Bulgaria's national broadcaster BNT has revealed that the Bulgarian-Russian singer Kristian Kostov will represent Bulgaria at Eurovision Song Contest 2017. Kristian has been selected internally and will sing the song "Beautiful Mess", written by Borislav Milanov, Sebastian Armann and Joacim Bo Persson. All the composers were part of last year's "If Love Was A Crime" by Poli Genova.
Kristian Kostov (17) was born in Moscow. His father is from Bulgaria and his mother is from Kazakhstan. He participated in The Voice Kids in Russia in 2014, where he reached the final. In 2016 he was a runner-up in the 4th season of Bulgarian X Factor.He released his debut single "Ne si za men" in October 2016.
Beautiful Mess is authentic, interesting and transmits the sentiment and the main idea of the song. I like the song, because it's what I am. Last November, I started working with Bobby [the composer Borislav Milanov] with the idea to submit a song for Eurovision either for this year or next. As a performer, now I'm trying to find myself and actually Beautiful Mess is my first song that has a deeper meaning. I like it a lot. My vision for the future is actually to do projects that make sense, so that's a step in the right direction for me. Besides this, my fans will see me in a different light than in my past projects, so I am really curious to find out what their reaction will be, says Kristian.Bulgarian Head of Delegation Joana Levieva-Sawyer says that the selection process was very thorough, and that the choice on Kristian was extremely hard because of a high level of songs and stage concepts to choose between.
Another youngster, Isaiah Firebrace, is representing Australia at Eurovision 2017 in Ukraine with his song Don't Come Easy.
But the 17-year-old has also just appeared on a smaller but just as important stage: a school in Melbourne's North East.
Along with entertaining school kids, he hopes his new public profile will help improve the lives of young people - especially young Indigenous people.
"It's definitely something I want to do is to inspire young Indigenous teenagers, and not only Indigenous, non-Indigenous kids as well," he said.
"Just to never give up on your dreams no matter how young you are. I think age is just a number."
From a large Aboriginal family in the town of Moama, last year's X-factor winner is already experiencing global success.
His first hit Gotta Be You went Platinum in Sweden, and charted in over 15 other countries.
He hopes sharing his story will help inspire others, whatever their background, to try their best.
"You kind of have to do what you have to do when you have a passion and you're doing something you love."
Those working with Isaiah say it's his warmth that makes him a natural on the stage.The Australian Head of Delegation Paul Clarke said Isaiah is a great role model for young Australians.
"I think he will do Australia proud - and I think he is a great ambassador for all young Australians, but particularly Indigenous Australians looking for a role model - I think he's a brilliant role model."
In Kyiv Australia will compete in Semi-final 1 on 9 May, while Bulgaria will compete in Semi-final 2 on 11 May 2017.
The Eurovision Song Contest will be broadcast over SBS's Eurovision weekend - Friday 12 May, Saturday 13 May, and Grand Final Sunday 14 May at 7.30pm on SBS with LIVE early morning broadcasts begin Wednesday 10 May at 5am on SBS.
