The Eurovision song contest is set to return tonight.
The iconic competition will take place in Turin's PalaOlimpico - and the first semi final will air on BBC Three from 8pm. The favourite to win the prize this year is the Ukrainian entry, Kalush Orchestra.
The spotlight is on the folk rap group as their country is still under attack from the Russian military. Kalush Orchestra comprises of six members including rapper Oleh Psiuk, multi-instrumentalist Ihor Didenchuk, dancer Vlad Kurochka, sopilka player Vitalii Duzhyk, and vocalists Tymofii Muzychuk and Oleksandr Slobodianyk.
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Oleh is the group's lead singer and he said he wants to represent his country during a difficult period. He told Sky News : "Right now, there is a war in our country, [Eurovision's] even more relevant because people are looking for something that is purely Ukrainian, something that contains the ethnic code. It's so important to keep Ukrainian culture popular...and Eurovision is a very good platform for that.
"We are now talking on behalf of our country and being heard on behalf of our country. And music is a very good way to reach this goal and the attention is quite big at the moment.
"We feel it as a big responsibility because this is the way that we can be of use to our country, and that's why it's so important for us to be here right now."
Men of fighting age were not allowed to leave Ukraine as the country defends itself from the invading Russian forces. Kalush Orchestra have been granted special permission to travel to Italy for the Eurovision song contest, but Oleh revealed one member of the band had stayed behind to fight.
He told the Guardian : "Those of us here represent every Ukrainian. After Eurovision we will return home to provide our contribution.”
They will perform a song titled Stefania, which is written in honour of Oleh's mum. He added: "This is the best thing I have ever done for her; and with the outbreak of war the meaning is extended to all mothers who protect their children.”
The Eurovision Song Contest 2022 semi-finals will be airing on BBC Three on Tuesday and Thursday at 8pm.
The Eurovision Song Contest grand final will air on BBC One on Saturday, May 14 at 8pm.
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