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Its participation had been a cultural touchstone of sorts for Russia’s engagement with the world, persisting even as relations worsened between Mr. Russia began competing in the song contest in 1994, and has competed more than 20 times. Putin weighed in promptly with congratulations, thanking him for further burnishing Russia’s image. It was also interpreted as a comment on the Russian invasion of Crimea, which took place two years earlier.Īnd in 2008, when Dima Bilan, a Russian pop star, won Eurovision with the song “Believe,” President Vladimir V. Ukraine also won the contest in 2016 with “ 1944,” a song by Jamala about Crimean Tatars during World War II. When Dana International, an Israeli transgender woman, won in 1998 with her hit song “Diva,” rabbis accused her of flouting the values of the Jewish state. In 2005, Ukraine’s entry song was rewritten after being deemed too political, because it celebrated the Orange Revolution. But as a showcase meant to promote European unity and cultural exchange, it has never truly been separate from politics, though the contests rules forbid contestants from making political statements at the event. The band complied.Įurovision, the world’s largest and possibly most eccentric live music competition, is best known for its over-the-top performances and its star-making potential - it helped launch acts like Abba and Celine Dion to international fame. At the media conference later, she asked to have a group hug.
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Shafinska, who is also involved with the New York-based nonprofit organization, Razom for Ukraine.
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She said she had spoken to several of the other performers and that: “they all tell me that they want Ukraine to win because it’s important for them, too.”Īnd “it’s a great song about moms,” said Ms.
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She came to Turin to report for OGAE Ukraine, the Ukrainian Eurovision Fan Club. After Russia invaded Ukraine in February, organizers barred Russian performers from the event, citing fears that Russia’s inclusion would damage the contest’s reputation.Īfter the win, Iryna Shafinska was trying to fix her makeup - including two hearts in the colors of the Ukrainian flag on her cheeks - which had been smudged by tears of joy. The band’s victory over 39 other national acts illustrated how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has unified Europe, inspiring a wave of weapons and aid deliveries for Ukraine, pushing countries like Sweden and Finland closer to NATO and bringing the European Union to the verge of cutting itself off from Russian energy.Īnd it underscored just how sweeping Russia’s estrangement from the international community has become, extending from foreign ministries through financial markets and into the realm of culture. Kalush Orchestra had been considered a favorite, traveling with special permission to bypass a martial law preventing most Ukrainian men from leaving the country. “Lately, the Ukrainian culture was attacked, and we are here to prove that Ukrainian culture and music are alive and they have their own beautiful signature,” he said speaking through a translator. “The victory is very important for Ukraine especially this year,” he said. Psiuk’s mother had texted him after the win to say that she loved him “and she was proud,” he said at a media conference after the contest at which he thanked everyone who had voted for the group. The song includes lyrics that roughly translate to, “You can’t take my willpower from me, as I got it from her,” and “I’ll always find my way home, even if the roads are destroyed.”Īfter Psiuk performed the song on Saturday night, he put his hand to his heart and shouted, “I ask for all of you, please help Ukraine!” Europe’s voters listened, giving the band 631 votes to win, far ahead of Sam Ryder of Britain, who took second place with 466 votes.