The Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra, winners of the 66th Eurovision Song Contest, asked for help for their home country after their performance on stage. Although political expressions are actually prohibited, there should be no sanctions in this case. The broadcaster EBU understands the “strong feelings” and considers the statements a “humanitarian gesture,” it said in a statement.
“Help Ukraine, Mariupol, help Azov-Stahl now,” singer Oleh Psiuk said at the end of the song “Stefania”, which he wrote in tribute to his mother. Shortly afterwards, his calls for help were reported to have appeared on suspected bombs dropped by Russian troops in Mariupol.
In any case, the band does not have to be afraid of sanctions in connection with the Eurovision Song Contest. Despite the ban on political statements, the European Broadcasting Union informed EBU that it understood the “strong feelings”. “We (…) consider the statements of the Kalush Orchestra and other performers in support of the Ukrainian people more as a humanitarian gesture and less as a political gesture,” said representatives of the dpa.
Russia was not allowed to participate in the competition this time because of the war in Ukraine, but announced the result without broadcasting the show itself. According to their own statements, the Italian police have averted an attack by Russian hackers on the final.
Congratulations from Zelenskyy and NATO
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already called on people abroad to vote for the song “Stefania”. “We cheer, support and believe in the victory,” the ministry said. “Our courage impresses the world, our music conquers Europe,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram when it became clear that the Kalush Orchestra would indeed become the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest.
NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana also congratulated Ukraine. The ESC has “expressed enormous support for Ukraine’s courage throughout Europe and Australia”. Of course, the song is also “great”.
More searches about Mariupole
The victory had an impact on several areas of everyday life just a day later. Thus, the Ukrainian railways named a train after the song “Stefania”. In addition, people increasingly searched for Mariupol in online search engines to find out what was going on there.
LUM!X and Pia Maria in semifinal only 15th
The Austrian participants LUM!X and Pia Maria finished only 15th in the (first) semifinal of a total of 17 participating countries. Bulgaria and Slovenia formed the rear. In the second semi-final, manipulations could have taken place. According to the EBU, voting irregularities were found in six countries. The response was an average of points from other states.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
