Exclusive: The hosts of the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest!
07 May 2009 at 20:15 CESTLondon-based model Natalia Vodyanova and Russian TV-presenter Andrey Malakhov will host the two Semi-Finals of the upcoming contest, on the 12th and 14th of May. The Final on the 16th of May will be hosted by Russia's 2000 Eurovision Song Contest contestant Alsou and media personality Ivan Urgant.
Natalya Vodyanova, born in Nizhny Novgorod, was discovered at the age of 16 by a scout from a local agency. Her modeling career sky-rocketed, and she is now one of the most famous and sought-after international fashion models. She is the face of many premium fashion brands and a star at the major catwalks. Her ad campaign for Calvin Klein in 2002 made her a highest paid model in the history of this brand.
Andrey Malakhov is known as one of the most stylish presenters at the Russian TV. He started as a journalist and then took position of special correspondent of the Channel One Russia Information Programmes Department. Starting from 1996 Andrey has been a special correspondent and host to the Good Morning show. He gained wide popularity as a talk-show and music charts show host. He is currently a host of a Let Them Talk show at the Channel One Russia.
Alsou is a popular Russian singer. In 2000 she represented Russia at the Eurovision Song Contest with her song Solo and came second. Alsou collaborated with Enrique Iglesias, John Bon Jovi and Nelly.
Ivan Urgant is an actor and a presenter. Born to an actors' family, he started his career working for a number of Saint Petersburg radio stations, then TV channels (including a local MTV). He currently hosts a number of TV shows including a culinary show Smak, The Magic World of Walt Disney, and comic shows such as Projectorparishilton and The Big Difference. Winner of the national TEFI (Television Broadcasters) award in 2007. Together with Vladimir Pozner, one of the most famous Russian journalists, he made an award-winning One-storied America documentary.