Eurovision Sees Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra Win, As Performers Take A Political Turn

Bruce Haring
·3-min read

Eurovision traditionally has been a place where politics were frowned upon, at least in the overt songs . But the war in Ukraine is much on the world’s mind, so Eurovision made a statement right at the top of today’s finals.

The show began with the audience singing “Give Peace a Chance,” the first of many nods to the ongoing combat situation. Later, Laura Pausini, the Italian cohost, used her opening number for a “Peace on Earth” message. Later, Iceland’s entry had a Ukranian flag on their hands and guitars and shouted “Peace for Ukraine” at the end of their performance. And many delegation held a Ukrainian flag along with their own in the arena’s Green Room section.

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Highlighting the competition’s final round, broadcast live from Italy to millions around the world, was the appearance of Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra. Their song, “Stefania,” was considered a favorite heading into the finals. After its performance tonight, one of the singers said in halting English, “I ask all of you, help Ukraine, Help Mariupol, help us stand right now.”

While rockers Måneskin were Eurovision’s 2021 winners, going on to open for the Rolling Stones, appear on Saturday Night Live, and get a coveted slot at Coachella, their influence didn’t prompt a rock revolution at this year’s event. The sappy ballads the competition is known for returned in full force, augmented by hip-hop and silly songs. Måneskin were back on the European stage tonight previewing their new song for Baz Luhrmann’s movie Elvis.

Eurovision uses a complicated scoring system involving various tallies among industry experts and fan votes from the participating countries. As such, it takes awhile to determine a winner. Sentiment and politics play a big role in the judging, as many countries vote as a block, and sympathy for aggrieved nations sometimes wins out over style and substance. Thus, Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra was a heavy favorite heading into the grand final.

To no one’s surprise, the public vote overwhelmingly favored Ukraine, with may be a record 439 points. Thus, Kalush Orchestra was declared the 2022 winner with 631 total points.

Fellow favorite Sam Ryder turned things around for the UK, which finished dead last last year with 0 points. Ryder led after the jury round and was second behind Kalush in the final tally with 466 points. Spain’s Chanel was close third with 459 points.

When accepting the award, Kalush Orchestra’s bandleader said, “Thank you for supporting us. This victory is for every Ukrainian,” adding in Ukrainian, “Glory to Ukraine.”

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