Hotly-tipped Ukraine entry reaches Eurovision final

Ukraine has qualified for Saturday’s final of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Its entrants – rap/folk outfit Kalush Orchestra – were among 10 nations voted through Tuesday’s first semi-final in Turin, Italy.

The group have been tipped to win the famed musical competition as a whole.

Its members were praised for an energetic performance – which featured classic eccentric Eurovision outfits.

Acts from 17 countries took part on Tuesday – with a further 18 scheduled to compete on Thursday.

Russia was excluded from the contest over its invasion of Ukraine.