Paolo Santalucia and Colleen Barry The Associated Press TURIN, Italy. Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra won the Eurovision Song Contest in the early hours of Sunday in a clear show of support for the war-torn nation.
Paolo Santalucia and Colleen Barry
The Associated Press
TURIN, Italy — Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra won the Eurovision Song Contest in the early hours of Sunday in a clear show of support for the war-torn nation.
Mixing traditional folk melodies and contemporary hip hop in a resolute defense of Ukrainian culture, the six-man band was the sentimental and bookies’ favorite among the 25 bands and performers competing in the grand final. The public vote from home was decisive in securing his victory.
The band’s leader, Oleg Psiuk, took advantage of the huge global audience to make an impassioned plea to wrestlers still trapped under a sprawling steel plant in the southern port city of Mariupol following the band’s performance. six men.
“I ask all of you, please help Ukraine, Mariupol. Help Azovstal, right now,” band leader Oleh Psiuk told the live crowd of some 7,500 people, many of whom gave a standing ovation, and a global television audience of millions.
The Russians’ call for the release of the remaining Ukrainian fighters trapped beneath the Azovstal plant served as a grim reminder that the hugely popular and at times outlandish Eurovision song contest was taking place against the backdrop of war. on the eastern flank of Europe.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave signs that he was watching from kyiv and supporting the Ukrainian gang.
“In fact, this is not a war, but nevertheless, for us today, any victory is very important,” Zelenskyy said, according to a presidential statement. “So, let’s encourage our own. Glory to Ukraine!”
Kalush Orchestra was among 25 bands to perform in the Eurovision Song Contest final in front of a live audience in the northern industrial city of Turin, while being watched on television or streamed by millions around the world.
Fans from Spain, Great Britain and elsewhere poured into the PalaOlimpico venue from all over Europe cheering on their own country to win. Still, Ukrainian music fan Iryna Lasiy said she felt worldwide support for her country in the war and “not only for music”.
Russia was excluded this year after its invasion of Ukraine on February 24, a move organizers say seeks to keep politics out of the race that promotes diversity and friendship between nations.
Ukraine’s song “Stefania” was written as a tribute to the leader’s mother, but since the war it has become an anthem for the beleaguered nation as the lyrics take on new meaning. “I will always find my way home, even if all roads are destroyed,” Kalush Orchestra leader Oleh Psiuk wrote.
The all-male, six-member band received special permission to leave the country and represent Ukraine and Ukrainian culture in the music contest. One of the original members stayed to fight and the others plan to return as soon as the competition is over.
Back in Ukraine, in the battered northeastern city of Kharkiv, Kalush Orchestra’s participation in the competition is seen as giving the nation another platform for international support.
“The whole country is rising up, the whole world supports us. This is extremely nice,” said Julia Vashenko, a 29-year-old teacher.
“I think wherever Ukraine is now and there is an opportunity to talk about the war, we have to talk,” said Alexandra Konovalova, a 23-year-old make-up artist from Kharkiv. “Any competition is important now, because more people learn about what’s going on now.”
Anastasia Khardikova, a 24-year-old Ukrainian living in Sweden, said she intends to vote for Kalush Orchestra and is persuading her friends abroad to do the same.
The winner is chosen equally by panels of music experts in each competing nation and voted on by the viewing public, leaving room for a surprise. Britain’s Sam Ryder and Sweden’s Cornelia Jakobs each have a 10% chance, while the Italian duo of Mahmood & Blanco have a 6% chance of winning.
The winner takes home a crystal microphone trophy and a possible career boost.
The event was organized by Italy after local rock band Maneskin won last year in Rotterdam. The win launched the Rome-based band to international fame, opening for the Rolling Stones and appearing on Saturday Night Live and numerous magazine covers in their typically genderless dress code.
Twenty bands were chosen in two semi-finals this week and were competing alongside the Big Five from Italy, Britain, France, Germany and Spain, who have permanent places due to their financial support of the contest.
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Barry reported from Milan. Vasilisa Stepanenko contributed from Kharkiv, Ukraine.
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