TURIN, Italy On Saturday, Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra won the Eurovision Song Contest in Italy with their entry “Stefania,” riding a tide of public support to clinch an emotional triumph that was celebrated by the country’s president.

The winning song, sung in Ukrainian, blended rap with traditional folk music and was a dedication to band frontman Oleh Psiuk’s mother.

Based in part on popular sympathy for Ukraine during Russia’s invasion in February, bookmakers had considered Kalush Orchestra the obvious favourite for the annual contest, which regularly draws a television audience of close to 200 million.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy immediately expressed his congratulations.

“Our courage impresses the world, our music conquers Europe! Next year Ukraine will host the Eurovision song contest,” he said in an online message.

The winners generally get to host the tournament the following year, and Ukraine hopes to be able to do so in 2023.

 “I thank the Kalush Orchestra for this victory and everyone who gave us your votes! I am sure that the sound of victory in the battle with the enemy is not far off,” he added.

Ukraine finished fourth in jury vote but first in viewer voting, setting a new record in an event featuring 40 nations. Sam Ryder of the United Kingdom came in second, with Chanel of Spain coming in third.

 “The victory is very important for Ukraine, especially this year, so thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Glory to Ukraine!,” Psiuk from the band told a news conference, speaking through an interpreter.

Ukraine has won the annual competition three times, and he said the song, which featured traditional flutes and breakdancing in a classic Eurovision mix of styles, was a contender even before the violence erupted.

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