1997 Worldvision Song Contest

The 1997 Worldvision Song Contest was the eighth edition of Worldvision Song Contest, and was held in Helsinki, Finland. Belgium, Brazil, The Netherlands, and Romania are still all on hiatus. Canada returned from their five year break. Belgium, Brazil and Romania returned from hiatus. Russia won the contest, with Alina Goronzova and her song, "Я слышу твой голос".

Format
Citizens of each participating country vote by telephone and SMS message, which counts for 50%, while a jury in each country also has a 50% say in the outcome. Each country's 10 favourites are awarded 1 to 8, 10 and 12 points. The bottom five rule from the 1996 contest was not brought back due to the overwhelming negativity from many viewers and some even claimed that the Worldvision Song Contest was "discriminating" against certain countries. Instead, two semi-finals or pre-qualifying rounds were introduced. The participating countries would perform their songs live and then vote on which countries should qualify for the final.