In December 2003, Ruslana Lyzhychko was offered the chance to represent Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest.
“I said yes immediately. I called my mother and told her, ‘Mom, I’m going to the Eurovision Song Contest’. And my mother replied ‘Ruslana, you will win.’”
It was the second time Ukraine had ever competed in the show and everything was new.
“I paid for everything myself – for promotion, production, hotel, costume and travel for our entire delegation. I spent all the money that my husband and I had. It was a really big risk for our family,” she recalls.
But the risk paid off – and her mother’s prediction proved true. Dressed in a Xena the Warrior Princess–inspired outfit and with fire blazing behind her, Ruslana took to the stage in Istanbul with her song “Wild Dances” and won the 2004 competition.
Two years later, her career took an unexpected turn when the phone rang. It was the President of Ukraine and he had an unusual request.
“I was invited to become a member of parliament by President Viktor Yushchenko. I said no. I am a musician and I want to create my music. But the president convinced me. He told me that they needed my name and that I could help Ukraine’s European integration”
Though new to parliament, Ruslana was no stranger to politics, having been an activist during the Orange Revolution of 2004-2005. While Ruslana was protesting on Maidan Square in Kyiv, preparations for the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest were underway just a few minutes away at the Palace of Sports – brought to Ukraine thanks to her “Wild Dances” win.
But her time in parliament was brief, and she quickly resumed her music career. However, in 2014, Ruslana returned to Maidan, this time as a key figure in the Revolution of Dignity.
Though her career has been closely linked to politics, Ruslana does not see herself as a politician.
Would you ever want to go back to politics?
“No, it was a one time thing, only for one year. I am a musician, a singer, an artist, a producer, a conductor, a dancer, a drummer. It is not about me,” she says.
Politics and music are often closely linked – especially in the context of the Eurovision Song Contest, although Ruslana prefers the focus to remain on the music itself.
“I believe Eurovision should be about music. Every year, it brings a surprise. We never know who will win or why. It is about people deciding which contestant or song feels truly unique.”
While she wishes for Eurovision to remain apolitical, Ruslana strongly supports the decision to exclude Russia from the competition.
“Russia cannot take part in Eurovision. I am actually not sure if Russia will ever be able to return to Eurovision”
If you think Eurovision should be non political, should not Russia be allowed to compete?
“For me, Eurovision represents true music and friendship. I do not know how Russia could ever rebuild its relationship with Europe and Ukraine. If Russia can destroy cities and kill innocent Ukrainians, how can their music be considered true?” she explains.
For Ruslana, Eurovision is still important and she follows the competition every year.
“I am voting like the rest of the audience. Last year, my favourite was Switzerland.”
Who do you think will win this year?
“A lot of people are thinking about Sweden, but as a patriot I, of course, believe in our band Ziferblat.”
