Dima Bilan
A charismatic Russian pop star who broke through international barriers by finally capturing the Eurovision crown.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Russian singer and model·Birthday: December 24·Millennials
Biography
Dima Bilan, born Viktor Belan, crafted a persona of theatrical glamour and earnest balladry that defined Russian pop in the 2000s. His career, launched through talent competitions, was a study in relentless ambition. The near-miss of his second-place Eurovision finish in 2006 with 'Never Let You Go' only fueled a more elaborate campaign for 2008. His winning performance of 'Believe' in Belgrade was a full-scale production, featuring Olympic figure skater Evgeni Plushenko and a grand piano on stage, cementing his reputation for high-concept spectacle. Beyond Eurovision, Bilan has maintained a consistent chart presence in Russia and across Eastern Europe, his music often blending pop-rock sensibilities with dramatic strings and personal lyrics. His style, marked by a carefully curated and sometimes androgynous image, has made him a persistent and controversial figure in the Russian media, navigating the line between pop idol and serious artist.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Dima was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Dima Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Dima's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Eurovision Song Contest for Russia in 2008 with the power ballad 'Believe'.
- Represented Russia at Eurovision twice, finishing second in 2006 before his 2008 victory.
- Has released multiple chart-topping albums in Russia and received numerous national music awards.
- Was named a Merited Artist of the Russian Federation in 2018 for his contributions to culture.
Did You Know?
He changed his stage name from Viktor Belan to Dima Bilan early in his career on the advice of his producer.
His 2008 Eurovision winning performance famously included Russian Olympic champion Evgeni Plushenko performing on ice on stage.
He is a trained actor and graduated from the Gitis Russian Institute of Theatre Arts.
Bilan has competed in the Russian version of 'The Masked Singer', performing as the Phoenix.
“I will win Eurovision for Russia, I feel it in my blood.”
