[1] On 22 January 2004, C1R announced a submission period for interested artists and composers to submit their entries until 15 February 2004.

The broadcaster received over 700 submissions at the conclusion of the deadline, including entries from Anastasia Stotskaya, Avraam Russo, Dima Bilan, Reflex and Smash.

[2] The jury consisted of Konstantin Ernst (general manager of C1R), Aleksandr Fifeman (general producer of C1R), Marina Danielyan (service manager of C1R), Yuriy Aksyuta (music director of C1R), Vladimir Matetsky (singer-songwriter and producer) and Valeriya (singer).

[2][4][5] The Russian song, "Believe Me", was presented to the public on 24 March 2004 through the release of the official music video.

On 23 March 2004, Russia was drawn to perform 14th in the final on 15 May 2004, following Belgium and preceding a slot allotted for a semi-finalist qualifier, which was ultimately filled by Macedonia.