'SNL' Pays Tribute to Ukraine in Solemn Cold Open

[Wicked Blue]

NBCWashington

"Saturday Night Live" opened its first show following the Beijing Winter Olympics with a stunning and solemn performance paying tribute to Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian invasion.

The Ukrainian Chorus Dumka of New York donned traditional embroidered outfits while they sang the rousing choral version of “Prayer for Ukraine" behind a table of candles that spelled the name of Ukraine’s capital city, Kyiv.

Kate McKinnon and Cecily Strong introduced the choir. The decades-old chorus was founded in the years after World War II by Ukrainian immigrants who wanted to preserve their cultural heritage in a new homeland, according to Ukrainian Weekly.

https://www.nbcwashington.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/snl-opens-with-solemn-tribute-to-ukraine-host-john-mulaney-enters-five-timers-club/2984749/

[Atticus]

1. I did not understand one word the choir sang. Why are my eyes overflowing? nt

[ProudMNDemocrat]

2. Just shared this with my friend, Svetlana.

I was so moved by this, I needed to share this with her.

[Wicked Blue]

6. I'd love to know what she thought of it

I'm too old to stay up past my bedtime any more, but I check our local NBC station online frequently and found this.

It is one of the most amazing and moving things I've ever seen on SNL

[ProudMNDemocrat]

7. She was so moved.

The country of her birth is being destroyed bit by bit. She is fearful for her family that are hanging on or possibly dead. I cry for her and for those in this community who have birth and family ties in Ukraine.

The world is crying. That brings my friend some comfort. She lost her beloved son, Igor, just before the Holidays. Her heart is very heavy as she still grieves for him.

[Wicked Blue]

8. ...

[niyad]

3. KNR with tears.

[bahboo]

4. K & R to infinity....

Chilling and inspiring at the same time...

[Totally Tunsie]

5. This, even as their homeland and families are under attack. n/t

[WhiskeyGrinder]

9. I guess it's better than "War Party" from 2001.

[Hekate]

10. May all their friends and relatives back home be safe

🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

[ChazII]

11. Kicking back to the top. n/t