With the success of Kalush Orchestra in Turin at previous Eurovision Song Contest, Ukraine has the opportunity of providing a great successor or just something to fill in their spot as they already have a place in the finals. Once again, Ukraine maintains its 100% qualification record.
Unfortunately, with the war still continuing in Ukraine, the normal process in producing a show like Vidbir had changed due to safety reasons. Normally, Vidbir is held in February, but this year the decision was made to move the final to an earlier date, thus the final was held on the 17th of December. A selection process was held resulting in 10 artists competing in the final. Due to the constant bombing by the Russian aggressors, resulting in power shortages in Kyiv and around Ukraine, instead of being hosted in the studio, the contest was held in the Maidan Nezalezhnosti metro station.
Prior to the finale, all the songs were released on YouTube. There was a lot of reactions towards the songs with Jerry Heil, “When God Shut The Door” being the favourite amongst the fandom. As to be expected during a war, a lot of songs revolved around the identity of Ukrainians and their struggle with freedom from the oppressor. How they chose to portray the song came down to their performances, including props and back up performers.
I do love that the theme music for the show is traditional Hutsul music played by a Soplika (wooden flute). The show commences with a rendition of “Chervona Kalyna” sung by the artists participating in the contest. (made popular at the beginning of the conflict)
The show was hosted by our previous Junior Eurovision and Eurovision host & commentator and regular nice guy, Timur Miroshnychenko as well as Eurovision alumini Kateryna Pavlenko and Zlata Ognevich. Our judges for the night were Eurovision 2016 winner Jamala, Taras Topolya from Antyila and Julia Sanina from Hardkiss.
(1) Starting off with Moisei “I’m not alone” featuring a violin. A rock ballad, with a heart in the colours of Ukraine made up of crates in the background and large search lights. He is also a veteran of the current conflict.
(2) With neon lightning, it’s time for OY Sound System "Oy, tuzhu" (Ой, тужу). With the use of a DJ, it’s an electronic ballad. Quite different!
(3) It’s time for Demchuk “Alive”. It’s a pity he doesn’t use the guitar that he wears, but it’s a nice ballad.
Time to reflect on what has happened over the past few years and the rehearsals for the contestants and now it’s time to have a break. Yes, I know it’s been hard work so far.
(4) Jerry Heil is up after the break with “God Shut the Door”. With outfits that look like they’re peasant girls and amazing vocals, we just had to borrow the headphone look from Slovenia. The element of the Ukrainian language brings the song to another level and using elements of a traditional Ukrainian melody help tie it all up in a big bow.
(5) Fiinka is next with their most colourful "Dovbush" (Довбуш). I absolutely love the Hutsul graphics in the background. I would have to say that their biggest let down would be the vocals, but it really is an entertaining song and I love the effort to create the performance.
(6) Krutь brings the magic of the Ukraine’s national instrument, the Bandura with “Kolyskova" (Колискова). An emotional and powerful ballad that would do really well in Eurovision.
(7) Tember Blanche with "Ya vdoma" (Я вдома) looks to be Ukraine’s answer to our Belarus 2017 entry.
(8) Angelina “Stronger” a simple ballad, someone had to wear a white dress. It is Eurovision after all.
(9) 2Tone “Kvita”, I’ve seen flowers grow a lot prettier than this. It’s not bad but could be a lot better.
(10) Our final song for the contest is Tvorchi “Heart of Steel” presents a very somber and moving performance making exceptional use of his props to send his message to all about what is really happening with war.
The show then features acts from Pianoboy, 2022 Junior Eurovision contest Zlata, Jamala and Verka Serduchka.
Three hours later, it’s finally time to reveal the votes, with jury votes announced followed by the public votes. The winner of the jury vote was Krutь “Kolyskova”. Tvorchi “Heart of Steel” wins the public vote by 1 point and will represent Ukraine at the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.
I must say that you would not think that this show was organised in a metro railway station. With all the effects, lighting and staging as well as accommodating an audience, I was extremely impressed with how the show came together. As they say, the show must go on and nothing can stop the determination of Ukrainians!
Hello Liverpool! Slava Ukraina!