Despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Kalush Orchestra will perform live at the Eurovision Song Contest in Turin. This was confirmed on April 2nd, and since then have performed live in Lviv, in Western Ukraine. Kalush has also recently performed in Tel Aviv, Israel at Israel Calling.
Kalush Orchestra able to obtain authorisation to leave Ukraine
Prior to the performances, the band members have been helping Ukrainians through volunteer work or defending the capital city, Kyiv, through Ukraine’s territorial defence. Since then, Ukraine’s public broadcaster, UA:PBC, confirmed that they are able to get official authorisation for the band’s travel from the state’s authorities.
Suspilne Eurovision posted on their Instagram that it would be best for Kalush to support their country by their performance and communication to the European audience. Kalush Orchestra have also said
We want to show the global community Ukrainian music, our spirit, and how unbreakable we are. We really need support in this difficult time.
Kalush Orchestra were able to represent Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 due to controversial circumstances around Vidbir winner, Alina Pash. Despite this, Kalush Orchestra are the favourites to win Eurovision 2022 and give Ukraine their 3rd victory of the contest since their debut in 2003.
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.
Do you think Ukraine can win the Eurovision Song Contest this year? What’s your favourite Ukrainian Eurovision entry? Let us know in the comments below or at social media. Don’t forget to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ over at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
News Source: UA:PBC
Photo Source: UA:PBC
