Ukraine wins Eurovision 2022 while Britain sees best result in decades

Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra has won the Eurovision Song Contest for the third time after garnering an overwhelming amount of public votes.

The UK’s Sam Ryder was leading after the jury vote was announced, but Ukraine quickly took power when the public spoke out.

The war-torn country took the lead at the last minute after the Kalush Orchestra’s “Stefania” defeated stiff competition from the UK, Sweden, Spain and other countries.

There were emotional scenes in stadiums in Turin when Ukraine was announced as the winner of the competition, with other acts waving Ukrainian flags to show their support for the war-torn country.

Ukraine finished with 631 points, the majority of which came by public vote. The folk-rap group’s song was written about the mother of lead singer Oleg Sayuk, but gained a new significance after Russia invaded the country in February.

Britain’s Sam Ryder finished with 466 points, while Spain’s Chanel finished third with 459 points.

Volodymyr Zeleksyanki congratulates Ukraine’s Kalash Orchestra for winning Eurovision

talking to time Before the competition, frontman of the Kalush Orchestra, Oleh Sayuk, said: “After the war, many people are looking for new meanings there.”

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 famous. We are asking for help to protect our culture.”

Ukraine’s entry received an encouraging response when they took the stage earlier in the evening – Eurovision audiences in Turin, Italy greeted them standing up, while many could be seen waving Ukrainian flags.

Speaking directly after performing, Psych said: “Please help Ukraine, Mariupol. Help Azovstal right now.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky threw his weight behind the group ahead of the Eurovision Grand Final in a recorded video message, saying: “Europe, vote for the Kalyush Orchestra. Let us support our fellow countrymen! Let’s support Ukraine! “

The country was a favorite of bookmakers to win before the competition. Eurovision pundits had hoped that Ukraine would be victorious, with Europe and much of the world – with much of the world – throwing its weight behind the country after the barbaric invasion of Russia and the war, which began in February.

Meanwhile, UK’s Sam Ryder said ahead of the competition that he was not too bothered about where he finished.

“It’s something that celebrates inclusivity, expression, love, peace, joy, togetherness. And so to think about the scoreboard, for me, takes a little sparkle and magic out of the room completely.”

Soon after the winner of the Kalash Orchestra was announced, the Ukrainian government said Europe “melt their hearts” in a Twitter post.

Ukraine’s official Twitter account tweeted: “We send all your love and support to Azhovstal and our brave freedom defenders on the front lines.”

“Congratulations, Kalush Orchestra!”

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky also congratulated the band, writing on social media: “Our courage influences the world, our music conquers Europe.

“We will do our best to host Eurovision participants and guests in the Ukrainian Mariupol one day. Free, peaceful, rebuilding.”

Eurovision fans took to Twitter to praise Ukraine after the Kalash Orchestra was declared the winner of the competition.

Ukraine is receiving 431 out of the maximum possible 468 from the European public. this is incredible. #eurovision

— Richard Osman (@richardosman) 14 May 2022

Winner of 2022: Ukraine #eurovision pic.twitter.com/hifCmCpD6c

— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) 14 May 2022

Ukraine didn’t win because of pity, they won by show of love. people forget that the real intention of #eurovision There has to be unity among countries and that is exactly what we have done. Slavic Ukrainians !! Congratulations Ukraine !!💙💛

— mallow.5 (@mal00w) 14 May 2022

I really think Europe has shown tonight where our solidarity is.

love ukraine ️#eurovision #standwithUkraine

— Terry Reintke (@TerryReintke) 14 May 2022

Ukraine tops the leader board with 631 points. As it should be#eurovision

— PippaCrerar (@PippaCrerar) 14 May 2022

On that result wept bitterly in the arena. So poignant and so deserving for Ukraine, wonderful for UK and Sweden, 10/10 only note more points for Serbia #eurovision

— Emma Kelly (@TooManyEmmas) 14 May 2022

Ppl is not getting this, it is about showing solidarity. So the majority voted for Ukraine. This is not going to stop the war, but it is another gesture of showing Europe standing with them. Some of these men may not be here next year. #eurovision #esc2022

— May (@anemayhem) 14 May 2022

Ukraine won with support from Europe (and Australia) fighting for their country, Britain came in second for the first time in years, and Spain finished third with an absolute queer banger. This top three is perfect #eurovision

— neonfiona (@neonfiona) 14 May 2022