Ukraine selects entry for Eurovision Song Contest

A bomb shelter in Kyiv was turned into the setting of a TV extravaganza over the weekend as Ukrainian musicians competed for the chance to represent their country in the Eurovision Song Contest of the song in 2023 - and potentially take home the top prize for the second year in a row.

Amid waves of Russian missile and drone strikes, nothing has changed. indicated that the competition was filmed in an underground metro station that has served as a shelter since the invasion of Russia. But the professional lighting and intricate graphics behind the performers couldn't quite distract from the rumble of the trains that could sometimes be heard between the musical numbers.

The Electronic music duo Tvorchi beat released nine other acts on Saturday with a rendition of their song 'Heart of Steel', which they say was inspired by the courage of Ukrainian defenders of the Azovstal steel plant during the siege from the southern city of Mariupol. Singer Jeffery Kenny sang between two relief dancers wearing gas masks as images of nuclear warning signs played on screens behind them. mind how you feel, get out of my way, cause i got a heart of steel,” Mr. Kenny sang. The duo - who said the song is about dignity, freedom and the unbreakable spirit of Ukrainians - both wore silver and gold "steel" hearts embroidered on the chests of their costumes.

< p class="css-at9mc1 evys1bk0">They will take the Eurovision stage to perform their winning song in May.

Eurovision, the biggest competition of live music in the world, is known for its elaborate costumes, the best performances and the potential to launch new talent to international fame. The annual European showcase promoting cultural unity first took place in 1956 and has grown into a massive televised event with attendees from nearly 40 countries, including Australia and Israel. Nearly 160 million people watched the 2022 contest in May.

Ukraine won this contest, which followed the invasion of Russia in February, when folk rap group Kalush Orchestra won the popular vote with an energetic performance by "Stefania." The song was originally written to honor the band leader's mother, but was revamped during the war as a tribute to Ukraine and has since become an anti-war anthem.

While the country that wins Eurovision usually hosts the next edition of the contest, contest organizers announced in June that it would not be possible to hold the event in Ukraine, citing security . The event will instead be held in Liverpool, England.

Tvorchi, in a statement posted to his Instagram page, thanked "people with hearts of steel".

< p class="css-at9mc1 evys1bk0">"We will do everything to adequately represent Ukraine and our indomitable," the duo wrote.