Julia Samoylova finally gets her chance on the Eurovision stage

In March, broadcaster Channel One confirmed that Julia Samoylova (Ukhta, 1989) would be representing Russia at the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest in Lisbon with the song I Won’t Break. 

She was originally chosen to represent Russia last year with the song Flame Is Burning but was ultimately unable to attend the 2017 contest. Back then, Channel One promised that Julia would represent Russia at the next contest — a commitment they lived up to. 

READ MORE: Julia's participant profile.

Today Julia Samoylova arrived to the Eurovision Song Contest stage in Lisbon's Altice Arena for her first round of rehearsals. She appeared on stage on top of a mountain, lit in changing colours as her song I Won't Break is sung. Julia is wearing a white dress with some shiny appliques. Below her, a couple of contemporary dancers and three backing singers complete the stage performance.

I Won't Break was written and composed by Netta Nimrodi, Leonid Gutkin and Arie Burshtein.

Eurovision.tv caught up with Julia backstage where she told us about the special meaning behind her mountaintop staging: "It's a metaphor, symbolic of life and our unity with nature. So that is the main idea, our unity with nature and with each other."

Russia competes in the second Semi-Final on Thursday, 10th of May. 

What do you think of Julia's first rehearsal? Will Russia make it to the Grand Final? Let us know what you think in the comments!