Ukraine wins Eurovision Song Contest after performance by Kalush Orchestra | Ents & Arts News

Ukraine has won the Eurovision Song Contest in a huge show of support from the rest of the continent following Russia’s invasion of the country.

Performing their folk-rap song Stefania, Kalush Orchestra stormed up the leader board, beating off strong competition from the UK and Italy.

The group were out on the streets fighting off Russian aggressors just weeks before taking to the stage in Turin – instead of rehearsing for the biggest performance of their lives.

The UK’s Sam Ryder took second place – the first time the UK has placed in the top three at the Eurovision Song Contest in 20 years.

The singer was top after the national jury vote with 283 points, but there was a huge surge of support for Ukraine in the public vote.

The UK had been waiting a quarter of a century for a Eurovision win and the announcement of the winner was a nailbiter as it came down to the final vote.

Ukrainian President Volodymry Zelenskyy hailed Ukraine’s victory, telling the world in his nightly address: “Our courage impresses the world, our music conquers Europe!

“I am sure that our victorious chord in the battle with the enemy is not far off.

“Glory to Ukraine!”

Ukraine had been widely tipped to take the title and on the night there had been a huge cross-European swell of support for the war-torn country. Almost all entrants sported Ukrainian flags as well as their own on the night.

After their performance they made an impassioned plea to free people still trapped in the besieged Mariupol steel mill.

Russia was excluded this year in response to its invasion of Ukraine.

Hundreds of millions across Europe tuned in for one of the world’s most-watched TV events, with a song about Meghan Markle and a track called Give That Wolf A Banana among the 25 finalists.