UK national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest had hit with "Walking On Sunshine", to enter a new track, "Love Shine A Light". This produced a win in the Eurovision Contest itself for the United Kingdom and for Katrina and the Waves in 1997, and followed with a second place for Imaani in 1998, but disappointment in 1999 for the all-girl band Precious. In 2000, the same format continued, but the final four songs were performed live in "A Song For Europe", still shunted to a graveyard Sunday afternoon slot. The result proved disappointing. Nicki French gave what author John Kennedy O'Connor describes in his book The Eurovision
Russia in the Eurovision Song Contest 1997 performed 20th at the 1997 Contest, following Hungary and preceding Denmark. After the voting concluded, Russia scored 33 points and placed 15th. The Russian conductor at the contest was a Swedish musician and bass guitarist Rutger Gunnarsson. The voting spokesperson for Russia was Arina Sharapova. Points awarded by the Russian jury: Russia in the Eurovision Song Contest 1997 Russia participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 1997] in Dublin, Ireland. The Russian entry was selected internally by the Russian broadcaster Russian Public Television (ORT). Alla Pugacheva represented Russia with the song "Primadonna", which placed 15th and scored 33 points at the