A song with power: Ukraine’s Eurovision entry unites nation
2 years, 7 months ago

A song with power: Ukraine’s Eurovision entry unites nation

Associated Press  

TURIN, Italy — Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra’s upbeat, melodic entry for this month’s Eurovision Song Contest was written as a tribute to the frontman’s mother. “I’ll always find my way home, even if all roads are destroyed,’’ Kalush Orchestra frontman Oleh Psiuk wrote in the lyrics for “Stefania.” His words have become more poignant as missiles pound Ukrainian cities and villages, forcing over 11 million to flee since Russia invaded the country. It has become really close to the hearts of so many people in Ukraine,” said the songwriter, who wore a bright bucket hat that would make him instantly recognizable to anyone who has streamed “Stefania.” Kalush Orchestra’s Eurovision performance will have an added political message, representing the uniqueness of Ukrainian culture against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s bellicose claim that the former Soviet republic was always part of Russia. Psuik attributes Ukraine’s success to “the peculiar character that our music has.” “I really hope that after we perform it at the Eurovision Song Contest, Ukrainian music will be even more popular and heard,’’ Psiuk said.

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History of this topic

Eurovision explained, from ABBA to Zorra, as the Israel-Hamas war overshadows the song contest
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Eurovision explained, from ABBA to Zorra, as the Israel-Hamas war overshadows the song contest

Associated Press  

MALMO, Sweden — Scores of musicians, hundreds of journalists and thousands of music fans have gathered in Malmo, Sweden, where the Eurovision Song Contest is building towards Saturday’s exuberant, glitter-drenched final. Sarah Bonnici of Malta performs the song Loop during the dress rehearsal for the second semi-final at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. The …

Ukrainian duo heads to the Eurovision Song Contest with a message: We’re still here
7 months, 4 weeks ago

Ukrainian duo heads to the Eurovision Song Contest with a message: We’re still here

Associated Press  

KYIV, Ukraine — Even amid war, Ukraine finds time for the glittery, pop-filled Eurovision Song Contest. Folk-rap band Kalush Orchestra took the Eurovision title in 2022 with “Stefania,” a song about the frontman’s mother that became an anthem to the war-ravaged motherland, with a haunting refrain on a traditional Ukrainian wind instrument. Heil said the message is that “we all …

From pop to politics, what to know as Sweden prepares for the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest
8 months ago

From pop to politics, what to know as Sweden prepares for the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest

Associated Press  

LONDON — It’s springtime in Europe — time for the annual blossoming of spectacle and sound known as the Eurovision Song Contest. This year marks the 50th anniversary of a Eurovision’s most iconic moment, ABBA’s victory in the 1974 contest with “Waterloo.” The win propelled the band toward superstardom and helped jump-start Sweden’s music industry. Eurovision’s motto is “united by …

Sweden celebrates Eurovision win; Ukrainian duo defiant after Russian strike on hometown
1 year, 7 months ago

Sweden celebrates Eurovision win; Ukrainian duo defiant after Russian strike on hometown

Associated Press  

LIVERPOOL, England — Liverpool cleaned up from the Eurovision Song Contest on Sunday, as Sweden celebrated victory and Ukraine remained defiant after a night of Russian bombardment, including a strike on the hometown of the country’s competitors. Kalush Orchestra said Sunday that the participation of Kate, who is married to Britain’s Prince William, “shows the depth of support the U.K. …

EUROVISION PHOTOS: See the spectacle, and some silliness, from this year’s contestants
1 year, 7 months ago

EUROVISION PHOTOS: See the spectacle, and some silliness, from this year’s contestants

Associated Press  

— The Eurovision Song Contest field has been narrowed to the 26 acts who will sing their hearts out Saturday for a chance at glory and national bragging rights. Some examples: France’s contender La Zarra performed this week atop a towering pedestal made to look like an extension of her sparkly dress. German band Lord of the Lost’s frontman performed …

