Ukraine’s Eurovision 2024 representative reveals the behind-the-scenes crisis: “I know things about her that no one else does, but it’s not real friendship.”
Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil, Ukraine’s representatives at Eurovision 2024, are no longer on speaking terms. After representing Ukraine together on the world’s biggest stage in Malmö, Sweden, with the song “Teresa & Maria“, and securing third place, rapper Alyona Alyona reveals intriguing details about her relationship with Jerry Heil in an interview with a Ukrainian TV program.
According to Alyona, Eurovision indeed brought them closer as they worked together towards a common goal. Their collaboration included long hours of rehearsals, creative coordination, and performing in front of millions of viewers worldwide.
“Such collaboration certainly brings people closer, and I know things about her that no one else knows”.
she explains.
Alyona emphasized that during the preparation for the competition, they were exposed to each other’s work ethic and unique personal characteristics.
“It’s not a typical friendship in terms of daily conversations or regular meetings, […] But there was a deep professional connection that led to mutual understanding, despite our significant differences”.
she explained.
Beyond discussing her relationship with Jerry, Alyona Alyona also addressed the changes in her music. She noted that she currently has no plans to participate in Eurovision as a solo artist.
“My music is going through a process of change. If I used to do harder rap, today my music is lighter”.
she explained. The artist describes the change as a transition from 2019-2020 style rap to a lighter and more refined style that suits her now.
Eurovision is a platform that brings people together but also exposes their differences. Alyona and Jerry’s story demonstrates how professional collaboration doesn’t always lead to personal friendship. However, it also points to the process of personal and artistic growth of the artists participating in the competition. What will become of Ukraine’s representatives in the coming years? Only time will tell.
Ukraine in Eurovision 2024
Jerry Heil and Alyona Alyona represented Ukraine at Eurovision 2024 with the song “Teresa & Maria.” The duo won the Ukrainian national selection “Vidbir 2024” and finished third in the Eurovision final with 453 points.
Their entry is notable for being the first since 2002 to place in the top 5 while performing second in the running order, a position traditionally considered challenging in Eurovision statistics.
Source: tsn.ua
Eurovision 2025: This will be Ukraine’s 20th participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. Ukraine joined the competition in 2003 and has won it three times. Ukraine’s last victory was in Eurovision 2022 with the song “Stefania” performed by Kalush Orchestra.