United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 ultimately selected six finalists to compete in the national final. The six competing songs were premiered during "The Ken Bruce Show" on BBC Radio 2 on 22 February 2016. Six acts compete in the televised final on 26 February 2016. In addition to their performances, guest performers included previous Eurovision Song Contest winners Måns Zelmerlöw, who won the contest for Sweden in with the song "Heroes", and Katrina Leskanich, who won the contest for the United Kingdom in as the lead vocalist of the band Katrina and the Waves performing the song "Love Shine a Light". The show also featured
Russia in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2016 Contest, Russia had participated in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest eleven times since its debut in . Russia have participated at ever contest since its debut, and have won the contest once in with the song "Vesenniy Jazz", performed by Tolmachevy Twins. The twin sisters went on to become the first act from a Junior Eurovision Song Contest to represent their country at the Eurovision Song Contest, performing the song "Shine" at the Eurovision Song Contest 2014, in Copenhagen, Denmark. The Russian broadcaster, Russia-1, announced on 29 April 2016 that they would be participating at the 2016 Contest, taking place