The ceremonial grand opening in the palace, which also serves as the residency of the Ukrainian President, gave fans an opportunity to meet with the competitors, while journalists were also able to ask questions. The evening continued in a more relaxed manner at the Euro Club.
This year’s red carpet, which officially opened Eurovision Week, was the longest ever at 265 meters, according to organizers of the music spectacle. Omar Naber was the 35th competitor to walk on the carpet, since singers from various countries posed to photographers and gave interviews in alphabetical order.
Later, competitors were taken to the Parkovy Exhibition and Congress Center, accompanied by sounds of the National Academic Orchestra of Folk Instruments, which played a medley of past Eurovision hits. On the roof of the congress center, each delegation raised its own flag.
Naber’s stage costume was designed by the widely-respected fashion and costume designer Jelena Proković, who also designed his outfit in 2005, when he represented Slovenia, also in Kiev, with his song Stop.
Tonight, Omar Naber, who says he is having a nice time in Kiev, will take part in a performance that will be judged by expert juries. This will be followed by another performance on Tuesday, when viewers from across Europe will get to judge the song. Before he takes to the Eurovision stage once again, Naber told reporters: "Taking part in the largest music festival is a huge responsibility, so I’ll try to go easy on myself. I’ll try to remain calm and concentrated."
View Eurovision red carpet moments and a video of the opening ceremony.
A. K., photo: Sandi Fišer
