Dima Bilan

Biography

Dima Bilan, born Viktor Belan on December 24, 1981, in Karachay-Cherkessia, is a prominent Russian pop singer. He gained international recognition after representing Russia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 with the song "Never Let You Go," finishing in second place. Bilan's family relocated to Naberezhnye Chelny in Tatarstan when he was one, and later to Kabardino-Balkaria, where he developed an early interest in music. He graduated from Gnesins Musical College as a classical vocalist and made his debut in 2002, achieving fourth place at the "New Wave" festival. Bilan's debut album, "Nochnoy Huligan," was released in 2003, featuring notable covers. He has received multiple awards, including two golden gramophones for his hit "Ty dolzhna ryadom byt'" and was named "Singer of the Year" at the International Music Awards in 2006. Bilan continues to be an influential figure in the Russian music industry.