There was a riot far from the Eurovision press conference, writes journalist Mari Pudas from Turin.
The lead character of the Kalush Orchestra, Oleh Psyuk, became more serious after the victory. aop
The Eurovision Song Contest ends each year with a press conference. The occasion is known as a riotous event where you are aired, shouted loudly, waving a victory stand and, like last year, kneeling and showing your legs.
This year the atmosphere was completely different. The Kalush Orchestra was certainly happy with its victory, but the riot shone with its absence.
Indeed, the riot would have seemed special given the situation in Ukraine.
– I am not quite sure whether Europeans understand how much Ukrainians suffer at any given time, the soloist said Oleh Psyuk said.
He might be right. The band was asked whether Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi had played for the Kalush Orchestra.
– No, he hasn’t called. He has a lot, much more important things to do, Oleh said.
The victory of Ukraine has, of course, set in motion in Finland as well, and how Ukraine was voted for only because of solidarity. If that’s the case, that’s just a good thing.
One of the purposes of Eurovision is to bring peoples together. If a small gesture can show solidarity and perhaps bring a little joy to a war-torn country, there is nothing wrong but good.
In the wise in general, things other than the song itself have an effect. Otherwise, nothing extra would be seen on stage, no visual elements, and the score would be given by a professional jury that is better able to appreciate staying on the note for the general public.
And isn’t one of the functions of music to evoke emotion? The Stefania did more than the other songs combined.
Those who vote for the result of the vote live a privileged life. They don’t have to worry about falling victim to a missile strike next week. The Kalush Orchestra is afraid.
At the same time, we forget that we do not know the voting criteria for voters. Someone could vote because of the war, someone because of the stage show and someone because of the chorus.
At the end of the press conference, someone still exclaimed Slava Ukraine. It was a wonderful moment when some of the reporters knew what it was like to answer.
– Heroiam Slava! (Honor to the heroes).
Let’s give Kalush Orchetra even a little moment of heroism. They deserve it.