ESC final in the live ticker: audience gives victory to Ukraine – Germany brings up the rear

Created: 05/15/2022, 15:44

By: Jonas Erbas, Matthias Kernstock

The Kalush Orchestra competed for Ukraine at the ESC and got the second-best “Eurovision Song Contest” result of all time with a total of 631 points © Luca Bruno/AP/dpa

The 66th "Eurovision Song Contest" is over: With 631 points, Ukraine secured the second-best ESC result of all time.

• The

  winners' press conference

  of the ESC 2022: The Ukrainian "Eurovision Song Contest" winners commented on the

  war in their homeland

  and

  their plans for the future

  .

• This is how the

  ESC final evening 2022

  went : The performances

  of all 25 "Eurovision Song Contest" candidates

  at a glance.

• The best atmosphere in Turin

  on the day of the ESC final : the fans

  celebrated

  together in front of the PalaOlimpico

  – one Ukrainian even

  came from the USA

  .

• ESC final week

  in Turin: In two

  gripping semi-

  finals, 20 of 35 nations qualified for the final,

  which Ukraine won

  .

The final results are in!

Ukraine wins with a whopping 631 points (second best result after Portugal with 758 points at ESC 2017), 439 of which come from the public vote.

With that, Kalush Orchestra got the full number of points from almost every country on average.

According to the jury's results, the group still ranked in the upper middle field.

Germany is the only country that did not receive any points from the juries.

Malik Harris only got 6 points from the spectators and is therefore the ESC tail light.

The winners press conference of the ESC 2022: Kalush Orchestra hope for ESC in "new, happy Ukraine"

02:06:

When asked if he has to go back to the war front, Oleg Psyuk explains: "We have to be back in Ukraine in two days." Then the exemption of the 27-year-old and his band ends.

The rapper is brave: "Like every Ukrainian, I'm ready to fight to the end.

But I don't know how things will continue, I haven't won the ESC yet."

2:00 am:

“The win is important for Ukraine, especially this year.

Thanks to everyone who voted for us,” singer Oleg Psyuk begins the winners' press conference.

“I love hearing the song 'Stefania' all over Europe.” The Kalush Orchestra singer then explains: “Every win is important these days.

We were attacked, but we are here to show that Ukrainian culture is alive!" He also firmly believes that the "Eurovision Song Contest" 2023 will take place in his home country: "I'm sure that we Welcoming Europe to a new, happy Ukraine next year.”

Great feelings after the ESC victory: The winners of the Kalush Orchestra heart a Ukrainian journalist at the press conference © Mario Hanousek

1:42 a.m .:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Ukraine on winning the “Eurovision Song Contest”: “Our courage impresses the world, our music conquers Europe,” he writes on Telegram.

“We will do our best to accommodate the participants and guests from the ESC in Mariupol, Ukraine one day.

Free, peaceful and rebuilt,” he adds, according to the BBC.

1:28 am:

"Congratulations to Ukraine and the Kalush Orchestra on their victory!

We are now starting the planning for 2023 with the (Ukrainian, ed.) TV channel UA:PBC.

Obviously there are unique challenges in hosting the next Eurovision Song Contest.

However, as in every year, we will be speaking to all UA:PBC officials and all other stakeholders about the requirement to host to ensure we have the best set-up for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest”. Martin Österdahl, the EBU Executive Supervisor from the ESC, quoted in a written broadcast.

1:17 a.m.:

In about 20 minutes, the winners will arrive in the press room of the "Eurovision Song Contest".

Then the first questions may be clarified: Can the ESC take place in Ukraine?

What's next?

Either way, these will be difficult months for everyone involved with the planning for the ESC 2023.

The press conference with the ESC winner Ukraine will take place here in a few minutes © Mario Hanousek

This is how the ESC final evening 2022 went: Halle stands up for Ukraine, Malik Harris gets applause from the scene

11:12 p.m .:

Estonia concludes – and the Balts bring harmonious Wild West vibes to Turin!

With "Hope" Stefan sings a trendy country number.

It's a bit disappointing that, like in the second semi-final, the western guitar is only strapped to his back and not used in proper style.

However, the audience doesn't seem to care - no wonder: the song itself is rousing and ends the performances of the finale with a worthy conclusion!

11:08 p.m.:

There were only two: Ana Đurić, alias Konstrakta, competes for Serbia with “In Corpore Sana” and probably the most strange choreography of the ESC final.

The performance, inspired by her compatriot, the performance artist Marina Abramović, shows the singer washing her hands in front of a water basin.

Appropriately, the title takes a critical look at the Serbian health system, the lack of care for freelance artists and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The contribution itself looks like a post-modern stage play - this is where the ESC shows its most versatile side!

