Russia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 Russia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 Russia participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 in Belgrade, Serbia. The Russian entry was selected through a national final, Evrovidenie 2008 (Евровидение 2008) organised by the Russian broadcaster Rossiya Channel (RTR). Dima Bilan represented Russia with the song "Believe", which qualified from the first semi-final of the competition and won the contest, placing 1st in the final with 272 points. For the 2008 Contest, Rossiya Channel (RTR) was responsible for the selection of the Russian entry, opting to organize a national final. On 8 December 2007, RTR announced a submission period for
Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 determined the performer; it was an option for the song to be changed. The winner was Elnur Hüseynov feat. Samir Javadzadeh with the song Day After Day. Azerbaijan made its début in the Eurovision taking part in the first semi-final on 20 May 2008. It qualified as the fourth country pulled out and will be in the Eurovision final on Sunday 24 May 2008. Azerbaijan was drawn 20th in the Final. In the final the Azerbaijani duet Elnur Hüseynov and Samir Javadzadeh finished 8th with 132 points. For the 2008 contest the spokesperson for the Azerbaijan broadcast was Leyla Aliyeva.