Only less than a week after being selected to be Ukraine’s Eurovision 2022 representative, Alina Pash has now withdrawn her candidacy from the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest, which is due to take place in Turin. Alina announced the news just now on her Instagram page.
“I don’t want this virtual war and hatred”
Even before her withdrawal, there has been doubt on her participation in the contest. Speaking about it now, she mentioned how she did not want to be “in this dirty story anymore” and that she is withdrawing her candidacy with a heavy heart.
Alina ended her announcement, to Thank the people who have supported her and her music. The translated withdrawal message is as follows:
I am a citizen of Ukraine, I follow the laws of Ukraine, I try to bring the traditions and values of Ukraine to the world. What this story turned out to be is not at all what I put into my song.
I am an artist, not a politician. I do not have an army of PR people, managers, lawyers to resist all this attack and pressure, the break-in of my social networks; threats. And also absolutely unacceptable wording that people allow themselves without understanding the situation and forgetting about the dignity of every citizen of Ukraine
I don’t want this virtual war and hatred. The main war now is an external one, which came to my country in 2014.
I don’t want to be in this dirty story anymore. With a heavy heart I withdraw my candidacy as the representative of Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest. Unfortunately. I’m really sorry.
We will contact the Public and sign all the necessary documents.
Separately, I want to thank everyone who supports and helps me, who hears my song and important message, not gossip about me. Thanks!
We have a story going on with you, and we have to decide what it will be ❤️
Let’s unite! Now it is more important than ever!
At the time of writing, UA:PBC has publicly acknowledged her withdrawal on their official Instagram page. However, they have yet to reveal further information on how they will be proceeding going forward. In 2019, the country withdrew from the competition, after controversy arose on their selection.
Ukraine’s Eurovision journey
Ukraine is one of the most successful countries to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest. The country has scored seven top-five placements, with an extra three top-ten finishes. Ukraine won the Contest in 2004 with Ruslana’s “Wild Dances” and again in 2016 with Jamala’s “1944”. Jamala’s win made history for Ukraine, as it became the first ex-Soviet country to win the Contest more than once.
In 2021, Go_A represented Ukraine in the 65th edition of the Contest with their song “SHUM”. The band scored 364 points, finishing in fifth place.
What do you make of the drama in Ukraine? Should Alina Pash be allowed to compete in Turin? If not, who from the national selection represent Ukraine? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for all things Ukraine.
News Source: Alina Pash
Photo Credit: UA: PBC / EBU
So much Eurodrama this year.