No Russians so far lead at New Wave Festival in Lithuania

No Russians are among three leaders at the New Wave festival first round.

First place went to an American, Marina Chelo. The rendition of the famed Adagio composition was given 63 points by the jury.

Marina is a native of Uzbekistan. Her parents immigrated into the US when the girl was five years old. Now the performer lives in New York and, according to her, is just happy to represent the United States at the contest.

Second place after the first round goes to Latvian Jay Stever. He was given 62 points. True, Jay had violated the rule of performing a vintage hit song in the language of his country and the unspoken proviso -- much commented on in the press -- not to sing compositions of New Wave organisers.

Third place was awarded to Lithuania's Indra and Davidas -- 60 points.

Among Russian contestants the highest mark was given to the Smash Group -- 59 points.

On Friday, the challengers will be performing world hits. Marina Chelo will perform a very winning composition, Stop, by Sam Brown.

The Russian participants will sing: Olga Shilova Shy Guy from Dina King's repertoire, Polina Rostova an Abba song, Happy New Year, Smash will perform one of the songs from the Notre Dame de Paris musical -- Belle, Discomafia, a composition How Deep Is Your Love of the Bee Jees group, and Dima Bilan Fever by Davenport and Kuli.