In addition, the refrain invites you to clap along!

11:03 p.m.:

Only three more acts, then it’s time to get down to business: Ochman won the local edition of “The Voice” in Poland and took the hearts of many ESC fans by storm with “River” on Thursday evening, in the second semi-final.

The singer, who was born in the USA, really deserved the "The Voice" victory.

At the ESC he proves the incredible versatility of his voice that evening.

Already after the first refrain he gets enthusiastic applause.

Visually, all sorts of effects are used in his appearance, which probably overwhelm both the TV viewers and the fans on site here and there - it flashes and flashes and flashes...

10:58 p.m .:

Now crowd favorite Sam Ryder (UK) can show why he became a superstar on TikTok in a very short time.

The Brit wants to pay tribute to local rock greats like Freddy Mercury and Elton John with "Space Man".

For this, the 32-year-old got himself a chic glitter suit embroidered with space motifs and performs under a stage construction that seems out of this world.

Incidentally, the United Kingdom last won 25 years ago, or 9143 days ago, with "Love Shine A Light" by Katharina and the Waves.

Sam Ryder from Great Britain with the title "Space Man"‎ at the ESC © dpa / Jens Büttner

10:51 p.m .:

Sheldon Riley (Australia) sang his way through the second semi-final with "Not the Same" and was rewarded there with storms of joy.

The heartbreak ballad, which the man from Down Under performs in a flowing robe reminiscent of a wedding dress, seems to appeal to the taste of ESC fans even today.

The Australian also has a heavy burden to bear on two fronts.

While he describes in his ESC contribution that he has always been treated differently in his life (he suffers from Asperger's syndrome), the dress also has a weight: the giant white dress weighs a total of 40 kilograms.

How did you get that in your suitcase from Australia to Turin?

10:47 p.m .:

And the next acclaimed ESC act: The performances of the ESC final evening are slowly coming to an end, but with Cornelia Jakobs (Sweden) and “Hold Me Closer” one of the favorites can now do it: The The 30-year-old comes from a musical family and is also considered a potential winner by bookmakers.

The Scandinavian immediately shows why this is so: she picks up the audience with a lot of feeling - and without any elaborate stage show!

10:41 p.m.:

Zdob și Zdub & Fraţii Advahov are now on stage in Turin for Moldova with “Trenuleţul”, one of the craziest numbers of the evening.

The mixture of "folklore" and "rock 'n' roll", which is also sung about in the chorus of the song, turns out to be a real mood bringer.

The whole PalaOlimpico dances along exuberantly to the fast, thoroughly rhythmic number.

Here, too, the basic idea of ​​the ESC was captured very well.

Do we see the secret favorite here?

The brothers Zdob și Zdub & Frații Advahov from Moldova sing "Trenuletul" during rehearsals for the Eurovision Song Contest © Luca Bruno / dpa / AP

10:36 p.m .:

Starting rank 18 is Iceland with the sister trio Systur: "Með hækkandi sól" (in English: "With the rising sun") is a coherent folk number that was a hit in the first ESC semi-final!

Sigríður, Elísabet and Elín Eyþórsdóttir radiate melancholic Western flair and conquer the whole hall with their authentic style!

There are cheers from the ranks.

Finally, the Scandinavians send an important signal and wish Ukraine a speedy peace.

10:32 p.m .:

“Die Together” is the name of the Greek ESC contribution that pop singer Amanda Georgiadi Tenfjord is now reciting.

The title is about a toxic relationship - a theme that is also reflected indirectly in the stage design: there are numerous broken chairs scattered next to the daughter of a Greek mother and a Norwegian mother, dressed in a pearly white, shiny dress.

10:26 p.m .:

For several years now, more and more casting show winners have been competing in the “Eurovision Song Contest”, including Jérémie Makiese (Belgium), who won the Belgian “The Voice” offshoot.

His contribution "Miss You" exudes a trendy boy band atmosphere, which is also reflected in the choreography thanks to the hard-working fellow dancers.

Incidentally, the Belgian is a true all-rounder: not only can he sing, he was even a professional goalkeeper under contract with a local second division club.

Musically, the 21-year-old plays in the ESC Champions League today.

10:22 p.m.:

Nadir Rustamli (Azerbaijan) caused amazement in the semi-finals with the use of movable stair elements - they are in operation again today!

Musically it's rather shallow and calm, for the big, vocal emotional outburst the singer takes a lot of time with "Fade to Black".

But the formula seems to work, because enthusiastic noises can be heard from the audience again and again.

10:19 p.m .:

For the first time since her ESC debut in 1994, Lithuania is represented with a song in her own language: Monika Liu wrote “Sentimentai” (in English: feelings) herself and is visually reminiscent of a French chanson singer.

