‘When you know how a country sounds,” says Jerry Heil, talking of representing Ukraine at Eurovision, “you can feel more empathy for them”. Alongside rapper alyona alyona, she is speaking from Malmö. It is the morning after the first semi-final, where they safely secured a slot in Saturday’s grand final, but they have not had time to celebrate. “We are like old people,” says alyona alyona. “No party, no drink, no nothing.”
No partying and no nerves before performing either. “When we first rehearsed with the audience here in Sweden, I immediately got the feeling that they’re so supportive and so warm – in all senses!” says Heil. “I’m freezing all the time, but on stage at Eurovision, it’s like a sauna. The audience really give you the power and the energy, and you give it back, so it’s like the energy is circulating.”
