In 2022, Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra won the Eurovision Song Contest and promptly sold the winner’s trophy for $900,000 to raise money for the war effort. The distinctive crystal microphone was auctioned off on Facebook and the funds were used to purchase drones for the Ukrainian military.
In an interview with Deadline, this year’s participants pledged to undertake similar efforts, telling us that all the money they raise through the competition will go toward rebuilding a school in the Dnipropetrovsk region that was destroyed by a Russian missile in 2022 was destroyed.
Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil reflected on the significance of Kalush Orchestra’s Eurovision victory that same year. Alyona said: “It was very important for Ukraine because it was [about] Attention. Then they sold their trophy, held a lottery, and were able to spread information about the truth [of the war]. We have [to deal with] a lot of propaganda.”
Alyona and Heil are currently considered the fifth favorite for the success of the Kalush Orchestra. Fans of the two and their performance can donate to the school fund via the United24 website and also apply for a personal meeting with the musical duo there.
Alyona, who was previously a kindergarten teacher, said she would “sell everything, my hair, everything” to help with the effort.
For the competition, the two, who previously collaborated on a folk album, brought their contrasting styles – Alyona is a rapper, Heil is more of an opera singer – into a song inspired by the Ukrainian saints Theresa and Mary, symbolizing love and kindness. The song was written in a studio in Kiev while war was raging outside.
Alyona said: “The circumstances we have in Ukraine are part of this song. It was written under attacks, under warnings, and our people are so used to it that we don’t even hide. What comes, comes. It’s the new reality.”
Alyona is one of the most famous rappers in Europe and is clearly politically active. She wears a T-shirt that she translates as “Free the Defenders” – and explains that it refers to the 5,000 Ukrainian soldiers who have been behind Russian lines since the start of the war. But both women are clearly aware that the European Broadcasting Union’s rules for participating in the Eurovision Song Contest remain apolitical – Israel had to change its lyrics in March for this reason – and are instead emphasizing their message of peace, love and unity.
Just as Britain had to host instead of Ukraine in 2023 following the Kalush Orchestra’s victory, Alyona and Heil realize that if they win, their country would be similarly ill-placed to host next year’s event. “In a utopian world,” Alyona said, “but we don’t know what’s next. Maybe it would be possible in western Ukraine. But our airspace is not closed and people are afraid of it.”
In the meantime, it’s about spreading the message that Ukraine is still in business economically, culturally, musically and socially.
Heil said: “Our message is not to make people fight, but to unite and help each other.” We believe that music can unite and that we as a nation can give as much musically and culturally as we must just be visible, and we are grateful for this opportunity.
Like a true diplomat, Alyona added: “It is important not only to ask for something, but also to say thank you.”
The pair’s song contains the line “Soon it will be over.” Asked how optimistic they were that this would come true, Alyona shrugged, smiled and added: “It helps us wake up every morning.”
The Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Malmö, Sweden, the semi-finals take place on May 7th and 9th, and the final on May 11th.