13907 Dima Bilan whose real name is Viktor Belan is one of the most successful Russian pop singer of the mid-2000s. Originated from Karachai-Cherkess Republic Dima Bilan finished a musical school in Kabardino-Balkaria and then famous Gnesins Musical College in Moscow. The good-looking graduate with sweet voice attracted attention of a prosperous producer Yury Aizenshpis, well-known for his work with Kino, Technologia, Vlad Stashevsky and many other Russian pop groups and artists. With inherent feeling for gaps in the Russian pop music movement Yury Aizenshpis created an image for Bilan that was romantic, rowdy, strong, courageous, and tender at the same time. Dima Bilan debuted at New Wave Song Contest 2002 in Latvia and took fourth place. His first albums Nochnoi Khuligan [Night Hooligan] and Na Beregu Neba [On the Heaven's Shore], released in 2003 and 2004, respectively, gained wide public admiration. During 2005 Bilan won a number of pop music awards. His songs and image were similar to Vlad Stashevsky's, but as this artist, who stopped musical activity in 1999, by then had been forgotten by general public, this comparison did little to affect Bilan's career. Simple melodious songs of love, pleasant voice and appearance allowed Dima Bilan to climb up tops of musical charts, despite his weak vocals and simple lyrics and melodies. After Yury Aizenshpis' sudden death in September 2005, his successors made decision to close the project. Nevertheless huge commercial success of the Bilan's works helped him to find support from young vigorous producer Yana Rudkovskaya. In 2006 Dima Bilan won second place at Eurovision Song Contest and issued his third album Vremya Reka [Time River] despite the fact he and his producer were involved into court examination of Bilan's and Rudkovskaya's competence to use Dima Bilan brand. Final judgement is expected in 2008. ~ Dmitriy Tselikov, All Music Guide 11902 Karachai-Cherkess, Russia