Eurovision 2023 is rightly all about Ukraine, despite being held in Liverpool and nowhere was this more visible today than at the rehearsal for the second semi-final.
The second semi-final is set to air live on BBC1 tomorrow, but today the ECHO and audience at the M&S Bank Arena were treated to a glimpse at what we can expect.
15 more acts are set to compete in the semi-final, but the real treat is the interval act.
READ MORE: Ultimate guide to everything happening during Eurovision 2023
The performance explores Ukraine’s love for music through a range of striking and haunting visuals. Mariya Yaremchuk, who represented Ukraine in Eurovision 2014, led a contemporary montage of some of the most well-known pieces of music from the country.
The performance launched with a sombre tone, seeing the stage transformed into a wheat field. Dancers floated through the props and it was magical to watch, especially directly after rock band Voyager closed the representative performances. The drastic shift in tone could be felt instantly.
Mariya kicked things up a notch with a belting rendition of Carol of the Bells. The once quiet arena was then transformed with an orchestral boom backed by stunning visuals flowing through the stage. It was easily one of the best vocal performances of the night.
The piece ended with a collaborative performance from rapper OTOY, 14-year-old Ukrainian Junior Eurovision representative Zlata Dziunka, and Mariya. The whole showcase was showstopping not only vocally but to see how they’ve visually curated everything. A real treat for the eyes and ears.
The BBC promised to shine a light on Ukraine's musical heritage and it's nowhere more prevalent than during the interval acts.
Get all the latest Eurovision 2023 news straight to your inbox
Join our Eurovision Whatsapp community to get the latest news sent to your phone
Ultimate guide to everything happening during Eurovision 2023
Ukrainians who fled horrors of war now in Liverpool for Eurovision dream week
Price list for food and drink at M&S Bank Arena for Eurovision 2023
Eurovision friends travel hundreds of miles to city after planning outfits for years
The countdown has officially started. Join our Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool Facebook group
