From Russia With Love

Sergey Lasarev has been chosen to represent Russia at Eurovision 2016 in Stockholm. While his song has not yet been made known, Sergey is no stranger to the world of entertainment and has a huge following in his home country and beyond. Here are 10 top facts to get you acquainted with Sergey.

1. Sergey was born on April Fool’s Day.

While it’s true that Sergey was born on April 1^st 1983, he is certainly no fool, as his many achievements and awards can show.

2. He was a child star.

As a child, Sergey studied artistic gymnastics from age 6 to 9, before turning his talents to acting and singing.

3. As a teenager, Sergey had a successful TV career.

Sergey was a member of musical groups Neposedi and The Fidgets, making many appearances on Russian TV programmes and contests.

4. As well as having a successful singing career, Sergey is also a professional actor.

After graduating from Moscow’s famous Mkhat Theatre School in 2004, Sergey has pursued a fruitful acting career, winning several awards for his performances.

5. Sergey was one half of the Russian pop duo, Smash.

Along with his friend, Vlad Topalov, Sergey formed ‘Smash’ in 2002. They released their first single ‘Belle’ in October 2002 and the video for the song was top of MTV Russia’s charts for six months.

6. Smash had a million-selling debut album.

Smash’s debut album ‘Freeway’ sold over a million copies across Russia and other nations of the former USSR.

7. Sergey is a successful solo artist.

After Smash split up, weeks after the release of their second album, 2nite, Sergey continued to pursue a solo career. His debut solo album ‘Don’t Be Fake’ was released in 2005 and sold over 300,000 copies in Russia alone.

8. ESC2016 isn’t Sergey’s first Eurovision attempt.

In 2008, Sergey participated in the Russian qualifiers for the Eurovision but came 4^th. Russian pop star, Dima Bilan represented Russia that year.

9. Sergey is a dog person.

Sergey adopted his beloved dog, Daisy from a shelter and regularly posts pictures of her on Instagram.

10. Sergey’s passions: Shoes and smells.

In an interview on Super.ru Sergey admits that he is a big fan of shoes and owns many pairs. He also loves his colognes, citing Hermes and Dior as two of his favourites. So if you get the chance to get up close and personal with him, he’s sure to smell great!

For more on Sergey Lasarev, check out his website HERE

Author : Jennifer Roche

Source : Eurovision Ireland