Ukraine is already gearing up for Eurovision 2026 with the opening of the song submission window for “Vidbir 2026.” The musical producer of “Vidbir 2026”, Eurovision 2016 winner Jamala, will curate an initial shortlist of 15 songs that will advance to live auditions. From this pool, nine artists will be chosen to compete in the final, which will be held in February in a live show format.

“You are representing not only yourselves but also Ukraine”

In addition, the Ukrainian public will select a tenth finalist via online voting, choosing from six shortlisted candidates. The submission deadline is October 27th. Jamala, who this time serves as the national selection’s music producer, stressed that contestants must begin their preparations immediately:

“Don’t be afraid to experiment and to stay true to yourselves – that’s what Eurovision values, and that’s what leaves a mark on the audience’s memory. You can submit more than one song – two, three, even four – because it’s important to showcase different sides of your creativity. But remember: every song must comply with the competition’s rules, so read them carefully before submission”.

“This year, I also want to see your performances on video – even a simple selfie recording from a car will do. The main thing is to hear you sing without processing. And remember, you need to be ready now, because once you step on stage, that’s no longer preparation – it’s the performance itself. Believe in yourselves and in your dream. And don’t forget: on stage, you are representing not only yourselves but also Ukraine”.

Conditions for Participation in Ukraine’s Eurovision 2026 Selection

• To participate, artists must be at least 16 years old by May 3rd, 2026. Registration is open for both solo performers and groups, provided that groups consist of no more than six members.

• Contestants in Ukraine’s national selection may not take part simultaneously in other countries’ Eurovision national finals.

• The maximum permitted length of each entry is three minutes. Only original songs may be submitted. Entries must be new, unpublished, and never performed publicly.

• There is no limit on the number of songs each contestant may submit. Demo versions are also permitted.

• Based on the initial selection, a longlist of up to 15 participants will be chosen. Attendance at the live auditions is mandatory.

• By December 15th, the list of finalists will be published, including nine artists.

• From the six remaining contestants who do not qualify automatically, an online vote will determine one additional finalist.

The national final will be held in February 2026, with the winner decided by a combination of public voting and jury evaluation.

Ukraine at Eurovision 2025

“Bird of Pray” is the name of the song that was performed by Ziferblat, representing Ukraine in Eurovision 2025. Ukraine qualified for the final from the first semi-final of the contest and finished 9th overall with 218 points. Ukraine finished 6th in tele-votes and 14th in jury votes.

The Ukrainian result is their worst one since 2018.

Eurovision 2026: This will be Ukraine’s 21st 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.

Ilay Gaist

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +972-50-9441919

Ilay Gaist is a leading Israeli content creator and writer specializing in the Eurovision Song Contest. He is a well-known commentator with extensive expertise in the contest’s history, rules, and dynamics. His passion for Eurovision drives him to deliver rich, professional, and innovative content to his audience.

Ilay holds a bachelor’s degree in Arabic and has a multilingual background. He also engages in cultural research, with a particular focus on global culinary traditions and the evolution of local cuisines around the world.