Folk-rap group Kalush Orchestra on Tuesday announced they would pre-record their performance from a “safe space”
(Picture: via REUTERS)Ukraine will take part in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest but the performers will not be able to attend in person due to the Russian invasion.
Folk-rap group Kalush Orchestra on Tuesday announced they would pre-record their performance from a “safe space” but they would not perform live at the ceremony in Italy.
The group wrote: “Despite the fighting, the Kalush Orchestra will record their performance in a safe place, which will be sent to the organizers of the song contest, and in case of our victory over the occupiers by May, our delegation will go to Italy and sing live all over Europe.”
Russia has been banned from taking part in the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest following Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine on February 24.
The European Broadcasting Union warned a Russian entry would bring the contest into “disrepute”.
Kalush Orchestra’s lead singer Oleh Psiuk said their entry would be “an anthem for Ukraine”.
He told Sky News: “Originally, the song was dedicated to my mother, and now it’s the song for all mothers.”
Mr Psiuk told of how his daily life had transformed since the Russian invasion.
He revealed the band is helping Ukrainian soldiers by supplying medicine to the frontline and one member is even fighting in the territorial defense in Kyiv.
“My day-to-day life has changed. Now I’ve been working with a volunteer team. We are helping people to go far away from Ukraine, to find food for those who need it,” he added.
The Eurovision final will take place in Turin on May 14 after Italian band Maneskin triumphed in last year’s contest.
Russia has participated 23 times since its first appearance in 1994.
Culture secretary Nadine Dorries said she was “glad” Russia would not be able to perform at the event.
She tweeted: “Eurovision stands for freedom, unity and respect between countries - watched and enjoyed by tens of millions around the world. Glad to see Eurovision taking action and kicking Russia out.”
On Monday, betting aggregate site Oddschecker put the group as a firm favourite to win this year’s contest.
Should they win, Ukraine will earn the right to host the 2023 contest.