It’s Eurovision time! Here’s how the contest works and who to watch for
1 year, 7 months ago

It’s Eurovision time! Here’s how the contest works and who to watch for

Associated Press  

LIVERPOOL, England — Sprinkle the sequins and pump up the volume: The 67th Eurovision Song Contest reaches its climax on Saturday with a grand final broadcast live from Liverpool. Six countries automatically qualify: last year’s winner and the “Big Five” who pay the most to the contest -- France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the U.K. It’s hard to predict victors …

Zelenskyy barred from addressing 'nonpolitical' Eurovision Song Contest
1 year, 7 months ago

Zelenskyy barred from addressing 'nonpolitical' Eurovision Song Contest

The Hindu  

This weekend's Eurovision Song Contest will have Ukrainian flags, Ukrainian musicians and Ukrainian fans — but not the country's wartime leader. The European Broadcasting Union, which runs Eurovision, said that letting Mr. Zelenskyy participate would breach “the nonpolitical nature of the event.” Mr. Zelenskyy's request "to address the audience at the Eurovision Song Contest, whilst made with laudable intentions, regrettably …

Ukrainian singer Jamala to perform new album for Eurovision
1 year, 7 months ago

Ukrainian singer Jamala to perform new album for Eurovision

Associated Press  

LONDON — Jamala and the orchestra were supposed be onstage, but they were sheltering in a basement. The Ukrainian singer was at the venue to debut a selection of songs from her new album “Qirim” — a collection of Crimean Tatar tracks that was years in the making. “It’s like a diary, very personal stories.” One of the characters on …

What to know as UK hosts Eurovision Song Contest for Ukraine
1 year, 7 months ago

What to know as UK hosts Eurovision Song Contest for Ukraine

Associated Press  

LONDON — Last week, Britain crowned a king. “ a way to measure the zeitgeist in Europe.” A MUSICAL MELANGE Eurovision was long associated with fluffy 3-minute pop songs — previous winners include the likes of “La, La, La” and “Boom Bang-a-Bang.” But Vuletic says it’s no longer “the contest with silly songs, innocuous lyrics that it perhaps used to …

Tours, breakdancing, Arnold Schwarzenegger: What Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra has been up to since Eurovision 2022
1 year, 7 months ago

Tours, breakdancing, Arnold Schwarzenegger: What Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra has been up to since Eurovision 2022

ABC  

It's been a year since the Ukrainian folk-rap group Kalush Orchestra won the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest in Turin, Italy, last May. The song, dedicated to Stefania — the mother of Kalush Orchestra frontman Oleh Psiuk — has become a popular wartime soundtrack on social media since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Kalush Orchestra has performed 200 concerts in different …

Set to host, UK taking Eurovision very seriously this year
1 year, 7 months ago

Set to host, UK taking Eurovision very seriously this year

Associated Press  

LONDON — There’s nothing like nearly winning to wake people up. And the U.K.’s second-place position at last year’s Eurovision Song Contest has helped kickstart widespread enthusiasm for 2023’s edition — taking place in Liverpool this week. Singer Rita Ora says Eurovision — the semifinals begin Tuesday and the final is Saturday — has received another lease on life in …

2022’s Eurovision winners hope Ukraine will host by 2024
1 year, 10 months ago

2022’s Eurovision winners hope Ukraine will host by 2024

The Independent  

Sign up to Roisin O’Connor’s free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Get our Now Hear This email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy 2022’s Eurovision song contest winners …

Kalush Orchestra promise to be cultural ‘soldiers’ for Ukraine at MTV EMAs
2 years, 1 month ago

Kalush Orchestra promise to be cultural ‘soldiers’ for Ukraine at MTV EMAs

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Eurovision 2023 to be hosted in Liverpool
2 years, 2 months ago

Eurovision 2023 to be hosted in Liverpool

The Independent  

Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Eurovision 2023 song contest will be hosted in Liverpool. “And …

