NB. This version was published in January 2017 and has been replaced by an updated Top 5 from Belarus.
Somewhat overshadowed in Eurovision, as in many other ways, by their giant neighbour, Russia, Belarus remain a minnow in Eurovision terms, with just 4 grand final appearances out of 13 contests entered. That still gives me enough scope to get a top 5, just don’t expect to see all the finalists! Unlike Georgia, Belarus have largely stuck to a (cheap) version of Europop with a Slavic flavour – with mixed success.
5. Angelica Agurbash “Love Me Tonight” (2005, 13th place in semi-final, 67 points)
For a country known as “Europe’s last dictatorship”, Belarus do go pretty full on camp with their entries and this one is no exception. One of their better Europop ones.
4. Anastasia Vinnikova “I Love Belarus” (2011, 14th place in semi-final, 45 points)
A patriotic number this one – I do like the Slavic/Russian instruments used in this uptempo number. One of the backing singers in this song will be appearing a little further up this top 5 as an entry in his own right…
3. Alyona Lanskaya “Solayoh” (2013, 16th place, 48 points)
A rare finalist for Belarus, and yet another high camp Europop entry: the singer emerges from a giant glitter ball, she wears a sparkly dress and has young, tanned male dancers with pecs and muscular arms!
2. Uzari & Maimuna “Time” (2015, 12th in semi-final, 39 points)
This could have been my number 1, but the live performance (well, the bare staging actually) let this down a bit from reaching the top (though I don’t think Belarus have much to spend on that to be fair). The duo came together from a mutual love of Tolkien (instantly getting my approval!) and you may notice Uzari with an earring/ear effect that was based on Elvish jewellery!
1. Dmitry Koldun “Work Your Magic” (2007, 6th place, 145 points)
By far and away Belarus’ most successful entry at Eurovision, it’s not surprising to see this at the top – catch, well produced (unlike many of their entries) and sung by a strapping young man, it’s my Belorussian number 1.
Teo and Ivan didn’t make the cut – should they? Let me know in the comments below!