Alyosha

Alyosha

Ukrainian singer
Date of Birth: 14.05.1986
Country: Ukraine

Content:
  1. Early Life and Musical Beginnings
  2. Career Breakthroughs
  3. Eurovision Controversy
  4. "Sweet People" and Eurovision

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Alona Kucher, better known by her stage name Alyosha, was born on May 14, 1986, in Zaporizhia, Ukraine. She began singing in a choir and attending a youth music studio during her school years. After graduating, she pursued a degree in pop vocals at the Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts.

Career Breakthroughs

In 2006, Alyosha won the Yalta International Competition, followed by first place at the Sea Songs International Festival in Sevastopol two years later. In 2009, she signed with Catapult Music, where she adopted her stage name. Her song "Sneg" (Snow) gained popularity in Ukraine, with a music video released in December 2009. Alyosha composes the lyrics and music for her own songs, including the music for "To Be Free." She has also written songs for other Ukrainian artists, such as Nastya Kamensky, Natalia Mogilevskaya, and the duo Potap and Nastya Kamensky.

Eurovision Controversy

Alyosha's selection for the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest with her song "To Be Free" was marred by a plagiarism scandal. Allegations arose that the song was a copy of a piece written in 1977. Additionally, the opening chords resembled Linda Perry's "Knock Me Out" from the 1996 film "The Crow: City of Angels." The European Broadcasting Union deemed "To Be Free" ineligible, leading to its withdrawal. Alyosha replaced it with "Sweet People."

"Sweet People" and Eurovision

"Sweet People" was a plea for environmental protection. Alyosha wrote the lyrics herself, while the music was composed in collaboration with her producer Vadym Lysytsa and renowned sound producer Boris Kukoba. The song qualified for the Eurovision final on May 27, where Alyosha performed 17th on May 29. She placed 10th overall with 108 points.

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