The Grand Prix of the International Pop Song Performers Contest "Vitebsk–2015" was won by Dimash Kudaibergen from Kazakhstan
The International Pop Song Performers Contest "Vitebsk-2015" still remains the main intrigue of "Slavianski Bazaar". And it has been resolved – the Grand Prix was awarded to the performer from Kazakhstan, Dimash Kudaibergen.
According to the contest terms, its participants overcame two stages of creative competition: the semi-final, based on the results of which 15 performers were selected from 21, and the final, which lasted for two days. The final performances took place on the stage of the Summer Amphitheater and aroused the interest of the audience, who always follow the contest attentively and express their attitude towards the performers through the loudness of their applause. Sometimes the public's opinion coincided with the jury's assessments, and sometimes it did not. Compared to the professionals, the audience was more benevolent, and this was noted by everyone who came on stage and thanked the Belarusians for such a warm welcome.
On the first day, participants had to present a Slavic hit, i.e., a song by a composer in the language of one of the Slavic countries, accompanied by an orchestra. On the second day, they had to perform a world hit to a backing track ("minus one"). According to the project creators' concept, participants were supposed to find their cornflower star. Its image was constantly present on stage and served as a talisman. Symbolically, the introduction to the contestants this year also took place on the Alley of Stars during the first draw. Perhaps, one day, a personalized plaque for today's young performers, embarking on their journey in the big entertainment industry, will appear here.
The international jury, chaired by People's Artist of Azerbaijan Polad Bülbüloğlu, included renowned composers and performers from various countries. Among them were Brazilian opera singer Thiago Arancam, Precious Wilson from the UK, widely known as the lead singer of the group "Eruption," Intars Busulis from Latvia, and Marija Šerifović from Serbia, the winner of "Eurovision 2007," among others. The composition of the jury itself suggested diverse perspectives on the contestants' performances, but as the jury chairman assured, the final result did not cause significant disputes.
From the very first day, the undisputed leader was Dimash Kudaibergen from Kazakhstan, who scored the highest number of points – 175. He possesses an amazing voice, which he uses to arrange songs.
– It was difficult for me to choose a Slavic song because they are all very beautiful. At first, I wanted to sing "Belovezhskaya Pushcha", but it sounds so wonderful performed by famous soloists that I couldn't come up with my own interpretation. My imagination didn't spark. That's why I chose "Opyat' metel". And "Sos dun terrien en detresse" ("A cry for help from an earthling who has known despair") has been in my repertoire for a long time, – Dimash said backstage after the competition.
He also admitted that he had been preparing for the Vitebsk competition all his life. He dreamed of performing on the stage of "Slavianski Bazaar", which has been graced by great pop stars. And he promised that now, after his victory, he will definitely pay attention to Belarusian songs, which are not yet in his creative collection.
Dimash Kudaibergen was supported by his parents – honored cultural figures of the Republic of Kazakhstan – throughout all the days. They said that their son has been passionate about music since childhood and can get up at 3 a.m. and sing. He is currently studying at the Kazakh University of Arts at the pop faculty. By the way, in the entire history of "Slavianski Bazaar", this is the first time a representative of Kazakhstan has achieved such an undisputed victory – the Grand Prix. Dimash also received a prize of 20,000 dollars.
Valeriya Gribusova represented Belarus with distinction. Her total score was 171 points. On the first competition day, Valeriya performed the song "Noch" to the lyrics by Vladimir Mayakovsky, music by David Tukhmanov, and on the second day – Freddie Mercury's "Somebody to love" and convinced the jury not only of her good taste but also of her magnificent voice and artistry. As a result, she received the I prize ($15,000).
Nikolay Manolov from Bulgaria received high scores from professionals – II prize ($10,000). Third place and a prize of $5,000 were shared by Anna Tverdostup from Ukraine and Sofi from Georgia. The audience warmly welcomed Nade Talevska from Macedonia, who, despite being five months pregnant, decided to participate in the competition. Moreover, she is convinced that the positive emotions she received in Vitebsk will benefit her future child. By the jury's decision, Nade became the owner of the special prize named after Vladimir Mulyavin for the best embodiment of the national theme and performing skills.
The representative of Russia, Sofya Muratova, was awarded a certificate and a commemorative sign (a gold coin) from the International Federation of Festival Organizations. She, along with Valeriya Gribusova, received a special prize from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union of Belarus and Russia.
Yesterday, the winners of the international pop song performers competition "Vitebsk-2015" were awarded on the stage of the Summer Amphitheater. For the first time, the ceremony took place at the main festival venue. We will write about this in more detail in the next issue of the newspaper.
Tatyana Pasternak, "Vitebskiye Vesti"