The band Gryndzholy, known for their song “Razom nas bahato” [Together we are many], which has become the unofficial anthem of the Orange Revolution, will represent Ukraine at Eurovision 2005. With 2247 votes, they have won the national qualifier round. Even though the band from Ivano-Frankivsk entered the qualifier finals at the last possible moment with a number nineteen seed, it was them who resolved the debate over who will represent Ukraine at the fiftieth Eurovision international song contest.
Speaking at a news conference, Vice Prime Minister Mykola Tomenko said that all problems relating to the preparation of Eurovision will be resolved in the coming days. The Cabinet of Ministers has already channeled UAH 30 million into the account of the National Television Company of Ukraine, which sponsors the contest. Construction workers have ample time to prepare the premises of the Sports Palace, which is hosting the contest, and tickets will go on sale in mid-April. Tomenko believes that Gryndzholy will no doubt finish in the top five, to which Gryndzholy lead singer Roman Kalyn replied, “Our goal is victory.”
Rumors that Eurovision 2005 might be held in a different country are unfounded. Last Friday President Yushchenko met with Svante Stockselius, supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest at the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), and EBU television department director Bjorn Erichsen.
“We view Eurovision as another possibility to open Ukraine to the world and show how unique it is,” says President Yushchenko, adding that our country has set the goal of hosting Eurovision at a high level. He expressed his confidence that the Ukrainian organizers will do everything it takes to make it happen.
“We must win,” says Oleksandr Ksenofontov, the producer of Eurovision 2004 Grand Prix winner Ruslana Lyzhychko. “But our idea of winning is not in whether Ukraine collects another Grand Prix or not, but in a successful performance by our contestants. Today, as never before, millions of eyes in different countries are on Ukraine. Today we are not outsiders in Europe, but its trendsetters. Of course, much will depend on viewers’ votes, but I think that Gryndzholy have the energy and drive, and that the audience should love them.”
“Thank you all who have cast votes for us,” says Roman Kalyn, the lead singer of Gryndzholy, adding: “Our dream is to win Eurovision 2005. Two days ago our band added a new member, Andriy Pisetsky, who is a professional musician. We are now a trio. Meanwhile, all good things come in threes, and I believe in our victory.”