Liverpool to host 2023 Eurovision Song Contest for Ukraine
2 years, 2 months ago

Liverpool to host 2023 Eurovision Song Contest for Ukraine

Associated Press  

LONDON — The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will be staged in the English city of Liverpool, the BBC said Friday, after Britain was asked to hold the event on behalf of designated host country Ukraine. Organizers concluded it was too risky to stage the event in Ukraine, so the 2023 contest went to Britain, which says the event will be …

UK to host 2023 Eurovision after Ukraine ruled too risky
2 years, 4 months ago

UK to host 2023 Eurovision after Ukraine ruled too risky

Associated Press  

LONDON — Next year’s Eurovision Song Contest will be staged in Britain, organizers announced Monday, after concluding it is too risky to hold the much-loved pop extravaganza in the designated host country, Ukraine. The European Broadcasting Union, which runs Eurovision, said it had concluded that “regrettably, next year’s event could not be held in Ukraine for safety and security reasons.” …

Eurovision winners Kalush Orchestra announced for Glastonbury 2022
2 years, 6 months ago

Eurovision winners Kalush Orchestra announced for Glastonbury 2022

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Eurovision 2023 won’t be held in Ukraine; UK may step in
2 years, 6 months ago

Eurovision 2023 won’t be held in Ukraine; UK may step in

Associated Press  

GENEVA — The organizer of the Eurovision Song Contest said Friday that it will start talks with the BBC on possibly holding next year’s event in the U.K. after concluding that it can’t be held in Ukraine. The contest’s governing board “has with deep regret concluded that, given the current circumstances, the security and operational guarantees required for a broadcaster …

Eurovision 2023 cannot go ahead in Ukraine due to war, talks to hold contest in the UK instead
2 years, 6 months ago

Eurovision 2023 cannot go ahead in Ukraine due to war, talks to hold contest in the UK instead

ABC  

The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest cannot be held in Ukraine given the ongoing war in the country, the European Broadcasting Union says, adding it was in talks with the BBC to host it in the United Kingdom. Key points: Ukraine's public broadcaster says they cannot fulfil the security and operational guarantees to host the contest Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra won this …

Eurovision winners Kalush Orchestra auction trophy for Ukrainian army, raise $1.3 million
2 years, 6 months ago

Eurovision winners Kalush Orchestra auction trophy for Ukrainian army, raise $1.3 million

ABC  

Eurovision Song Contest winners Kalush Orchestra have auctioned off their trophy to raise more than a million dollars for the Ukrainian army. Kalush Orchestra said their win was a "victory for every Ukrainian". Watch the Eurovision winner's official music video — filmed in war-torn Ukraine Photo shows A member of Kalush Orchestra in a burnt-out building. Kalush Orchestra wrote on …

Explained | What is the Eurovision Song Contest that Ukraine won and why is it important?
2 years, 7 months ago

Explained | What is the Eurovision Song Contest that Ukraine won and why is it important?

The Hindu  

The story so far: Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra won the 66th Eurovision Song Contest held in Turin, Italy, for its song ‘Stefania’, in a clear show of popular support for conflict-hit Ukraine that went beyond music. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed his country’s third victory in the singing extravaganza in a Telegram post, writing “Our courage impresses the world, our …

How are people reacting to Eurovision 2022? Were there voting irregularities? Will Ukraine host next year's competition?
2 years, 7 months ago

How are people reacting to Eurovision 2022? Were there voting irregularities? Will Ukraine host next year's competition?

