Ukraine wins Eurovision Song Contest

UKRAI E won the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in Turin, Italy on Saturday ahead of 24 other acts from across Europe.

The Ukrainian entry “Stefania,” by the band Kalush Orchestra, had been heavily favoured to win.

Originally a tribute to the band frontman’s mother, “Stefania” has morphed into a tribute to the resilience of the Ukrainian people in face of the the Russian invasion of their country in February.

The conflict overshadowed this year’s event, with covert and overt displays of solidarity with Ukraine despite rules that officially disallow political statements.

Following their performance, the band had issued an appeal for the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol and the Azov steelworks, which are besieged by Russian troops, to be saved.

While some feared that Kalush Orchestra could be disqualified, the EBU told dpa: “We understand the deep feelings around Ukraine at this moment and believe the comments of the Kalush Orchestra and other artists expressing support for the Ukrainian people to be humanitarian rather than political in nature.”

The evening event opened with 1,000 musicians performing the John ennon classic “Give Peace a Chance” on a piazza in Turin’s city centre, as some 7,000 viewers in the ESC hall sang along as they watched.

Capping a week of events including two semi-finals, the ESC grand final was hosted by Italian television presenter Alessandro Cattelan, Italian singer aura Pausini and ebanese-British singer Mika.

The popular Ukrainian act received 12 points from audiences in almost all participating countries for a total of 6 1 points, well ahead of second-place British singer Sam Ryder, who received 466 points for his entry, “Space Man.” Points are awarded by national juries and voting by viewers. The show’s rules prevent voters from supporting their own country’s entry. Countries advanced to the grand final after two semi-finals.

The European Broadcast Union (EBU) cited “irregularities” in the voting in Thursday’s second semifinal which did not affect the final result.

(AFP) Members of the band “Kalush Orchestra” pose onstage with the winner’s trophy and Ukraine’s flags after winning on behalf of Ukraine the Eurovision Song contest 2022 at the Pala Alpitour venue in Turin on Saturday.