A Russian pop singer has won the 53rd Eurovision song contest with his song Believe beating performers from Ukraine and Greece.
London, May 25 : A Russian pop singer has won the 53rd Eurovision song contest with his song "Believe" beating performers from Ukraine and Greece.
Dima Bilan is one of Russia's biggest pop stars and his heartfelt ballad Believe, produced by US R and B star Timbaland, has given Russia its first ever Eurovision win.
Ukraine's Ani Lorak came second with her lively disco track Shady Lady, followed by Greece with upbeat pop song Secret Combination by Kalomira.
Bilan collected a total 272 points, leaving behind Ukraine on 230 and Greece on 218, reports BBC.
British soul singer Andy Abrahams finished joint last with another glamorous female soloist, Isis Gee of Poland, on a mere 14 points.
French electro-pop producer Sebastien Tellier, whose song "Divine" sparked controversy in his homeland because most of its lyrics were in English, did only slightly better, picking up 47 points.
This year's other entrants included Latvian pirates, a Finnish heavy rock group, and a 75-year-old Croatian rapper.
The show was opened in front of 20,000 fans at the Belgrade Arena by last year's winner Marija Serifovic.
The 20 countries that came through the semi-finals joined hosts Serbia along with the UK, France, Germany and Spain - the contest's four biggest supporters.
Eurovision Top Five:1. Russia: 272 points
2. Ukraine: 230
3. Greece: 218
4. Armenia: 199
5. Norway: 182
ANI