BIRTHDAY: Alyona Lanskaya from Belarus is 34 today

Some countries have had more success than others in getting out of the dreaded semi-finals. They can be bloodbaths. Fancied songs fall by the wayside and the unexpected get through.

In 2013, our friends in Belarus hadn’t had much luck. Just two finalists in nine attempts. But today’s birthday girl Алена Ланская/Alyona Lanskaya became the third. She had a lot going for her. The pattern of Belarusian qualifications favoured her, and she had a glitter ball. How showbiz is that? Even though she sang about an iced snack, the glitterball trumped everything else. And her innovative way to clap. She deserved her place in the final.

Authors: Riigi Ametnik, John Stanton

Source: OnEurope.biz