History

The international contest of young pop singers "New Wave" has been a significant event not only in Russia and Latvia, but also in CIS and other countries for several years.

Deep interest of millions of TV viewers supporting the contestants, as well as concert programs of the contest confirm the fact that the "New Wave" has become a long-awaited annual European festival.
The idea to organize a new contest different from all those held in Russia and CIS countries before, struck composers Igor Krutoy and Raymond Pauls at the beginning of 2002. A musical forum like this would help to find new talented artists not only in Russia, but also in other countries. 

The "New Wave 2002" contest was the first successful experience. Both, audience and professional musicians agreed that such a contest was necessary for all the countries searching for new talents.
The preparation for the first contest required much effort from the organizers. Searching for partners, a lot of organizational issues, rapid solutions of the problems faced for the first time demanded great physical and emotional strength. Over 800 people organizing the "New Wave", a number of trailer trucks with scenery and equipment came to Jurmala for the days of the contest. The audience could enjoy a spectacular musical competition of 15 finalists, as well as performances of many VIP-guests: Toto Cutugno, Lou Bega, A.Pugacheva, F.Kirkorov and these are only a few of those guests. The President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga welcomed guests and participants of the contest at the opening ceremony in "Dzintari" concert hall.

The Trophy was meant to be an ideal symbol of the contest. Many interesting designs were presented at the tender held among the best design companies. The original idea was to make a blue cut-glass Trophy in the shape of rising waves with white cut-glass pianoforte keys and amber topping the crests of the waves. One of the few factories of Russia was able to make it, and the oldest and the most famous Russian cut-glass products factory in the town of Gus-Khrustalny was chosen. However, after discussing the manufacturing technology with the honored artist of Russia Vladimir Ivanovich Kasatkin, it turned out that this task could practically not be accomplished because of technological difficulties and the quality of the material. After a long search a solution was found. Now the Trophy features three rising waves of white crystal with black crystal pianoforte keys topping the crests of the waves. This Trophy goes to first, second and third place winners. 

A duet of young stylish guys «SMASH!!» (Russia) won the "New Wave - 2002" contest. Young singer Dima Bilan who got the fourth place at that contest is now a popular artist. His magnificent performance at the "Eurovision - 2006" contest in Athens where he got second place confirmed this fact. But Bilan's triumphal performance was at the "Eurovision - 2008" song contest that brought victory not only to his fans, but also to the whole Russia!

At the beginning of 2003, the Organizing Committee of the contest received over 3500 entry forms. Based on the results of the semi-final held in Moscow and seeing that there are many talented young singers, the jury decided that 16 singers and music groups would participate in the final instead of the usual 15. Charming Anastasia Stotskaya (Russia) was the winner of "The New Wave - 2003"! Patricia Kaas, In-Grid, Sarah Connor, «A-Teens», and the best Russian artists F.Kirkorov, M.Rasputina, Valeria, K.Orbakaite, Alsu, V.Leontiev and others came to the "New Wave-2003" contest. In 2003, the prize fund for the winners increased. In addition to the Crystal Wave and memorable diplomas the winner received $25,000, second prizewinner got $20,000, and third prizewinner was given $15,000. Honorable guests of the opening Ceremony of the "New Wave" included Igor Studennikov, the Ambassador of Russia in Latvia; Ingrida Udre, the Speaker of the Latvian Parliament (Saeima); Vladimir Malishkov, the Minister of Moscow Government; and Vladimir Lebedev, Deputy Head of the Department for foreign relations of the Moscow Mayor's Office.

The "New Wave - 2004" became another unforgettable event. Once again, fans of popular music could admire the competition of 16 best competitors from 13 countries of the world! And again, Jurmala was overwhelmed with smiles of friends, with tears shed when time came to part, and with hopes to meet again! And again, it was a difficult task for the esteemed members of the jury to make the final choice and name the winners. The first place was awarded to the Latvian group «Cosmos», the second prize went to Irina Dubtsova (Russia), and the third one to Deema (Germany). Besides, year 2004 marked the beginning of a good tradition: a singer who received People's Choice Award got a costly present in addition to a memorable diploma. A ring from "Smolensky Diamonds" company was solemnly presented to Norwegian contestant Vincens on stage of the "Dzintari" concert hall. Many prominent artists and VIP-guests including Thomas Anders, Bonny Tyler, Alsu, E. Vitorgan, K. Orbakaite, V. Leontiev, Jasmine, D.Dontsova and many others were the guests of the "New Wave - 2004". 

