Rita Ora electrified the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 with an energized medley of songs new and known.
Currently strutting towards the July 14 release of her third studio album ‘You & I,’ the multihyphenate media maven mesmerized with a live rendition of the LP’s current single ‘Praising You (ft. Fatboy Slim)’ which was paired with rousing offerings of ‘Ritual,’ ‘Anywhere,’ and chart-topper ‘I Will Never Let You Down.’
Watch below…
Ora’s showing, which featured over 50 dancers, had additional significance in that it included the talent of 12-year-old performer Sofia from war-torn Ukraine.
Speaking on her inclusion, Ora said:
“This is Sofiia – A dancer and refugee from Rivne, in the northwest of Kyiv. She has been living in Warrington since 2022. To me, Sofiia represents strength and hope during these turbulent, tragic and changeable times. We must not forget the privilege the UK has to play its part as Host Nation at the Eurovision 2023 for the Ukraine after the Kalush Orchestra won the contest last year. The plight of Sofiia’s family reminds me of the incredible journey my family went through when I was her age, and how I will be forever grateful to the UK for showing us kindness and compassion. Sofiia opens my performance this evening playing with a ball, representing the loss of childhood for these poor refugees. I hope this amazing song contest opens hearts across Europe and the world. We love you Ukraine, we all perform tonight, for you.”