Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra have won the Eurovision Song Contest, in a symbolic show of public support following the country’s invasion by Russia.
The rap-folk band, who were given special permission to leave the war-torn country, soared to first place with 631 points.
They ended their performance in Turin with a plea: “Please help Ukraine, help Mariupol, help Azovstal right now.”
Their winning song, Stefania, was originally written as a tribute to frontman Oleh Psiuk’s mother, but it has been re-purposed as a rallying cry for Ukraine amidst the Russian invasion.
Sam Ryder came second for the UK, the country’s best result since 1998.
A former construction worker, he had been keenly favoured ahead of the competition thanks to his soaring power ballad, Space Man, which evoked the classic British pop of Queen and Elton John.
It topped the jury vote, amassing 283 points, but was pipped at the post when public votes were added to the total. (The UK came fifth with the public, with Ukraine receiving the most points). However, his second place position reverses a long decline in the UK’s Eurovision fortunes. The country hasn’t been in the top 10 since Jade Ewen came fifth in 2009. In both 2019 and 2021, the UK came last.
Credit: bbc.com
