Featured photo courtesy of BBC – From left to right: top row Rita Ora, Rebecca Ferguson, Alyosha; bottom row Julia Sanina, OTOY, Zlata Dziunka, Mariya Yaremchuk
Eurovision is only one month away and the BBC has announced the line-up of both British and Ukrainian artists who are set to star in the semi-finals as opening and interval acts.
9th May, Semi-Final 1
Ukranian host Julia Sanina will open Semi-Final 1 and the Eurovision Song Contest itself performing the song ‘Маяк’ by her band, The Hardkiss.
The song, whose title means “Lighthouse”, was released last year and tells how lighthouses’ light can guide you even in the darkest of times. Her performance will also symbolise the many ways that make United Kingdom and Ukraine “United by Music”.
In the interval act, the global superstar and multi-awarded singer Rita Ora will perform a medley of her biggest hits, followed by the world premiere of her brand-new single “Praising You”.
Ukrainian singer Alyosha – who represented Ukraine in Eurovision 2010 with the song “Sweet People”, ending in 10th place – will perform, alongside Liverpool native and critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter Rebecca Ferguson, a duet over a rearranged, moving version of Duran Duran’s “Ordinary World”.
Through this song of hope, courage, and support, Alyosha will share the journey that brought her from her country to safety.
It’s the same journey that thousands of other Ukrainian women were forced to take last year, when they had to leave behind their homes and their loved ones to seek refuge.
11th May, Semi-Final 2
Semi- Final 2 interval acts will showcase Ukrainian music:
First, Mariya Yaremchuk, who represented Ukraine in Eurovision 2014 with the song “Tick Tock”, ending in 6th place, will perform a medley titled “Music unites generations”.
Accompanied by OTOY, a famous rapper from L’viv, and 14 years-old Ukranian representative at last year’s Junior Eurovision Zlata Dziunka, Maryia will sing some of the most famous pieces of the country’s musical history.
After that, the performance “Be Who You Wanna Be” will see a spectacular medley of contemporary pop songs.
In this number, three drag performers, accompanied by the group of Ukrainian dancers Podiya, will put up a not-to-be-missed show, meant to celebrate the Eurovision Song Contest as a place of acceptance.
“There won’t be a moment to miss during these very entertaining and very tense Semi-Finals.” Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director of Unscripted said, and we can’t wait to watch them all.
Are you excited for the Semi Finals interval acts? Which one you look forward to the most? Let us know in the comments below!
