Biography
Who is Ruslana Lyzhychko?
Early life and education
Ruslana Lyzhychko was born on May 24, 1973, in Lviv, Ukraine. Her parents are Stepan Lyzhychko and Nina Sapegina. Encouraged by her mother, she began studying at an experimental musical school at the age of four and sang in several vocal and instrumental groups, including Horizon, Orion, and the children ensemble Usmishka.
After finishing secondary school, Ruslana entered the Lviv Conservatory. She studied under Mykola Kolessa and graduated in 1995 as a classical pianist and a symphonic orchestra conductor.
Career highlights and Eurovision
Ruslana started her professional music career by winning the Slavianski Bazaar song competition in Vitebsk in 1996 with the song Oj, letili dyki husi. She released her first album, Myt Vesny Dzvinkyi Viter, in 1998, which received praise from music critics. Her early success included popular songs like Svitanok, which featured one of the first big-budget Ukrainian music videos.
Her career reached an international milestone when she represented Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest 2004. She performed her self-composed song Wild Dances and won the competition with 280 points. The single stayed in European charts for 97 weeks and topped the charts in Belgium for ten consecutive weeks. She received the World Music Award in Las Vegas as the best-selling Ukrainian artist.
Personal life and marriage
Ruslana married Oleksandr Ksenofontov on December 28, 1995. Her husband is a Ukrainian record producer who has worked as her manager and producer since the beginning of her career. Together, they have operated the company Luxen Studio since 1993, producing radio and film trailers.
Beyond her music career, Ruslana has been active in politics and public service. She served as a deputy in the Ukrainian parliament for the Our Ukraine Party and worked as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in Ukraine during 2004 and 2005. She was also named an honorary citizen of her hometown, Lviv, and received the title of People's Artist of Ukraine.
Birthday and age
Ruslana Lyzhychko was born on May 24, 1973, which makes Ruslana 53 years old today. That birthday falls under the Gemini sign. Ruslana shares the date with 38 other famous people.
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