Musically, this is also reflected in their performance.

On stage, it glitters wherever you look - especially the chic dress of the Baltin is an absolute eye-catcher!

10:14 p.m .:

We are about halfway through the ESC final and with it the German contribution: Malik Harris hopes to set the tone with “rock stars” and an elaborate stage design designed as a living room concert.

The mix of hip-hop, rock and pop takes a little to win over the audience, but the young musician gives everything.

Grinning and confident, he denies his performance while more and more cell phone lights light up in the audience.

After his rap part there is even applause!

Fingers crossed tonight: Malik Harris, here at the German preliminary round, represents Germany at the ESC in Turin.

© Britta Pedersen/dpa

10:08 p.m .:

Now the focus is on the favorites of the evening, who compete directly in front of Germany’s ESC candidate Malik Harris: Kalush Orchestra (Ukraine) perform “Stefania”, a rap title with typical folk elements, which conveys the basic musical idea of ​​“ Eurovision Song Contest” implemented perfectly.

That's why the audience cheers enthusiastically, while the troupe puts on a flawless performance.

At the end, the victims of the war are remembered - the hall rises in united solidarity.

A beautiful sight!

The Kalush Orchestra from Ukraine performs the title "Stefania" at the ESC 2022 © dpa / Jens Büttner

10:05 p.m .:

We’ve arrived at starting rank 11: Singer S10 competes for the Netherlands with “De Diepte” (in English: the deep) in their national language.

The title is one of the most emotional songs of this ESC evening.

The beautiful refrain immediately resonates with the audience.

Ukraine follows, then Germany.

10:02 p.m.:

Chanel (Spain), who was born in Cuba, now sweeps across the PalaOlimpico stage with a dance routine that is as crackling as it is well-paced.

Her song "SloMo", which was actually written for Jennifer Lopez, almost fades into the background in view of the sweaty performance and the elaborate stage show: Chanel's choreography is perfect, in between it rains golden fireworks.

Will we see it raining gold for Spain when the winners are announced today?

In any case, there was applause en masse - also in the press center, as our reporter reports on site.

9:56 p.m .:

Like last year’s ESC winner Måneskin, Mahmood & Blanco (Italy) also won the legendary Sanremo Music Festival and thus qualified for today’s final.

The love ballad "Brividi" was loudly applauded in Turin from the first second and the lyrics were sung along with confidence.

Not only in the stands, but especially on stage, the vocal power represented there is completely convincing: the two musicians harmonize perfectly and are considered by the bookmakers to be one of the favorites.

But: The Italian superstar Blanco, just 19 years old, is accused of not taking the competition seriously.

He didn't even show up for the first rehearsal, he didn't want to cancel his own concert and therefore couldn't come at all.

Mahmood and Blanco from Italy with the title "Brividi" © dpa / Jens Büttner

9:47 p.m .:

The comparatively unknown Rosa Linn is now on stage for Armenia with “Snap”.

The 21-year-old will most likely not win tonight, but being able to represent her nation in the final of the "Eurovision Song Contest" is reward enough for her.

What you don't see on TV: Rosa Linn's stage bedroom consists of several parts, it takes more than ten stagehands to assemble it.

In the middle of the song, it is rotated 180 degrees without anyone noticing, so that at the end she can climb through the torn-off paper hole.

9:42 p.m.:

The Duo Subwoolfer (Norway) in starting place 7: The masked Norwegians appear in yellow wolf overalls and smart suits and are therefore not only a curious eye-catcher, but also one of the secret favorites of the evening.

You can definitely dance to “Give That Wolf A Banana” in Turin.

It is not known who is under the masks - the audience doesn't really care.

In Turin, people definitely have fun to the lively pop-dance number.

There are also cult dance routines that you might see in one or the other club in the future.

At the "Eurovision Song Contest" Norway is considered one of the audience's favorites © IMAGO/Jessica Gow/TT

9:38 p.m.:

With France, the first of five seeded finalists – including Germany – is now competing: In “Fulenn” Alvan & Ahez rely on an unusual mixture of folky shaman singing (in Breton language!) and modern music interspersed with fast beats Electro.

In no time at all, the PalaOlimpico transforms the troupe into a seething, large-scale disco in which flames shoot across the stage and glittering lights flicker.

Musically, however, the whole thing takes a bit of getting used to.

Particularly exciting: This year there is not a single song in French.

A novelty in 66 years of ESC history.

9:33 p.m .:

Marius Bear (Switzerland) wants to “show feelings” with his ballad “Boys Do Cry”, which is now in fifth place on this ESC final evening.

