Ukraine wins the first semifinal of Eurovision 2022

The song of Ukraine is all for dancing. The Kalush Orchestra in Turin, at the most difficult moment for their country, they bring the song to Eurovision 2022 Stefania. “Representing your country is always a responsibility, for us it is even more so “, they told during the press conference. And on stage, during the first semifinal, they were full of applause. According to bookmakers, their song has already ousted Mahmood and Blanco from the podium. A symbolic victory, sure, because it is important at this moment to gather around the Ukrainians, overwhelmed by the war unleashed by Russia for over two months, but which the band defends: «Someone says we can win because of the war. but our song was in the top five favorites even before the conflict started, that means like it regardless“. No controversy, however, their goal is only one: “We hope that after our performance there will be even more attention to Ukrainian music and to the whole country”. The only thing that matters.

The Kalush Orchestra in Turin, in reality, were not supposed to be there. Then due to the withdrawal of the first place winner, Alina Pash, due to some controversy related to Crimea, it fell to them. The name of the band comes from the town of Kaluš, at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, where it was born Oleh Psyuk, the frontman of the band. They are added to him six other members between bands and choirs, but certainly among the main figures there are Ihor Didenčuk and MC Kilimmen. “One of us,” they said, “stayed in Kiev to fight.” After Eurovision, they explain, no tour: “We will return home to give our contribution.”

The song that lead to Eurovision, Stefania, is a mix of rap verses, folk chorus, hip hop and traditional Ukrainian folk music melodies. It’s inspired by the frontman’s mother: “This is the best thing I’ve ever done for her,” explained Oleh. With the outbreak of the war, he added, “the meaning has extended to all mothers who protect their children. Today and always.