Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra are back on the Turin PalaOlimpico stage today for Eurovision 2022 second rehearsals. They had another chance to polish their performance of “Stefania” ahead of their semi-final next week. Did the favourites live up to expectations? Let’s find out…
Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra “Stefania” — Eurovision 2022 second rehearsal
Padraig: Given Ukraine’s high placement in the betting odds, this is possibly the most eagerly anticipated rehearsal of the day. And Kalush Orchestra didn’t disappoint. The collective injected their performance with flourishes of both national and regional heritage and culture. Given current events, that packs an extra emotional punch. There’s a lot going on on stage, between eclectic costumes and eyecatching LED. But everything remains cohesive. Sadly, the rainbow of doom is back to spoil the show. At one point, the back wall is dominated by a large face. But we’re only able to see the eyes thanks to the faulty stage. The three minutes end with the arena flooded in blue and yellow lights, matching the colours of the Ukrainian flag.
From the Ukrainian delegation:
Reaction to Ukraine’s second rehearsal at Eurovision 2022
@wiwibloggs_official #Ukraine’s @KALUSH Orchestra take to the stage for their 2nd #Eurovision rehearsal. @jonathanvautrey watches and reacts 🇺🇦 #ESC2022 #Stefania ♬ original sound – wiwibloggs
What do you think? Did Kalush Orchestra live up to your expectations? Let us know in the comments section below.
Sorry, as much as i am an ardent fan of Ukraine and want them to survive and be done with this horrific war perpetrated by Russia, and as MUCH as i mourn the suffering of Ukrainians daily – i simply dislike this song profoundly. If you are all honest, 99% of you (aside from Ukrainians) will never listen to this song ever again. Sympathy and empathy are fantastic but they should not have led to this victory. Writing this from the USA so i have no interest in this or that country winning except the best song. This was, by… Read more »
If Ukraine truly wins, in which country and city will be held Eurovision 2023?
Hopefully the war will be over by 2023, so that Ukraine can host it.
As a Ukrainian I can say that if there is even a little opportunity to host it in Ukraine we never give this up. There are still many cities which were not destroyed. And out representatives “Kalush” think the same way
This song is annoying but the staging is the best so far!
Winner alert. 🙂
I’m very interested to see where the EBU place Ukraine in the final. Number 2 ??
It’s emotional and it will resonate with people (and juries) for various reasons: artistically, politically, and emotionally. This might be the winner for all the above reasons. Same (kind of) situation as with Jamala (I loved her song and still listen to it today).
I think overall it’s a decent song worthy of a top-10 finish, as is often the case for Ukraine, but not a winner. I must say, I do like the part it showed where they all walk forward during the chorus, but there are other parts that just look too chaotic and messy
Top 5 for sure, but not the Winner.
I like parts of the staging, didn’t like others. The sun problems affect this one pretty badly.
I mean, obviously qualifying but still.
Stop saying Ukraine only will do well, because of the situation. This is so good!
The rainbow so doesn’t bother me the way it bothers a lot of people. The stage itself and the performances are impressive enough that it’s merely a bump in the road. Don’t try and sell me on it being some kind of catastrophe because I have yet to be convinced it is.
A bump, but not a sinkhole. You can’t convince me that thing has completely ruined things unless it literally explodes and burns down the Pala Olimpico. It’s inconvenient, yes, but I wouldn’t even have noticed it if people didn’t keep pointing it out.
If this wins, I will be utterly disappointed.
Stay pressed
One of the better stagings that I’ve seen so far.
The chorus is the best part of the song for me as I don’t like the rap part at all.
My love and prayers to all those in Ukraine.
the tears on the led screen would be A MOMENT but unfortunately we have to see the black rainbow of death
Seeing the tears flow down onto the floor LEDs is a stunning concept that really doesn’t translate anymore with the sun blocking it. This is frustrating to witness. I feel for all the artists who’ve put so much effort in for this result.
they will win this year
Amazing staging!
It looks like a winner to me, except that the black arch has obscured the visual story.
Love the country but not the song. Not even in my top 10.
I hope we are not left with an * if this song ends up winning. It would be not right for the contest, for this song and for whatever would come in 2nd.
I struggle to see this winning the whole thing…it doesn´t smell winner at all actually. Still the odds are decreasing every day. Don´t get it at all.
Bookies could be taking punters for a ride – I don’t see it being in the juries top 10 let alone top 4 or 5 (the winner since splitting the jury/televote has always been ranked in the top 4 with the juries)
I still find the staging messy and lacking cohesion, I know people have said that the sort of unkempt look is their aesthetic but it looks a state and jurors will not respond to this.
This is beautiful and emotional, the sun is still ugly though.
The black hole blocking the LED really ruined an effective moment of the yellow/ golden tears. Such a shame!
I think juries will give it too much work to do (they don’t do sentiment and they don’t love rap) I don’t believe its a winner.
I still don’t understand why they can’t move that sun even if it means longer breaks . Last time Eurovision was in Italy it went over an hour over schedule, so why not now ?
Their staging is rather disappointing when compared with most other participating countries, nevertheless they continue rising in the betting odds. That’s not fair!
Imagine how good the staging would be if they were backed by a LED screen instead of that black thing.
I made this exact comment on the ESC YouTube clip of this rehearsal. After about 40 minutes and getting notifications on being liked and replies, the comment vanished. Nothing to see here, just keep moving.
I think the staging was left behind, then again much bigger things to be concerned about at home as Ukraine are usually the kings of staging. I think they got this one wrong this year.
Be just real. This is NOT A WINNER SONG. Is simple as that
If people will vote for them only because of solidarity and not because they really like the song they better spend money to donate for children of destructed Ukrainian cities.
It’s such a shame, that we cannot see half of the background because of the sun. I saw yesterday in Poland’s rehearsal that their background has a forest projection in it. With the dancers it would be so nice and effective. So sad.
I don’t like any aspect of it. Cringe and lame… 39/40. 0/12p.