Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra wins Eurovision amid the Russian invasion

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Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra wins Eurovision amid the Russian invasion
The group Kalush Orchestra from Ukraine with the song "Stefania" enters the hall at the beginning of the final of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC).Jens Büttner/picture alliance via Getty Images
  • Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra won the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday.
  • The win was seen as a symbolic show of support from Europe amid Russia's war with Ukraine.
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The Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra won the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday, after performing a song titled "Stefania" that blended traditional folk music and rap.

The win was widely anticipated and seen as a symbolic show of European support for Ukraine amid Russia's invasion, which has been ongoing for nearly three months.

"Stefania," which was sung in Ukrainian, was written as a tribute to the mother of frontman Oleh Psiuk. At the end of Kalush Orchestra's performance Saturday evening, Psiuk issued a call to action for Ukraine and its besieged city of Mariupol and Azovstal plant.

"Please help Ukraine, Mariupol. Help Azovstal right now," Psiuk urged from the stage.

This year's Eurovision Song Contest took place in Turin, Italy. British contestant Sam Ryder took second place, and Spain's Chanel was third.

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Typically, the country that wins Eurovision gets to host the following year's contest. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly celebrated Kalush Orchestra's win and expressed optimism that Ukraine would be able to host next year.

"Our courage impresses the world, our music conquers Europe! Next year Ukraine will host the Eurovision Song Contest," he said in a statement, according to Reuters.

Watch the full video of Kalush Orchestra's performance below:

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