15 May Eurovision 2022: Kalush Orchestra Wins for Ukraine
1:51 min read
It was the most emotional Eurovision moment in years: Kalush Orchestra from Ukraine won the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 in Turin with “Stefania” – a song that blends folk rap and hip-hop beats with Ukrainian folk music elements. And it became the soundtrack of a war.
Key Takeaways
- Kalush Orchestra (Ukraine) won with “Stefania” thanks to massive televoting despite lower jury placement
- Sam Ryder (UK) came second – Britain’s best Eurovision result in 25 years
- The show in Turin was the first fully attended ESC event since 2019
- Ukrainian refugees across Europe dramatically boosted the televoting score
“Stefania”: A Song Becomes an Anthem
Kalush Orchestra fuse Ukrainian folklore, modern hip-hop production and experimental percussion into a sound the ESC had never heard before. “Stefania” was originally a Mother’s Day song, written before the war. After 24 February 2022 it took on a new meaning. The televoting result was unequivocal: Ukraine received the maximum points from nearly 20 countries. That reflected not only solidarity but genuine enthusiasm for a musically unexpected entry.
Sam Ryder: The UK is Back
The UK had long ignored the ESC out of a mix of arrogance and weak songs. Sam Ryder broke that pattern: “Space Man” was a direct, melodically strong rock song with a singer who sounded better live than on record. Second place with 466 points – the UK’s strongest result since Jessica Garlick in 2002.
The Aesthetic of Turin
The Pala Alpitour in Turin was a fitting stage. The direction favoured cinematic camera work over kitsch. Stage extensions gave performers like Spain’s Chanel and Serbia’s Konstrakta unusually intimate contact with the audience. Konstrakta’s performance “In Corpore Sano” – a meditative, absurdist piece about handwashing, with the repeated refrain “Wash your hands, Megan Fox” – became the talk of the town after Ukraine’s victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Eurovision 2022?
Kalush Orchestra from Ukraine won the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 in Turin with their song “Stefania”. Despite a mid-range jury score, they achieved the highest televoting result in ESC history.
Where was Eurovision 2022 held?
Eurovision 2022 took place in Turin, Italy, at the Pala Alpitour. Italy earned the hosting rights after Måneskin’s victory in 2021.
Why did Ukraine win Eurovision 2022?
Ukraine won through a combination of musical originality and overwhelming televoting support, amplified by the political backdrop following Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Kalush Orchestra’s fusion of folklore and hip-hop also delivered genuine surprise value.
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Source for main image: Pexels / Faruk Tokluoğlu