The Yorkshire town that hosted the Eurovision Song Contest after amazing Buck's Fizz win in 1981

The Ukrainian winners of the Eurovision Song Contest have sold their trophy to raise almost $1M for the war effort.

K.J. Yossman The Eurovision Song Contest 2022 delivered stellar ratings, with 161 million viewers watching the three live shows (the first and second semi final and the grand final) in Turin, Italy just over ten days ago.According to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which hosts the annual concert, the grand final viewing share on Saturday May 14 rose by three percentage points from 2021, to a total of 43.3% across 34 markets.The coveted 15-24 year-old demographic was also up by three percentage points for the final, with a total of 56.2%.Across Europe, individual territories also reported a ratings spike, with the U.K.

Following a rollercoaster voting section this year, Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra won the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday with their song ‘Stefania’. The UK’s Sam Ryder followed in second place with ‘Space Man’, in a dramatic turnaround from last year’s nul points disaster.Already one of the favourites to win the competition, it became widely expected that Ukraine would be Eurovision champions this year following the Russian invasion of the country in February.Of course, following those events, it had not been a given that Ukraine would be able perform at this year’s contest at all.

Associated Press, were able to send their appreciation via Telegram: “Thank you to Kalush Orchestra for your support! Glory to Ukraine!”After their win, the six-member group, who blends traditional Ukrainian music with hip-hop, told reporter Samya Hafsaoui, “We want to say a big thank you to everyone who voted for us… Thank you to everyone for supporting Ukrainian culture and Ukrainian music. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”The band were not able to travel together or even rehearse before performing the song at the semi-finals on May 10.

Countryfile presenter Helen Skelton could be returning to the Strictly dance floor this year if the show’s casting directors get their wish for her to return, according to reports. The star appeared on the Strictly Come Dancing festive special back in 2012, where her fancy footwork and graceful moves wowed the judges and audience alike – with a source close to the show revealing she’s been on their wish list to return since her original debut.

K.J. Yossman The unspoken question in the run up to this year’s Eurovision Song Contest was whether Ukraine would be able to host next spring if they won.Before the event, sources close to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the annual music contest, indicated it was not a situation they were looking forward to grappling with.However, when Ukrainian rappers Kalush Orchestra were announced as the winners in Italy on Saturday night, it became an inevitability.The contest is hosted each year in the country which won the previous year.

K.J. Yossman Ukraine won the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest in Italy on Saturday night. The country was represented by hip hop act Kalush Orchestra with the song “Stefania,” a tribute to lead singer Oleh Psiuk’s mother Stefania, which merges Ukrainian folklore with rap.The U.K.

The 66th Eurovision song contest is finally here, with another set of musical hopefuls eager to represent their countries and impress both the judges and the public.

launched a full-scale invasion on Feb. 24.Among the 25 nations performing on the big stage in Italy is Ukraine, which is considered a favorite to win.Below, we remind you of everything you need to know ahead of the final.The Eurovision Song Contest first hit our screens way back when in 1956.

Ukraine.About 50 people created a flash mob when Kalush Orchestra appeared on an outdoor stage in Turin this week, amplifying international calls for help getting remaining civilians and fighters out of a steel plant that is the last Ukrainian holdout in the southern city of Mariupol.“We see Eurovision as an international event where the presence of Ukraine and Ukrainian culture is very important,’’ said Zoia Stankovska, a Milan-based lawyer who helped organize the flash mob. “At the moment, Eurovision is also a place where our voice is being heard.’’Kalush Orchestra's Eurovision entry “Stefania" was written as the frontman's tribute to his mother but has become an anthem to the motherland since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb.

Eurovision Song Contest has returned for another year, bringing with it more musical drama and excitement. So far this year, Russia has been banned from the contest, while Latvia has been stamped with a censorship order and the UK afforded a rare shot at first place in the bookies. Every year, the show is presented by showbiz stalwarts from the hosting nation – and this year is no exception.

After placing third on The Voice UK and forming a close friendship with coach Meghan Trainor, Brooke Scullion had dreams of going global. And what better world stage to showcase her talent on than that of the Eurovision Song Contest?

Ukraine have been tipped as the favourites to win this years Eurovision Song Contest. Kalush Orchestra, who are representing Ukraine, have been given special permission to leave the country to travel to the contest, taking place in Turin, Italy. The rap trio Kalush formed in 2019 and they have joined forces with Ukrainian folk flute player Vitalii Duzhyk and vocalists Tymofii Muzychuk and Oleksandr Slobodianyk to create Kalush Orchestra and their entry song Stefani.

With the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 final in Turin fast approaching, last year's winners Måneskin are set to return to the stage with their new single Supermodel.