Second place in the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest marked the arrival of Kristian Kostov, a performer whose musical background spans Russian and Bulgarian media markets. Born in Moscow in 2000, Kostov maintains citizenship in both Russia and Bulgaria. His career has developed through reality television, international music competitions, and chart-oriented pop releases across several global regions.
Early Television Appearances
Kostov initiated his professional trajectory through music talent shows. He competed in the inaugural season of The Voice Kids Russia, where Dima Bilan served as his mentor and guided him to the final stage. Following this experience, he transitioned to the Bulgarian market to participate in the fourth season of X Factor Bulgaria.
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His studio career began under Virginia Records with the October 2016 release of his debut single, Ne si za men, which reached the 13th position on the Bulgarian Singles Chart. Shortly thereafter, he collaborated with Pavell and Venci Venc on the single Vdigam Level, which reached the same chart position. In 2017, Kostov was selected to represent his country at the Eurovision Song Contest held in Kyiv. His entry, Beautiful Mess, secured second place in the final standings. In early 2018, he received the EBBA Public Choice award.
International Competition and Performances
In January 2019, Kostov joined the cast of the seventh season of the Chinese television program Singer. At eighteen years old, he was the youngest participant in the history of the competition, performing alongside artists such as Liu Huan, Chyi Yu, and Yang Kun. Beyond his work in television, he has expanded his professional scope into modeling and acting. In 2026, he performed as an interval act during the Eurovision Song Contest grand final in Vienna, Austria.
Fast facts
- Born: 2000, Moscow
- Citizenship: Russian and Bulgarian
- Occupations: Singer, songwriter, actor, model
- Languages spoken: English, Russian, Bulgarian, Kazakh
- 2017 Eurovision result: Second place
- 2019 competition: Singer, China
Questions readers ask
What languages does Kristian Kostov speak?
He speaks English, Russian, Bulgarian, and Kazakh.
Did Kristian Kostov appear on any television programs besides Eurovision?
Yes, he appeared on The Voice Kids Russia, X Factor Bulgaria, and the Chinese competition series Singer.
Achievements
- Instruments: piano, guitar and voice
- Genres: pop music, soul and acoustic music
