Kalush Orchestra are favourites to take out this year’s Eurovision, and are one step closer after being voted through in the first semi-final in Turin, Italy.
They join nine other entrants from Norway, Switzerland, Armenia, Iceland, Lithuania, Portugal, Greece, Moldova and the Netherland who were voted through from their group of 17 on Tuesday.
Kalush Orchestra delivered an energetic performance of their song Stefania, while dressed in elaborate outfits, including long multicoloured fringed ensembles and traditional patterns to secure a place in the final.
The group ended their performance by thanking everyone for supporting Ukraine.
BBC Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills, who was commentating Eurovision for the BBC, told listeners about the band being unable to rehearse because of the Ukrainian situation.
"Frontman Oleg joked that he doesn't think the lack of rehearsal time will affect their performance because they're very attractive men."
Russia has been barred by the competition’s producers to perform at this year’s Eurovision.
Australia will join another 17 countries in the second semi-final on Thursday for a place in the final, which will take place in Turin.
Australia's Sheldon Riley will perform his song Not the Same.
With AAP.
