- Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra received a standing ovation during the first semi-final of the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest.
- Furthermore, they secured a place in Saturday's grand finale.
- The band also received a long applause as the group's singer Oleh Psiuk thanked the audience for supporting Ukraine.
Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra received a standing ovation during Tuesday night's first semi-final of the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest.
Furthermore, they secured a place in Saturday's grand finale in Turin.
Lithuania, Switzerland, Armenia, Norway, Moldova, Iceland, Greece, Portugal, and the Netherlands also earned a spot in the top 25 after their performances as the world's largest live music event kicked off.
Per Euronews, the hosts – Italian singer Laura Pausini, comedian and TV presenter Alessandro Cattelan and British-Lebanese pop star Mika – did their best to immerse the audience in the almost-three-hour programme, without mention of the Covid-19 pandemic or the war in Ukraine.
Kalush Orchestra – who were given special permission by the Kyiv government to perform at the competition – stole the show with the performance their song, Stefania.
The band received a standing ovation mid-way and long applause afterwards as the group's singer Oleh Psiuk thanked the audience for supporting Ukraine.
WATCH THEIR PERFORMANCE HERE:
If Kalush Orchestra were to win on Saturday, it would be Ukraine's third victory after winning in 2004 and 2016.
All eyes are on the group to take the title as bookmakers have tipped them as the favourite to win the cult competition.
The second semi-final will take place on Thursday, 12 May, with the grand finale on Saturday, 14 May.