After the withdrawal of Alina Pash, Ukrainian broadcaster UA:PBC announced that Kalush Orchestra will represent Ukraine at Eurovision this year. The group will sing ‘Stefania’ in the first semi-final on May 10th.
Kalush Orchestra originally finished in second place in the Ukrainian national selection, receiving the highest points from the public vote. Alina Pash won the selection overall, however an investigation into an alleged illegal entry into Crimea led to her withdrawal as the Ukrainian representative.
As the second placed act, UA:PBC invited Kalush Orchestra to represent the nation at Eurovision. Oleh Psyuk, lead vocalist of Kalush Orchestra commented on the decision, saying,
‘We are grateful to everyone who supported us during the national final and gave us first place in the public vote. We promise every Ukrainian that we will justify your choice. In difficult times for our country, we must reaffirm ourselves to the world. That is why we are ready to represent Ukraine with dignity to all of Europe.’
Watch the national final performance below: