Biography
Who is Yulia Samoylova?
Early life and background
Yulia Samoylova was born in the city of Ukhta, located in the Komi Republic of Russia. During her childhood, she began experiencing a loss of function in her legs due to a condition known as spinal muscular atrophy. She has used a wheelchair since she was young.
While some reports suggested her condition might be linked to a vaccination, medical specialists have disputed this claim. She began her professional singing activities by performing for oil workers at a local restaurant in her hometown. In 2008, she established a musical group called TerraNova. The band focused on heavy alternative music styles until it dissolved in 2010.
Rise to musical prominence
Yulia Samoylova pursued higher education at the Modern University for the Humanities. In 2013, she achieved recognition as the runner-up in the third season of Faktor A, which served as the Russian adaptation of the popular competition show The X Factor.
Following this television success, she participated in the opening ceremony for the 2014 Winter Paralympics. These events helped establish her presence within the Russian music industry before she moved toward international competitions.
Eurovision Song Contest
In early 2017, she was selected to represent Russia at the Eurovision Song Contest held in Kyiv, Ukraine, with a track titled Flame Is Burning. However, Ukrainian authorities imposed a three-year ban on her entry into the country. The restriction stemmed from her 2015 visit to Crimea, which Ukraine considered a violation of its national laws regarding entry through Russian-controlled borders. Consequently, Russia withdrew from the 2017 competition.
The following year, the Russian broadcaster selected her again to represent the nation at the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest in Lisbon, Portugal. She performed the song I Won't Break during the second semi-final. She placed 15th out of 18 contestants, which meant she did not qualify for the grand final. This outcome marked the first time a Russian entry failed to reach the final round since the semi-final format began in 2004.
Artistic style and work
Throughout her career, Yulia Samoylova has explored various musical genres including estrada, pop rock, and indie pop. She works as a singer, composer, poet, and writer. Her efforts have earned her the Alla's Golden Star award.
By balancing her background in heavy alternative music with pop sensibilities, she has maintained a diverse approach to her creative output. Despite the difficulties faced during her Eurovision participation, she remains a well-known figure in the contemporary Russian music scene.
Birthday and age
Yulia Samoylova was born on April 7, 1989, which makes Yulia 37 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aries sign. Yulia shares the date with 25 other famous people.
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