The 28-year-old managed to do that in the first semi-final, in which he achieved progress with great feelings.

In keeping with the soft tones, the stage show is quite minimalistic - sometimes less is more.

The audience agrees and cheers euphorically for the young Confederate, who seems almost a little lonely on the big, dark stage.

Nevertheless, Marius Bear is expected to be in the lower places today.

Marius Bear from Switzerland sings "Boys Do Cry" at the ESC © dpa/AP |

Luca Bruno

9:29 p.m.:

Now the most well-known act of this ESC evening can get going: The Rasmus (Finland) landed an international hit with “In the Shadows” in 2003, which even reached the top of the single charts in this country.

Today the rock band performs with the groovy "Jezebel" and a stage full of oversized balloons.

In typical rock 'n' roll manner, singer Lauri Ylönen roams the stage restlessly and never stops heating up the Turin audience.

The Finns also seem to be well received by the audience.

The Rasmus from Finland perform their track "Jezebel" at a rehearsal for the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC).

© Jens Büttner/dpa

9:25 p.m .:

Now quieter sounds from Portugal: Maro sings “Saudade, saudade” (in German: longing, longing) and dispenses with spectacular show elements – she lets the music speak for itself.

Surrounded by her fellow singers, the singer-songwriter stands on the stage covered in knee-high wafts of fog and sings the world-weariness from her soul.

At the same time, a number of cell phone lights flashed in the audience.

Beautiful!

9:20 p.m.:

We also know WRS (Romania), who is now on grid position 2, from the second semi-final.

There, the Wallachian-born singer-songwriter, whose name is pronounced "Urs", by the way, really got the crowd going with "Llámame".

Even today, the body-hugging choreography fits perfectly.

In red outfits that are vaguely reminiscent of Spanish toreros, he is hoping for a good placement.

His song is bursting with hit potential: the audience celebrates exuberantly - and even sings the catchy chorus clearly audibly!

With "Llámame" (in English: call me), WRS from Romania is hoping for many calls to move into the ESC final on Saturday © Jens Büttner/dpa

9:16 p.m.:

In the second “Eurovision Song Contest” semi-final, We Are Domi (Czech Republic) were only allowed to play “Lights Off” at the end, today the electro-pop band will have the honor of opening the final in Turin.

As on Thursday evening, the group, founded in Great Britain in 2018, not only impresses with brisk dance rhythms, but also thanks to a sophisticated light show.

Several beams of light dance brightly through the PalaOlimpico.

The audience welcomes the band with a lot of applause - it's done!

"We Are Domi" from the Czech Republic hope to win the ESC © dpa/AP |

Luca Bruno

Best mood in Turin on the ESC final day: Germans have to hope, Ukrainians travel from the USA

8:30 p.m.:

Today Mario Hanousek is back in action for IPPEN.MEDIA in Turin.

In front of the PalaOlimpico, where the "Eurovision Song Contest" finale will take place from 9:00 p.m., he met fans who will be attending the music competition today.

Sarah from Germany, for example, is here with Dimitri from Switzerland.

She believes: "It can't be as bad as last year!" Malik Harris will at least place himself in midfield, she hopes.

"It can't be as bad as last year," believes Sarah, who is keeping her fingers crossed for Malik Harris in Turin © Mario Hanousek

Some fans take a really long way for the ESC: "A victory for Ukraine would be an important sign," says Ivana Korolchuk, who came all the way from New York.

The band members of Kalush Orchestra come from their village.

"If we can win the ESC, we can also win other things - including a war!" says the Ukrainian in front of the hall.

Ivana Korolchuk came all the way from New York to keep her fingers crossed for Ukraine in Turin.

In fact, the country has a good chance of winning if you believe the bookies © Mario Hanousek

The atmosphere in Turin is great: the fans are in a party mood – regardless of who they are crossing their fingers for on the evening of the final.

That's what makes the "Eurovision Song Contest"!

The "Eurovision Song Contest" focuses on international understanding - that seems to be working very well in Turin!

© Mario Hanousek

ESC final week in Turin: 40 countries competed, Ukraine got the second-best result of all time

After Måneskin won the "Eurovision Song Contest" in Rotterdam in 2021 with "Zitti e buoni", the 66th ESC took place this year from May 10th to 14th in Turin.

After 1965 in Naples and 1991 in Rome, this is the third time that the world's largest music competition has been held in Italy.

In a total of two semi-finals (the first and second semi-finals in retrospect), ten nations each qualified and fought for victory with the five seeded countries (Italy, Germany, France, Spain, United Kingdom) in the final on May 14th.

In the end, Ukraine won with 631 points and thus the second best ESC result in the overall history of the event.