Kelsie Kimberlin is a 26-year-old Ukrainian-American singer-songwriter from Washington, DC, who began in choirs and recorded her first song at eight for Yoko Ono’s Peace Project. She has written over 100 originals and collaborated with top multi-Grammy producers worldwide. An outspoken Ukraine supporter, she filmed videos in Bucha and Irpin during wartime and later created the award-winning documentary The Last Message. She received the United Nations Humanitarian Award and St. George’s Royal Medal of Honor.
Kelsie Kimberlin returns with one of her most purpose-driven releases to date in “Champ,” a single arriving on February 24th, 2026, the fourth anniversary of the full-scale war against Ukraine. More than a pop release, the track functions as a cultural statement, honoring the dignity and moral courage of Ukrainians who refuse to surrender their identity in the face of violence. Kimberlin frames “Champ” not as a lament, but as a declaration, a tribute to resilience, particularly among the nation’s youth.
At the emotional center of the project is Mariia Hnes, a 16 year old Ukrainian karate champion who made headlines after choosing not to share a podium moment with a Russian competitor at an international event. That quiet yet powerful act of defiance, rooted in principle rather than spectacle, becomes the heartbeat of both the song and its visual narrative. Kimberlin traveled to Kyiv in September 2025 to film with Mariia during one of the war’s most volatile periods, embedding the production within the lived reality of missile and drone attacks. The decision to include footage of the two sheltering in a hallway during an air raid injects the video with raw authenticity. It is not dramatized conflict. It is documented endurance.
Musically, “Champ” mirrors its message through disciplined construction. Clocking in at approximately 2 minutes and 51 seconds, the song adopts a concise structure that maximizes emotional impact without excess. Rooted in contemporary pop with alternative rock undertones, the arrangement leans on steady percussion, punchy kick and snare patterns that create forward propulsion. A warm, tightly locked bassline reinforces the rhythmic backbone, while electric guitars introduce lift and subtle grit, particularly as the chorus opens up. Ambient synth textures fill the sonic space with polish, never overwhelming the mix but enriching its atmosphere.
Kimberlin’s vocal performance stands as the track’s anchor. She delivers with clarity and conviction, balancing warmth with restrained intensity. There is no unnecessary vocal acrobatics. Instead, she opts for controlled power, allowing lyrics like “You’re a champion, they can never keep you down” to resonate through sincerity rather than spectacle. The production supports this approach, keeping her voice prominently positioned with tasteful compression and light reverb that enhances presence while preserving intimacy.
Visually, the scenes of Mariia training across Kyiv reinforces the duality of art and reality. The cinematography remains polished despite extreme filming conditions, underscoring professional craftsmanship amid chaos. Beyond its musical achievements, “Champ” extends into activism through a campaign supporting children of Ukrainian soldiers involved in sports, managed via Kimberlin’s foundation.
Champ Transforms Real World Courage Into A Stirring Pop Rock Anthem, Celebrating Ukrainian Resilience, Youthful Defiance, And Unbreakable Dignity Through Purpose Driven Music And Vision
~ Faithfulness (Dulaxi Team)
Ultimately, “Champ” succeeds because its sonic architecture embodies its theme, steady, resilient, and unyielding. It transforms a viral moment of principle into a polished, emotionally resonant anthem of courage and collective pride. If you are looking for a song that inspires strength and stands for something greater than charts and streams, this is your cue. Turn up the volume, watch the video, and experience “Champ” for yourself.
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