Ukrainians use Eurovision to plead for their compatriots
THE lead singer of Ukraine’s Eurovision act, folk-rap group Kalush Orchestra, cried out “Help Mariupol, help Azovstal!” at the end of their emotional performance last night.
The Ukrainian act were the favourite to win going into the competition, having been frontrunners since Russia’s invasion, which prompted organisers to ban the country from competing.
The group was dressed in elaborate outfits, including long, multi-coloured fringed ensembles, a pink bucket hat and others in traditional patterns.
They were one of 25 acts vying for the top prize following the week-long contest in Turin, Italy.
Their performance, which combined rap and Ukrainian folklore, received a standing ovation from the audience of 7,000 in the Pala Olimpico.
At the end, the band’s lead singer Oleh Psiuk urged the world to help the Ukrainian fighters trapped inside steelworks in the besieged city of Mariupol, saying: “Help Ukraine, help Mariupol, help Azovstal now!”
Graham Norton, who was once again anchoring the contest on BBC One, said: “We weren’t sure they were going to make it but they have made it. Their commentator did not make it – he is commentating from a bomb shelter.”
The group’s song, Stefania, was an ode to mothers and the trials they face raising families, and the band’s live performance featured synchronised dance moves, breakdancing and flutes.
Formed in 2019, the group consists of founder and rapper Oleh Psiuk, multiinstrumentalist Ihor Didenchuk and dancer Vlad Kurochka.
Ukraine awarded the UK’s entry, Sam Ryder, the highest score of 12 points. The 32-year-old TikTok star performed his song Space Man, which he co-wrote with Grammy-winner Amy Wadge.