ABC  

It wouldn't be Eurovision without the headlines and this year is no exception. Ukraine's win signifies not only that Kalush Orchestra are "incredible artists", wrote Iceland's entry, Systur, but "receiving the majority of the tele votes also tells us that the people of Europe stand with Ukraine, that we all want peace". After the nation's win, he said “we will …

Eurovision win in hand, Ukraine band releases new war video
2 years, 7 months ago

Eurovision win in hand, Ukraine band releases new war video

Associated Press  

TURIN, Italy — Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra, fresh off its Eurovision victory, released a new music video Sunday of its winning hit “Stefania” that features scenes of war-ravaged Ukraine and women in combat gear, as the annual song contest took on ever more political tones given Russia’s war. “We were trying to deliver the message of what Ukraine looks like …

Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra wins Eurovision amid war
2 years, 7 months ago

Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra wins Eurovision amid war

Associated Press  

TURIN, Italy — Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra won the Eurovision Song Contest, a clear show of popular support for the group’s war-ravaged nation that went beyond music. Especially this year.” “Stefania” was penned by Psiuk as a tribute to his mother, but since Russia’s Feb. 24 invasion it has become an anthem to the motherland, with lyrics that pledge: “I’ll …

Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra wins Eurovision amid war
2 years, 7 months ago

Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra wins Eurovision amid war

The Hindu  

Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra won the Eurovision Song Contest in the early hours of Sunday in a clear show of popular support for the war-ravaged nation that went beyond music. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the victory, Ukraine's third since its 2003 Eurovision debut, and said “we will do our best” to host next year's contest in the hotly contested …

Ukraine triumphs in Eurovision Song Contest with UK’s Sam Ryder second
2 years, 7 months ago

Ukraine triumphs in Eurovision Song Contest with UK’s Sam Ryder second

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said …

Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra wins Eurovision amid Russia’s invasion
2 years, 7 months ago

Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra wins Eurovision amid Russia’s invasion

Al Jazeera  

Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra wins the Eurovision Song Contest in a clear show of popular support for the war-ravaged nation that went beyond music Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra won the Eurovision Song Contest in Italy on Sunday, riding a wave of popular support for the war-ravaged nation amid Russia’s invasion. Bookmakers had made Kalush Orchestra the clear favourite for the annual …

Eurovision winner Oleh Psiuk heads home to serve Ukraine
2 years, 7 months ago

Eurovision winner Oleh Psiuk heads home to serve Ukraine

The Telegraph  

The frontman of Ukraine's Eurovision winners Kalush Orchestra has returned home to join the defence of his country. Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra won the contest with their entry "Stefania", riding a wave of public support to claim an emotional victory that was welcomed by the country's president Volodymyr Zelensky. It came after "Killnet" claimed an attack on the websites of several …

Ukraine wins Eurovision 2022 with Kalush Orchestra's Stefania
2 years, 7 months ago

Ukraine wins Eurovision 2022 with Kalush Orchestra's Stefania

ABC  

Ukraine has won the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest by a landslide, with Kalush Orchestra finishing 193 points ahead of its competition for its folk-hip-hop performance of Stefania. Key points: Kalush Orchestra's has become an anthem for its war-torn country Performers from other countries shared their support for Ukraine on stage Ukraine's President says he hopes the country can host Eurovision …

How Eurovision is shining a light on Italy’s radically changing music scene
2 years, 7 months ago

How Eurovision is shining a light on Italy’s radically changing music scene

The Independent  

Sign up to Roisin O’Connor’s free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Get our Now Hear This email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “If you’re a rock fan looking for the next …

Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra wins Eurovision amid war
2 years, 7 months ago

Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra wins Eurovision amid war

LA Times  

Kalush Orchestra from Ukraine celebrates after winning the grand finale of the Eurovision Song Contest at PalaOlimpico arena in Turin, Italy, on May 14, 2022. Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra won the Eurovision Song Contest in the early hours of Sunday in a clear show of support for the war-ravaged nation. The plea to free the remaining Ukrainian fighters trapped beneath …

Ukraine band favored in Eurovision Song Contest final
2 years, 7 months ago

Ukraine band favored in Eurovision Song Contest final

Associated Press  

MILAN — Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra and its members’ folk-hip hop anthem to their war-torn nation is the oddsmaker’s favorite to win the Eurovision Song Contest, an event intended to celebrate diversity and promote friendship among nations. For the Ukrainian community in Italy, Kalush Orchestra’s participation in such a hugely popular international event puts an important spotlight on Ukrainian culture …

