TURIN, Italy – Against the backdrop of European warfare, the hugely popular Eurovision Song Contest culminates in the northern Italian city of Turin on Saturday night, as 25 bands perform in front of a live audience and millions of people watch television. World.
Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra made a big bet for the bookmaker’s victory, giving a band that mixes traditional Ukrainian rhythms, costumes and dance moves with modern hip-hop a 60% chance of winning.
Their song, “Stefania”, was written in honor of the singer’s mother, but when the lyrics took on a new meaning, it was transformed into the anthem of a war-torn nation following the February 24 Russian invasion. “Even if all roads are destroyed, I will always find my way home,” says Oleh Psuk, singer of the Kalush Orchestra.
The six-member group received special permission to leave the country to represent Ukraine and Ukrainian culture in a music competition. One of the original members is left to fight, while the others plan to return as soon as the contest is over.
The winner is chosen in equal parts by juries of music experts from each nation participating in the competition, and is voted on by the public, leaving room for enthusiasm. Britain’s Sam Ryder and Sweden’s Cornelia Jacobs each have a 10% chance, while the Italian duo Mahmood & Blanco have a 6% chance of winning.
The winner receives a glass microphone trophy and a potential career improvement.
Italy hosts the event after Italian rock band Maneskin won in Rotterdam last year. The victory brought the internationally renowned Roman group, opening for the Rolling Stones and appearing on Saturday Night Live and on the covers of many magazines in their usual genre costumes.
This week, 20 groups selected in the two semi-finals will compete against the Big Five of Italy, England, France, Germany and Spain, who have a permanent place with the financial support of the competition.
Organizers added that Russia was excluded after invading Ukraine this year and that the movement aims to avoid politics in a competition that promotes diversity and friendship between nations.
Source: Washington Post
John Cameron is a journalist at The Nation View specializing in world news and current events, particularly in international politics and diplomacy. With expertise in international relations, he covers a range of topics including conflicts, politics and economic trends.
