Saturday’s final was watched by about 200 million viewers around the world.
Ukraine won for the third time
Ukraine she won Eurovision for the third time; this time – as Italian commentators emphasize – in the tragic circumstances of the war. It was “the voice of a martyred nation” – writes Ansa.
The success of the Ukrainian team was determined by the viewers’ vote, in which it received a record number of over 430 points; thus, from the fourth place, after the national votes of the jury, he reached the summit.
Congratulations to Ukraine and Kalush Orchestra – the winners of the #Eurovision Song Contest 2022! 🇺🇦🏆
Listen to their winning song Stefania, and the other 39 amazing songs from this year’s Contest here: https://t.co/v6t66atHnj pic.twitter.com/wWobKDEf9u
— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) May 14, 2022
The Kalush Orchestra comes from Kiev
Kalush Orchestra is a band from Kiev, founded by rapper Oleh Psiuk, multi-instrumentalist Ihor Didenczuk and DJ MC Kilimmen in 2019. In 2021, it was expanded to include the Kalush Orchestra project. Psiuk wrote the song “Stefania”, dedicating it to his mother. After the outbreak of the war, the song acquired a suggestive, symbolic meaning as it was dedicated to all Ukrainian mothers.
Ukrainian representatives were indicated as almost sure winners even before the competition started in the capital of Piedmont.
According to the regulations, the next edition will be held in Ukraine. Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to the Europeans to vote for the team.
Oleh Psiuk said on stage at the Pala Olimpico in Turin: “This victory is for all Ukrainians. Glory to Ukraine”. Earlier, after performing the song during the finale, the musicians appealed: “Please, help Ukraine and Mariupol, help Azovstal”. It was a reference to the defenders fighting the Russians at the metal plant there.
Ansa explained that by uttering these words, the artists even ran the risk of disqualification, because the competition rules forbid making political statements.
THAT winning moment! 🇺🇦🏆 #Eurovision #ESC2022 pic.twitter.com/s4JsQkFJGy
— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) May 14, 2022
President Zelenskiy said after the success of his compatriots: “We will do our best to host the participants and guests of Eurovision in Ukrainian Mariupol, free, peaceful and rebuilt.”
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, congratulated Ukrainian artists immediately, writing on Twitter: “Tonight your song won our hearts. We celebrate your victory all over the world. The EU is with you.”
The Polish representative took 12th place
Polish representative Krystian Ochman with the song “River” he took 12th place, receiving 151 points. After the votes of the national jury, the Pole was in the 14th place with 46 points. He received 105 points in the viewers’ vote.
The room was one of the main themes of the competition, hosted by famous singers Laura Pausini and Mika, and TV and radio presenter Alessandro Cattelan. John Lennon’s song “Give peace a chance” was heard in Turin.
Italians are extremely disappointed with the result. Mahmood and Blanco took 6th place with the song “Brividi”, although they were previously mentioned among some favorites.
The biggest musical event accompanying the finale was the performance of last year’s winners – the Roman group Maneskin, which has conquered the world music market since then.
