Dima Bilan

Dima Bilan, born Viktor Nikolaevich Belan on December 24, 1981, in Ust-Dzheguta, Karachay-Cherkessia, is a Russian singer and songwriter.

Bilan was born in Ust-Dzheguta, Karachay-Cherkessia, then part of the Soviet Union. His family later moved to Naberezhnye Chelny before settling in Moscow. He studied at the Gnesin Russian Academy of Music, where he graduated in 2003.

Bilan’s career started in the early 2000s when he participated in the Chunga-Changa music festival in 2000. His first music video, “Osen” (“Autumn”), was released in 2002. His debut album, Ya Nochnoy Huligan (I’m a Night Hooligan), came out in 2003. In 2004, he released the album Na Beregu Neba (On the Shore of the Sky), which included the popular song “Na Beregu Neba.”

Ya Nochnoy Huligan was followed by Na Beregu Neba in 2004. His breakthrough came in 2006 when he finished second in the Eurovision Song Contest with Never Let You Go.

In 2008, he returned to Eurovision with Believe, co-written by Jim Beanz, and won the contest in Belgrade with 272 points. Following his victory, Bilan’s career expanded internationally. He signed a contract with American producer Timbaland and collaborated with artists such as Nelly Furtado. In 2009, he released the English-language album Believe, which included tracks produced in the United States. However, his attempts to break into the Western market were met with mixed success, and he shifted his focus back to Russian-language music.

In the years following Eurovision, Bilan remained a dominant figure in Russian pop music. He released Protiv Pravil in 2008 and Dreamer in 2009, blending pop, rock, and electronic influences. His single Safety, a duet with Anastacia, was released in 2010, marking another international collaboration. Despite his international aspirations, his strongest fanbase remained in Russia and neighboring countries.

In 2012, he competed in Russia’s national Eurovision selection with Back to Her Future, but did not secure the ticket to the contest. That same year, he released the album Mechtatel (Dreamer), featuring songs that experimented with electronic and orchestral elements. Around this time, he also acted in several film and television projects, including the 2014 film Geroi (Heroes), in which he played the lead role.

In 2015, he continued releasing new music and participated in the first season of Golos Deti, the Russian version of The Voice Kids, as a coach. The following year, he became a mentor on The Voice Russia and led his contestant, Sardor Milano, to victory. His presence on television increased his visibility beyond music, solidifying his role as a pop culture figure.

Between 2016 and 2019, Bilan released several singles that topped Russian charts, including Molniya and Derzhi. His music videos were known for their cinematic quality, often featuring elaborate narratives. In 2018, he celebrated his 20-year career anniversary with a large-scale concert in Moscow.

In 2019, Bilan made headlines when he performed at a concert in Samara while appearing visibly unwell. Following public criticism, he apologized and held a free concert in the city as a goodwill gesture. Despite the controversy, his career remained strong, and he continued performing across Russia.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bilan remained active, releasing new songs and livestreaming performances for his fans. In 2021, he returned to The Voice Russia as a mentor and continued working on new music projects. He also took part in various charitable initiatives, including supporting children’s hospitals and music education programs.

In September 2021, he collaborated with singer Mari Kraimbrery on the single “Ты не моя пара” (“You Are Not My Mate”), a track that delves into the complexities of former relationships. This release was part of a dual project that also featured a collaboration with artist Zivert.

Two months later, a tribute album titled “13 друзей Билана” (“13 Friends of Bilan”) was released, showcasing various artists performing Bilan’s songs. Bilan actively participated in the project, recording duets with Klava Koka, Zivert, and JONY. During the same period, Bilan returned as a coach on the tenth season of “The Voice Russia,”

In 2024, Bilan resumed his role as a coach on the eleventh season of “The Voice Kids Russia,”. His return marked a significant moment, as he had previously served as a coach in earlier seasons. The season concluded on November 29, 2024, with Vasily Igolkin from Team Bilan winning the competition. This victory made Bilan the first coach in the history of “The Voice Kids Russia” to secure three wins.

In early 2023, Bilan faced political repercussions due to his public stance on international events. In January 2023, Ukraine imposed sanctions on him for his support of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Subsequently, in February 2023, Canada also sanctioned Bilan, citing his involvement in disseminating Russian propaganda.

Despite these challenges, Bilan continued to engage with his audience. In December 2023, he attended the “Almost Naked Party” held at a Moscow nightclub, an event that garnered significant media attention.