Hold the world’s madness, Eurovision has begun
2 years, 7 months ago

Hold the world’s madness, Eurovision has begun

Live Mint  

Just in time, against a backdrop of war in Europe, comes Eurovision, the world's biggest live music event with its quirky, camp celebration of culture and song. "I think it's amazing that this year Eurovision can happen again, especially now with the circumstances in Europe," German fan Matthias Korte, 30, told AFP. But with striking lyrics such as "I'll always …

How Eurovision helps define Europe’s boundaries (and why Ukraine will likely win)
2 years, 7 months ago

How Eurovision helps define Europe’s boundaries (and why Ukraine will likely win)

Salon  

This year's Eurovision Song Contest – an annual celebration of pop music in which nations compete to win the votes of judges and the public – takes place on May 14 in Turin, Italy. While the latest odds first and foremost reflect the widespread sympathy throughout Europe for besieged Ukraine, it certainly helps that the Ukrainian entry, Kalush Orchestra's "Stefania," …

A fan-favorite band from Ukraine advances to the Eurovision grand final
2 years, 7 months ago

A fan-favorite band from Ukraine advances to the Eurovision grand final

NPR  

A fan-favorite band from Ukraine advances to the Eurovision grand final Enlarge this image toggle caption Marco Bertorello/AFP via Getty Images Marco Bertorello/AFP via Getty Images Ten countries advanced last night from the first round of Eurovision semi-finals to the final round of the songwriting competition, which will take place on Saturday in Turin, Italy. The band's Eurovision entry, "Stefania," …

War in Ukraine live updates: U.S. nears passage of billions more in aid; why Russia's air force has been humbled
2 years, 7 months ago

War in Ukraine live updates: U.S. nears passage of billions more in aid; why Russia's air force has been humbled

NPR  

Marco Bertorello / AFP via Getty Images Members of Ukraine's band "Kalush Orchestra" celebrate their qualification during the first semifinal of the Eurovision Song contest 2022 on Tuesday at the Palalpitour venue in Turin. The three-member group — with their iconic pink bucket hat, energetic breakdancer and colorful traditional clothing — is favored to win the competition, with bookmaker Parimatch …

Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra are the hot favourites for this year's Eurovision Song Contest — what happens if they win?
2 years, 7 months ago

Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra are the hot favourites for this year's Eurovision Song Contest — what happens if they win?

ABC  

It's that time of the year again, when performers, fans and pundits gather for the longest-running international televised music competition: the Eurovision Song Contest. Kalush Orchestra brought Ukrainian flags but chose less colourful outfits for their official entry to Eurovision at the contest's opening ceremony this week. ABC's Eurovision coverage Keep up with all the latest news from the Eurovision …

Iceland and Estonia join calls for Russia Eurovision ban after Ukraine invasion
2 years, 9 months ago

Iceland and Estonia join calls for Russia Eurovision ban after Ukraine invasion

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Iceland and Estonia have joined the Netherlands in calling for …

AP PHOTOS: Eurovision delivers decades of songs, spectacle
3 years, 7 months ago

AP PHOTOS: Eurovision delivers decades of songs, spectacle

Associated Press  

Once a year, Europeans come together in a flurry of flags, spangles and disco beats to compete for the continent’s pop crown at the Eurovision Song Contest. A few international stars have emerged from Eurovision’s sequined ranks, including Swedish pop titans ABBA — victors in 1974 with “Waterloo” — and Canadian chanteuse Celine Dion, who won the 1988 contest for …

Eurovision: Every winning song ranked from best to worst
3 years, 7 months ago

Eurovision: Every winning song ranked from best to worst

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Toy” – Netta A truly wacky song and performance, …

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