Kalush Orchestra will represent Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 with the song “Stefania”.
The UA:PBC Organising Committee of the National Selection for Eurovision 2022 announced today that Kalush Orchestra will represent Ukraine in Turin. Kalush Orchestra originally finished second in Vidbir 2022, receiving the highest points from the public vote. However, after an investigation over alleged illegal entry into Crimea was launched against Alina Pash, the original winner, Alina withdrew as the Ukrainian representative for Eurovision 2022. UA:PBC, the Ukrainian national broadcaster, then offered Kalush Orchestra the opportunity to be the Ukrainian representatives. They accepted the offer.
Oleh Psyuk, lead vocalist of Kalush Orchetra, commented on the decision:
“We are grateful to everyone who supported us during the national final and gave us first place in the public vote. We promise every Ukrainian that we will justify your choice. In difficult times for our country, we must reaffirm ourselves to the world. That is why we are ready to represent Ukraine with dignity to all of Europe.”
Kalush Orchestra will perform in the first half of the first semi-final on May 10.
Image Source: Kalush Orchestra | Source: UA:PBC
Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest
Ukraine first participated in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2003, when Oleksandr Ponomariov performed “Hasta la vista”. The following year Ruslana brought the country their first win with the song “Wild Dances”. It was a feat that would be replicated in 2016 by Jamala with her song “1944”; her emotionally charged song scored a record 534 points to take victory in Stockholm. In 2017 O.Torvald represented the country on home soil with the song “Time”. The group finished in 24th place, Ukraine’s worst result at the contest to date. Ukraine is the last remaining country with a 100% semi-final qualification record.
