Olena Usenko eyes Eurovision 2026 as Ukraine prepares Vidbir. The Junior Eurovision 2021 star hopes to compete for the chance to represent her country.
Ukraine is already gearing up for Eurovision 2026, and as the national broadcaster opens the song submission window for its national selection, reports are emerging about artists planning to compete for the honor of representing Ukraine on the Eurovision stage.
Olena Usenko, who represented Ukraine at Junior Eurovision 2021 with the song “Vazhil,” officially announced her intention to submit a song for the national selection. Usenko, who finished in sixth place at the Junior Eurovision, confirmed that work on her entry has already started.
Usenko has expressed interest in taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest since 2024, when she originally planned to enter Vidbir. However, she ultimately did not appear on the participants’ list. Usenko has not clarified whether she withdrew voluntarily or was simply not selected to compete.
Conditions for Participation in Ukraine’s Eurovision 2026 Selection
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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.
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Contestants in Ukraine’s national selection may not take part simultaneously in other countries’ Eurovision national finals.
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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 Entries must be new, unpublished, and never performed publicly.
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There is no limit on the number of songs each contestant may submit. Demo versions are also permitted.
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Based on the initial selection, a longlist of up to 15 participants will be chosen. Attendance at the live auditions is mandatory.
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By December 15th, the list of finalists will be published, including nine artists.
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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.
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Noy Yehoyada is an Israeli journalist and content creator at the EuroMix team since 2024, bringing a personal, feminine, and LGBTQ+ voice into the Eurovision sphere. A devoted Eurovision fan since the age of 16, she plays an active role in covering the contest—including on-site reporting at Eurovision 2025 in Basel and across European pre-party events. Alongside her writing and commentary, Noy plans the editorial schedule for the website, closely tracks national selections and song reveals, participates in live broadcasts, and creates digital content focusing on representation, musical diversity, and emotional connections.
Beyond her work at EuroMix, Noy has over six years of experience in the cosmetics and pharma industries, with a background in sales, personal consulting, and managing beauty departments. She enjoys pop, rap, contemporary art, and traveling in Europe—and especially loves songs that make her want to dance, as well as those that tell a story.
