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He criticized the National Selection, but made it to the final: who is KHAYAT, who was suspected of having "ties" to Tina Karol, and what is his song about

Singer KHAYAT, who previously criticized the Eurovision Song Contest for its wartime costs, has become a finalist and is ready to compete for the right to represent Ukraine. The singer will perform the song Honor, which, according to him, conveys a deep message about the strength of the nation, its spirituality, and historical memory.

OBOZ.UA will tell you what is known about the artist and what scandals he has been involved in. KHAYAT, whose real name is Andrii Oleksandrovych Khayat, was born in the city of Znamianka, Kropyvnytskyi region. He began his music career in 2018 with the release of the video for his song "Girl," and the following year he took third place in the ninth season of The Voice.

The singer has already tried to get to Eurovision twice, and now he is returning to the stage with a new vision of music.

"In fact, music has become a completely different springboard for me today, not the one that was before the full-scale invasion. And today, it's probably not about me anymore, but about people. And about how important it is for me to be useful. Because, for example, today's concerts have changed to the point where we talk more, communicate more, and motivate more. The music fades into the background. And for me, as a person in general, this is a very big development," the singer said in an interview with Anna Tulieva.

What is known about the song Honor

The performer noted that his competition entry Honor is not a literal song about honor and strength, but rather about national memory and the revival of Ukrainians despite historical trials.

"Every 100 years, they try to wipe our nation, our country off the map. We will still survive, we still have some fundamental qualities, such as honor, and our sense of spirituality. All of this is still present in us, and this is what helps us. It's not about swords, equipment, biceps, or how ready we are to go into battle, but it's about what we are reborn with. Because language, culture, and music are the things that shape a nation, differentiate it from others," KHAYAT described the concept of his song.

Criticism of the National Selection and the return of KHAYAT

In 2023, the singer publicly spoke out about the appropriateness of allocating 11 million hryvnias for the contest during the war, calling it "sur." This year, he explained his return by saying that he had created a song that made him change his mind. "I didn't write specifically for the contest and didn't plan to participate this year, but the song decided everything for me and gave me a reason to come back. That's the best motivation you can have," the singer said.

KHAYAT also responded to the accusations of hypocrisy, noting that his current involvement has nothing to do with his past position. "I don't think I have to justify my return to anyone," he emphasized, "regarding my participation. It has nothing to do with my current state, motives, and moods."

Is there a "connection" with Tina Karol?

KHAYAT has faced rumors of favoritism from Tina Karol, who was a judge on The Voice in 2020. At the time, some critics suggested that the singer was "pulling" him to win the National Selection. This year, Karol became the music producer of the selection, which is why such accusations may reappear.

KHAYAT himself responds to them categorically: "The main thing is that I know it's not true. And Tina knows that this is not true. And whoever says what – let the facts show."

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