The is now effectively underway with the second semi-final set to air on the on Might 11.
This yr's contest is happening in Liverpool, dwelling of the pop sensation Sonia who is understood for her hit Higher the Satan You Know.
She has now joined forces with the European Youth Music Refugee Choir on the Nationwide Lottery-funded Everyman Theatre.
The choir consists of plenty of Ukrainian refugees who've fled the battle and in a present of solidarity, Sonia carried out her 1989 UK primary hit You may By no means Cease Me Loving You.
Sonia, who was introduced up in Walton in Liverpool, backed the bid for her dwelling metropolis to tackle internet hosting Eurovision on behalf of .
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Talking to Categorical.co.uk about her collaboration with the choir, she stated: "It’s simply been completely wonderful and when The Nationwide Lottery requested me to get entangled I used to be actually touched.
"It’s simply been fabulous what the choir does. They get collectively to sing and have enjoyable and forge fantastic friendships as a result of these individuals are very, very weak and have been by a extremely laborious time.
"So this choir brings them collectively and makes them smile. They completely love Liverpool they usually have been asking me a great deal of questions.
"They're so proud and we're internet hosting on behalf of and it’s actually apt as a Ukrainian woman is singing a verse, it’s actually poignant and beautiful that they're singing my music."
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Referring to the particular bonds she fashioned with the refugees, who've come from everywhere in the world, she stated: "Now we have all obtained on so effectively and had a lot enjoyable.
"It’s been beautiful and actually uplifting and I really feel actually fulfilled to see them go away all their worries behind them and simply let go.
"It’s an actual sense of group in Liverpool alone, over £300m has been awarded to music and cultural initiatives by Nationwide Lottery funding and there are much more choirs to return.
"The choir helps a lot and with out the funding I don’t know the place we'd be. These refugees are from throughout they usually have all come collectively and the choirs are throughout England, it’s simply actually refreshing and galvanizing."
Sonia turned the primary feminine UK artist to attain 5 high 20 hit singles from one album.
Three many years after her Eurovision efficiency, she stated: “I believe music unites us all and that’s why I used to be delighted The Nationwide Lottery requested me to sing with the refugee choir and present solidarity with and pay tribute to and the a whole lot of refugees from everywhere in the world they assist.
"The Nationwide Lottery has been uniting folks by music and different cultural initiatives for years, in addition to supporting refugees and group teams all through the UK corresponding to this choir.
"I'm extremely proud Liverpool is internet hosting Eurovision on behalf of this yr. My dwelling metropolis has been a sanctuary for refugees from everywhere in the world for generations.
"This has supplied us with the wealthy and various tradition, heritage, and music scene we now have at this time - it’s a large a part of who we're as Liverpudlians.”
Nationwide Lottery gamers increase greater than £30 million per week for arts, schooling, atmosphere, well being, heritage, sport, and voluntary initiatives throughout the UK; see the distinction it’s making close to you at
The second Eurovision semi-final airs on the on Might 11 and the grand last on Might 13.