Kalush Orchestra representing Ukraine perform during the Grand Final. (Daniele Venturelli / WireImage/Getty)
Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra received rapturous applause from the audience after performing their song “Stefania” at the Eurovision Song Contest.
The group, which is the bookies’ favourite to win the contest, stood on the stage as the audience waved Ukrainian flags to show their support for the country.
The folk rap song, which Kalush Orchestra frontman told NME is about his mother, has taken on a new significance since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, starting a barbaric war that has resulted in death, destruction, and the mass migration of millions of Ukrainians.
The reaction on social media was swift, with many heaping praise on Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra for delivering a powerful, moving performance.
Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra appealed for help on the Eurovision stage
Many were moved by the band’s plea to those watching at home to help those in Ukraine and specifically in Mariupol, which has been among the worst hit regions in Putin’s war.
Emotional moment as Ukraine takes the stage at Eurovision. At the end, they ask the audience to please help Ukraine and Mariupol. #Eurovision https://t.co/GmnrBjIA5o
— Christian Sierra (@CSierra92) May 14, 2022
The Ukraine lads have said they will be back on the frontline on Monday. Take that in for a second. #GloryforUkraine #Eurovision
— Jon Will Chambers (@jonwillchambers) May 14, 2022
Ukraine could’ve sang the alphabet and I’d still be emotional. #Eurovision
— Jack Duncan 🔻 (@JackDunc1) May 14, 2022
Goosebumps from Ukraine’s performance, and such a catchy song #Eurovision
— tara 🏎 (@tarawbu) May 14, 2022
“Please help Ukraine… please help Mariupol… right now” – Europe is partying tonight but Kalush Orchestra remind us that war is happening on the continent. #Eurovision
— Aussievision (@aussievisionnet) May 14, 2022
Ukraine. Goosebumps. This song is so incredible and unlike anything else in the competition. If they win, they absolutely deserve it#Eurovision
— 🍀 𝕟𝕠𝕠𝕟 🍀 (@musicismydrugxo) May 14, 2022
Look past what’s happening in Ukraine it’s a fucking banger and deserves to win. #Eurovision
— amy (@amy_cfc90) May 14, 2022
There was also significant discussion about the Ukrainian commentator Timur Miroschnychenko, who is broadcasting live from a bomb shelter in an undisclosed location.
Ukraine’s #Eurovision commentator Timur Miroshnychenko worked from a bomb shelter for the semi-final – he’s there again tonight. https://t.co/ajZfjNpheV pic.twitter.com/aVAbeyQtzB
— Richard Chambers (@newschambers) May 14, 2022
🇺🇦 Ukraine’s #Eurovision commentator Timur Miroshnychenko is broadcasting from a bomb shelter this evening. pic.twitter.com/5t9rdtzA1n
— William Lee Adams (@willyleeadams) May 10, 2022
Kalush Orchestra is widely expected to walk away with the Eurovision trophy at the grand final on Saturday night (14 May).
Speaking to TIME magazine ahead of the contest, Kalush Orchestra frontman Oleh Psiuk said: “After the war, a lot of people seem to be finding new meanings there… I hope that Europe also enjoys this song; my mom is enjoying it very much. And I know that it’s now her ringtone on her phone.”
He continued: “The enemy is trying to destroy our culture .But we are here to prove that we still exist, that we deserve to be seen. We deserve to be known. We’re asking for help to protect our culture.”