She’s the Russian X Factor star who was promised a place at Eurovision 2018. But it seems that Julia Samoylova is still waiting to hear from the Russia‘s broadcaster whether or not she’ll be heading to Lisbon in May.

Russian website So Groovy reports that Julia discussed the issue during a recent live chat with her fans. The “Flame is Burning” singer revealed that while she still hasn’t heard from the broadcaster, she remains hopeful. Barring some sort of apocalyptic outcome (!), Julia seems determined to make it to Lisbon.

“Regarding the Eurovision song — no guys, the song for Eurovision has not even been chosen yet. Well, they say that I will go. I hope that the end of the world won’t come and everything will be fine … And we will go to Eurovision.”

The subject came up again and Julia took the opportunity to discuss the song selection process.

Yes, folks, we are going to Eurovision. What kind of song is not yet known, we’re searching for songwriters. I have not finished my songs yet … and who knows, maybe it will turn out that one of these songs will go to Eurovision.

The message for the Russian broadcaster is loud and clear: Julia is ready to go to Lisbon and she’s even looking for songs.

Russia is one of the few countries who has not publicly confirmed their intended participation in Eurovision 2018. Neither of the two Eurovision broadcasters — Channel One and Russia-1 — have spoken out beyond the controversy in March.

However, earlier this month host broadcaster RTP revealed that 43 counties will participate in Eurovision 2018. While the confirmed countries were not named, it was widely assumed that Russia is on the list.

Julia and Eurovision

Julia was originally announced as Russia’s act for Eurovision 2017 back in March. Channel One had internally selected the X Factor runner-up who would perform the song “Flame is Burning”.

However, controversy soon erupted when Ukraine authorities banned Julia from entering Ukraine for three years after having previously travelled to the contested Crimea region. This led to Russia withdrawing from Eurovision which ended Julia’s chance for 2017.

At the time, Russian broadcasters Channel One and Russia-1 issued a joint statement which promised that Julia would have the chance to represent Russia at Eurovision 2018. Now it seems that particular flame might not be burning so brightly after all.

But if there’s one thing we’ve learned from Julia Samoylova, it’s that she’s a fighter. Speaking to wiwibloggs editor-in-chief William Lee Adams earlier this year, Julia revealed that “The news that I could not come to the contest hurt me, but I never give up, never.” She added, “I would like to say to all the people — with physical challenges or without them — believe in yourselves, never give up and make your dream come true.”

What do you think? Should Russia select Julia Samoylova for Lisbon? Who should make Russia’s big Eurovision comeback?