The "New Wave - 2005" managed to keep good traditions of the previous years. This time the Organizing Committee decided to increase the number of the participants, and 18 contestants from 13 countries competed for victory in 2005. Latvian contestant Intars Busulis was awarded the first prize, Tina Carol (Ukraine) got the second, and Polina Gagarina (Russia) got the third prize. Legendary and unique Alla Pugacheva was a charming Muse of the contest and its co-presenter of the concert programs. The Prima Donna had her own Prize for a contestant she liked best, and her opinion could differ from that of the jury. Tina Carol (Ukraine) received 50 000$ as a prize! Chris de Burgh, Al Di Meola, Alsu, V.Meladze, K.Orbakaite, N.Baskov, I.Kobzon and many others were among the guests of the contest in 2005.
The summer of 2006 saw the first anniversary - the contest was held for the fifth time! The jury was to assess performances of 16 finalists from 14 countries of the world. The participation of four ex-finalists of the contest in "Eurovision - 2006" in Athens confirmed a high level of selection and preparation of our participants. This result shows that the countries represented by young singers trust the Selection Committee and it also witnesses love of millions of viewers. Eddie Butler represented Israel at the "Eurovision" contest, Tina Carol represented Ukraine, Dima Bilan was a representative of Russia and "Cosmos" group represented Latvia. Their success in Greece was a result of both fruitful work and a successful start at the "New Wave" contest!

The Prize Fund of the contest rose up to 100 000 $ in 2006: first place winner from America La Rose got 50 000 $, Gianni Fiorellino from Italy (second place winner) received 30 000 $, and the third place winner Sofico from Georgia got 20 000 $. "Jukebox" group from Russia received a Special Prize from Alla Pugacheva (50 000 $). Since 2006, the "New Wave" contest has lasted 6 days instead of 5. One of the days of the contest was dedicated to the 70-th anniversary of Raymond Pauls. The best international stars - Lara Fabian, Craig David, Al Di Meola, as well as the best Russian stars such as K.Orbakaite, V.Leontiev, S.Rotaru, V.Serdjuchka, V.Meladze, L.Agutin, A.Varum, L.Leshchenko, Valeria, A.Rosenbaum, N.Baskov, I.Nikolaev, groups: "Zveri", "VIA GRA", "Diskoteka Avaria", "A'Studio", "Banda", "Alisa", "UMA2TURMAH " and many others arrived at the contest.

In 2007, the Organizing Committee of the contest received over 7000 entry forms from 37 countries. Traditionally, the semi-final of the contest was held in May and the best singers were chosen by the jury. It was not only Moscow that hosted the semi-finals; they were also held in Ukraine, Belarus and St. Petersburg. 18 finalists representing 14 countries of the world were chosen from hundreds of entrants. The Prize Fund of the contest increased up to $ 120 000 in 2007. Natalia Gordienko from Moldova won the contest. She was followed by Latvian Erglis and Ukrainian duet "Barcelona" who shared the second place, and charming Marina from Poland got the third place. She was also awarded a Special Prize from Alla Pugacheva (established in 2005) and a special prize from "Universal" company. People's Choice award - a present from "Smolensky Diamonds" company - went to "Rin`Go" band from Kazakhstan. The band also got a "Credit" prize from Alla Pugacheva. Municipal Duma of Jurmala delivered a special prize to Kostas Martakis from Greece. Like in 2006, the contest was held in six days instead of five. One day was dedicated to the works of Igor Krutoy. The best artists from Russia and Latvia participated in the recital of the composer. International stars - Stevie Wonder, Michael Bolton, Dmitry Khvorostovskiy, as well as Russian stars A.Pugacheva, K.Orbakaite, V.Leontiev, S.Rotaru, V.Meladze, L.Agutin, A.Varum, L.Vaikule, L.Leshchenko, Alsu, V.Presnyakov, D.Bilan, F.Kirkorov, Valeria, N.Baskov, A.Russo, I.Nikolaev, P.Gagarina, S.Lazarev, A.Serov, Timati, "Diskoteka Avariya", "A'Studio" and many others performed at the contest!
After the preliminary auditioning of over 8000 demo songs had taken place, selection rounds in the north-eastern region of Russia (St.Petersburg), Belarus (Minsk), Ukraine (Kiev) and Asian countries (Almaty) were organized. After these regional selection rounds, some young actors were invited to the semi-final of the "New Wave 2008" contest, held in "Metelitsa" entertainment complex on March, 18-19. For this purpose, over 130 participants from different countries came to the capital of Russia. After this Moscow semi-final, another selection round was held in Riga. The capital of Latvia hosted a European selection round for the singers from Latvia, Canada, Sweden, Swiss, Germany, Czech Republic, Great Britain, Italy, Greece, France, Kenya, Poland and Macedonia.

As there were many talented young singers wishing to participate in the final of the contest, the competent jury found it difficult to choose between them. The opinion of the jury members varied at times. Many contestants were even given some extra tasks. After a long discussion, 17 finalists from 14 countries were announced. In 2008, the Prize Fund is $ 140 000.

The best Russian pop singers will come to the "New Wave 2008" contest. Robin Gibb, Joe Cocker, Al Jarreau, Montserrat Caballe, Elena Obraztsova are also expected to come and perform at the "Dzintari" concert hall. The contest will certainly be broadcast live and millions of TV viewers will be able to see it on "Rossiya" and "RTR-Planeta" channels. Come to get unforgettable impressions and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of music! See you in Jurmala in July!