Eurovision kick-off: Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra commanding the spotlight

Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra already took the lead in Eurovision betting markets with a huge gap compared to the so-called Big Five (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom), capturing the hearts of fans from every competing country.

Who will win Eurovision Song Contest 2022? Bookmakers have predicted Ukraine

It seems the folk-rap band has already won the competition by just kicking off. And whatever the results of the Eurovision final may be the “Stefania” by Kalush Orchestra will be heard in every corner and all over the world.

Ukraine is the favorite to win in every sense.

Eurovision stands with Ukraine

Måneskin, last year’s contest winner, canceled concerts in Russia, teased the song “Gasoline” in support of Ukraine, and performed it at Coachella screaming “free Ukraine, f**ck Putin”.

The Rasmus sang the “Stefania” song together with the Kalush Orchestra.

Latvian representatives, the band Citi Zēni recorded an acoustic cover for “Stefania”.

According to the trio, the song "Stefania" is a wonderful song, and they themselves constantly listened to the songs of the Kalush Orchestra without even knowing it.

But there is a third reason why they decided to re-sing it: May 4, when the cover was recorded, is an important date for Latvia. That day the country regained its independence from the Soviet Union. That is why Latvians are now very active in supporting Ukrainians in the fight against Russian aggression.

As it turned out, Citi Zēni were the first to apply to the European Broadcasting Union to prevent the Russian delegation from participating in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Lithuanian representative, Monica Liu, during her press conference shouted "Glory to Ukraine!" and call on the international community to donate to and support Ukraine in its fighting against the Russians.

And here is the winner of Eurovision 2009 Alexander Rybak with his violin cover of "Stefania".

The Ukrainian flag was waving during every broadcast of the competition. The Europeans try to demonstrate their constant support with the help of blue and yellow symbols on flags and clothes.