Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra feted on return home after Eurovision win

KRAKOVETS, Ukraine, Might 16 (Reuters) – Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra returned to their homeland on Monday after an emotional Eurovision Tune Contest victory, greeted on the border with Poland by servicemen and girls whose trigger the band had championed in Turin.

Frontman Oleh Psiuk was offered with a bouquet of yellow and blue flowers – the colors of Ukraine’s flag – and reunited together with his girlfriend earlier than he and his band launched into an impromptu model of “Stefania,” their successful tune.

On Saturday, they’d ridden a wave of widespread assist to win the annual songfest within the northern Italian metropolis, giving their compatriots a much-needed morale enhance after nearly 12 weeks of conflict. learn extra

Ukrainian troops watching on tv had hailed the win, with Psiuk making a plea for assist on the finish of the stay efficiency for the besieged metropolis of Mariupol and its Azovstal steelworks. learn extra

“Eurovision is an important factor, particularly, this yr. However the lifetime of so many individuals – that is way more essential,” Psiuk stated on the border.

Kalush Orchestra plans to promote the Eurovision trophy to boost cash for Ukraine’s conflict effort. Psiuk stated he hoped to boost tons of of hundreds of {dollars}.

“There are people who find themselves merely able to donate. That is merely to encourage them a bit extra – they might personal this trophy. Somebody would possibly assume it’s cool to have a Eurovision 2022 winner’s statuette at dwelling,” he stated.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was fast to supply congratulations on Saturday, and residents of the city that bears the band’s identify – about three hours by automotive southeast of the settlement of Krakovets, the place they crossed again into Ukraine – have been overjoyed.

“I really like my Kalush. My spouse and I’ve been watching till 1 a.m. And we have been pleased to win. I used to be leaping. I used to be in seventh heaven,” stated 74-year-old Kalush resident Petro Yugan on Sunday. learn extra

“However I additionally need us to finish the conflict as quick as doable, and it will be a good larger victory.”

Bookmakers had made Kalush Orchestra clear favourites among the many 40 opponents within the annual contest, partially because of widespread sympathy for Ukraine following Russia’s invasion in February.

“Stefania” – a tribute sung in Ukrainian to Psiuk’s mom that fuses rap with conventional people music – was mendacity fourth after nationwide juries voted, however stormed into prime spot due to a file rating in the course of the second stage of voting by viewers.

Writing by John Stonestreet and Frank Jack Daniel; Modifying by Janet Lawrence and Rosalba O’Brien

: .