Dima Bilan to give solo concert in Russia’s capital

Dima Bilan, one of Russia’s top pop singers, who has gathered dozens of music awards, is preparing for his first big solo concert. He will perform at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium on March 16 and 17.

Most of  Bilan’s tracks are being recorded in the United States, where producer Timbaland, known for working with stars including the Rolling Stones, Sting and Justin Timberlake, has agreed to contribute to the creativity of Russian singer.

Born in Karachaevo-Cherkessia in Southern Russia on December 24, 1981, Dima Bilan moved to the country's capital to study at the State Musical College named after the Gnessins.

While studying there he met prominent Russian music producer Yury Aizenshpis. Having a professional sense and a practiced eye, Aizenshpis at once saw a future pop star in the young man.

‘The role, which Yury Smil'evich has played in my life, can't be described in just a few words. It was a very large part of my life and now it is deep inside me – in my heart and in my consciousness.  I can't pinpoint it exactly. He was more than a producer – he became a second father to me!’ the pop star says.

Sadly, Yury Aizenshpis died in September 2005 – just one day before Dima Bilan won the best Russian artist award at MTV's Russia Music Awards.

Later, many more accolades followed, including second place at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2006, where the singer found new fans among the European audience.

At the latest World Music Awards ceremony in London, Dima Bilan performed on the same stage as Michael Jackson. He was also honoured for being the best-selling Russian artist.

And he is not going to stop.

‘Fame isn't a standstill. Life is changing so fast. I'm very skeptical about being famous. I even try not to pay any attention to it.  I think that a feeling of how important future deeds are is much more valuable than a sense of already acquired victories,’ he says.