Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra won the ESC. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy celebrates this on social media.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (44) celebrated Ukraine’s victory in the Eurovision Song Contest on social media. He said the war-torn country would do its best to host next year’s final in the port city of Mariupol.
After the band Kalush Orchestra won the music contest on Saturday night, Ukraine’s president wrote in a post: “Our courage impresses the world, our music conquers Europe! Next year Ukraine will host the ESC!” He added: “We will do our best to one day welcome the participants and guests of the Eurovision Song Contest in Mariupol, Ukraine. Free, Peaceful, Rebuilt!” He also thanked the Kalush Orchestra and everyone “who voted for us”.
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Kalush Orchestra frontman Oleh Psiuk (27) had previously used the audience of millions at the ESC to make a political statement on stage. He called on people to help Ukraine, Mariupol and the people of the Azov Power Plant. According to media reports, steel mills in the besieged city of Mariupol are still being bombed and targeted by the Russian army.
Political statements are prohibited on the ESC stage. According to media reports, the European Broadcasting Union, which organizes the competition, has said that no action will be taken against the band. The EBU said the comments were more humanitarian than political.
The ESC final on Saturday night in Turin was themed “The sound of beauty”. This year’s German candidate Malik Harris (24) finished last. With more than 460 additional ratings, the Kalush Orchestra won the final ahead of Great Britain with singer Sam Ryder (32) and Spain’s Chanel (31).