We gave our readers twenty-four hours to vote for their favourites in Ukraine’s Vidbir 2022. After receiving a total of 2,390 votes, we can now reveal that Alina Pash is their favourite to win and sing at Eurovision with her song “Тіні забутих предків” (Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors).
Her song gives thanks to her ancestors for helping her — and her country — move forward. As her official biography says, “We need to remember them, gain strength from them and confidently step into the future.”
Vidbir 2022: Alina Pash wins our readers’ poll in Ukraine
- Alina Pash: 823 votes 34.44%
- Roxolana: 626 votes 26.19%
- Kalush Orchestra: 461 votes 19.29%
- Wellboy: 198 votes 8.28%
- Michael Soul: 126 votes 5.27%
- Cloudless: 95 votes 3.97%
- Our Atlantic: 40 votes 1.67%
- Barbelen: 21 votes 0.88%
Total: 2,390 total votes
Alina Pash’s song bares the same title as the famous 1965 film that depicts the tragic life story of a Hutsul Ukrainian man. In the 1960s, the film was progressive and controversial for its strong depiction of local culture, traditions and customs at a time when national culture was repressed. The soundtrack, including many folklore instruments, is one of the most striking parts of the film.
In her Vidbir entry, Alina refers to Picasso’s dove — a symbol of peace. Alina says that peace is the only way out. She compares herself to the Grimm Brothers, who are responsible for the retelling of folklore stories in parts of Western Europe. In the last part before the chorus, Alina says Ukrainians are not dependent on the tragedy of the past, but can instead create a better future for themselves.
You can read the full lyrics — in English — in our post here.
How did your favourite fare in our poll? Do you think Alina will take it all? Let us know down below…
Alina just won!!!!
Ukraine, that was disgrace. They announced 3 different televote results for 1 to 4 points awarded. Makes me think it was some meddling
Just watched Vidbir. I have to admit, Alina’s performance was POWERFUL. I think Ukraine’s staging professionals can make it even better and make it a standout entry at Eurovision.
Kalush were my favourites. Loved it everything.
Alina was a moment as well.
Wellboy also amazing.
Ukraine brought it as usual. They are really ahead
Olena Usenko is queen!
Some fans said this is the weakest year for Ukraine. Haha would love to see their faces after live performances, because everyone SLAYED. Wellboy and Kalush were just incredible.
Wellboy was incredible, I’m gonna listen to this song for the next months.
Also Kalush were damn good, Roxolana also what a performance
ALL songs sounded better live. The performances were surprisingly smooth both visually and vocally. Kalush Orchestra are my favorites
Must be Kalush or Wellboy!
Alina brought me to tears and I’m not even Ukrainian. That was special.
Alina has the highest potential to do well at Eurovision if, and this is a big if, she can fix her song. She connects so well with the camera in certain moments and her voice is gorgeous. But the spoken word part just doesn’t work as is and really all the English takes you out of the song.
The instrumental backing is also too loud. There’s another live version with just her voice and a keyboard that’s superior. If anything, I think she should strip back and let her voice and the emotion of the song be the star.
Alina is so overrated
So true
Agree
Roxolana or Michael Soul, please not Alina
It’s over!
Alina is going to win
Kalush all the way, please, Ukraine! Very unique sound and great performance overall!
Wellboy or Kalush
Juries crashed Wellboy, so definitely not him
I like this new format, better than Vidbir in my opinion!
But why is it four hours for just 8 songs? I can’t imagine the filler to stretch it out that long.
Idk, they’ll have a lot of guests I guess. But I think it’s way better produced than Vidbir.
But even guest performances wouldn’t make the show stretch that much longer, Maybe up to three hours. But isn’t this selection called Vidbir, So why are you saying it’s better produced than vidbir When this is vidbir right? I’m confused.
I guess you could still call it Vidbir, but Ukraine switched broadcasters this year so it’s a new show basically.
Kalush is the perfect mix of folklore and modern. Roxolana is a super fun track.
Alina’s spoken word part not feeling it the rest is nice.
Was that a technical issue in the performance of Cloudless?
Yes.
Oh dear.
I’m good with whatever Ukraine sins
Wellboy will win, just watch. Ukrainians love him.
it is not appropriate to hold a music fest before an upcoming World War
Alina, Roxolana and Kalush Orchestra are the best !!! Wellboy maybe…
But my winner is Alina Pash or Roxolona = Ukraine Top 10 in the contest !
I dont Ukraine and Russia should be in ESC this year.
Wellboy is the best
I hope Kalush Orchestra
She’s my runner-up. 🙂