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 six-man band that mixes traditional folk melodies and contemporary hip-hop in a purposeful defense of Ukrainian culture was the sentimental and bookmakers’ favorite among the 25 bands and performers competing in the grand finale. The public vote from home was decisive in securing the victory.
The plea to free the remaining Ukrainian fighters trapped beneath the Azovstal plant by Russians served as a somber reminder that the hugely popular and at times flamboyant Eurovision Song Contest was being played out against the backdrop of a war on Europe’s eastern flank. Fans from Spain, Britain and elsewhere entering the PalaOlimpico venue from throughout Europe were rooting for their own countries. Still, Ukrainian music fan Iryna Lasiy said she felt global support for her country, and “not only for the music.”
The band received special permission to leave the country to represent Ukraine and Ukrainian culture at the music contest. One of the original members stayed to fight, and the others plan to return as soon as possible.
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