TV commercials and has been the official face for the «La Scala Fashion Group» and «Franck Provost». Dima also participated in the recording of the soundtrack for the musical Peter Pan in the United States.
Dima’s career has met with worldwide success when in 2005 he was awarded «Best Performer» and «Actor of the Year» at the MTV Russia Music Awards. Also an international name, Dima Bilan presented Russia that same year at the MTV Europe Music Awards. In 2006 he took part in the «International Music Awards» in Kiev where he was awarded «Singer of the Year» for his ballad «Never let you go».
He took second place at the international competition «Eurovision 2006» where he represented Russia, received two matreshka dolls at the MTV Russia Music Awards 2006 for «Best Song» for his single «Never Let You Go» and won MTV Europe Music Awards 2006 in «Russian Act» nomination. This summer the magazine «Forbes» honoured Dima with a «bronze» prize in their yearly rating of the most popular Russian celebrities. Dima Bilan received a nomination «Best Russian Artist» at the World Music Awards 2006.
In 2008, Dima Bilan once again represented Russia in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song «Believe», accompanied by Hungarian violinist Edvin Marton and Russian world champion figure skater Evgeni Plushenko. On May 24, 2008, Bilan won first place in the Contest, receiving 272 points and seven twelves, and became the first Russian singer ever to take the first position for the Eurovision.
One highlight of Dima’s recording career was the opportunity to participate in the recording of the «Anthem of Sochi 2014», in support of Russia’s Bid to host the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Dima Bilan was born in 1981, in Karachaevo-Cherkezia, Russia.
