Julia Sanina, one-fourth of this year's Eurovision presenter lineup, praised Liverpool's efforts to represent Ukraine's art, history and culture, admitting it's been emotional to watch unfold.
The Ukrainian singer arrived in Liverpool several weeks ago to witness firsthand the extensive makeover the city has undergone ahead of the competition. During a press launch, she admitted she was almost moved to tears by the dedication and hopes the theme of unity between the two nations will be continued long after the contest wraps.
There are only a few days to go before Eurovision kicks off and never has a contest felt so important. With Ukrainian music, art and history under attack by Russian forces, Liverpool promised to represent the country as accurately as it could, resulting in a region-wide collaboration and an unprecedented two-week festival, EuroFestival, with the Ukrainian people at its heart.
READ MORE: Order your 48-page Eurovision souvenir guide from our online shop
Julia told the ECHO expectations were high for the host city to meet their promises but the extent Liverpool has gone to uplift Ukraine has left her speechless. She said: "Well, we were expecting the synergy of two cultures and I'm so happy to see everything Liverpool has done for Ukrainians. I know that there will be some Ukrainian refugees during the show, they got tickets and there will be a lot of Ukraine in this Eurovision and that really matters for us.
"I saw this beautiful painting by Ukrainian children in the centre of Liverpool and I saw the pictures of the Beatles wearing Ukrainian Vyshyvankas and lots of Ukrainian flags everywhere. That makes us feel welcomed especially by super friendly people, and open-hearted people, and I think that will be really something new when two countries are hosting together."
Confirming that she believes Liverpool has done enough in terms of representation, Julia also teased more collaborations are on the cards that are yet to be announced. She said: "We will see lots of Ukrainian performances, performers, lots of Ukrainian songs, and it will combine beautifully with famous British songs. Unfortunately, I can't tell you all the secrets and name of the songs [that will be performed at Eurovision] but believe me, will all will be proud of our cultures and what we've done together."
Julia is the only Ukrainian representative taking a leading role in the contest. The weight of being such a pivotal part of this year's presenting lineup isn't lost on her but the opportunities and platform that have come with the role have been worth it. As part of the Eurovision stage reveal, Julia was presented with a chance to speak directly with The King and thank The Royal Family for their support.
Julia said: "I received lots of messages from my friends and Ukrainian press about how important that was for all of us that I had that chance to speak to him to say thank you and to be grateful to send thank you for the support The Royal Family has sent to Ukraine. We've asked for support and to receive it, I'm so grateful."
Her thanks extended to the British public who rallied behind the United by Music slogan. Julia stressed how important the theme of unity is and urged fans and those joining the contest for the first time this year to never forget why the contest was first instated.
She said: "The whole idea of Eurovision was to unite Europe after WWII and now we see how this idea came back. So it's not only about entertainment but it's about joy, happiness, love, music and unification in such hard times. And of course, in such dark times, we need that couple of hours of joy and happiness."
During the first semi-final, Julia's band, The Hardkiss, will take to the stage to open the contest, performing part of Маяк which translates from Ukrainian for 'lighthouse'. It's a full-circle moment after they attempted to represent their country years ago but were knocked out of the role by Jamala.
Expressing her excitement to officially get on the stage as a performer, she said: "Never in my life did I think we'd make it to Eurovision, let alone like this. But it will be not just our song, there's going to be a collaboration with a very famous British song and it will be huge. I think I'm more nervous about that than hosting.
One collaboration that's missing from the contest is a united performance involving Julia and her co-hosts, Alesha Dixon and Hannah Waddingham. They've both dominated their respective spaces in the industry so fans wondered why a Charlie Angels-type performance was swept aside from the BBC.
Quizzed on whether or not fans can see them perform together either at the contest or in the future, Julia said: "You will see. I won't say anything about that, let it be a secret."
Julia, Hannah, Alesha and Graham Norton's schedules mean the four have spent very little time together ahead of the contest but it's all family bond has been there from the jump, Julia added: "They are so helpful. They help me when I maybe don't understand something and it's great to know everyone on a personal level. They're kind and open-hearted people so I hope [we remain friends after the contest]."
Get all the latest Eurovision 2023 news straight to your inbox
Order your 48-page Eurovision souvenir guide from our online shop
ABBA Voyage outfits on display at Liverpool's British Music Experience
LUSH Liverpool holding Eurovision Song Contest performances and meet and greets
Frankie Goes to Hollywood reunite for Eurovision Lottery party
Plan your Eurovision Song Contest itinerary with the VisitLiverpool App
The countdown has officially started. Join our Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool Facebook group
