Ukraine band favored in Eurovision Song Contest final

MILAN (AP) — Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra and its members’ folk-hip hop anthem to their war-torn nation is the oddsmaker’s favorite to win the Eurovision Song Contest, an event intended to celebrate diversity and promote friendship among nations.

Twenty-five bands are set to compete Saturday in the grand final of the annual songwriting contest. It’s taking place in northern Italy’s industrial city of Turin. Last year, 183 million people watched the televised competition.

For the Ukrainian community in Italy, Kalush Orchestra’s participation in such a hugely popular international event puts an important spotlight on Ukrainian culture while providing a platform to keep global attention focused on Russia’s invasion and war in Ukraine.

About 50 people created a flash…