Eurovision 2026 fans are furious after the official YouTube upload cut Verka Serdiuchka’s emotional performance of ‘Volare’ in Vienna.
The Eurovision 2026 Grand Final, which took place last week in Vienna, may seem like a magnificent musical celebration, but it did not pass without loud backstage drama. When the official recording of the broadcast was uploaded to the official Eurovision YouTube channel, contest fans around the world were left completely shocked and confused to discover that a significant part of the performance by Ukrainian pop giant Verka Serdiuchka had been cut from the broadcast edit. Social media users are furious about the incident, failing to understand the reason behind the decision, and even claiming that the omitted part was the most emotional moment of the entire evening. During the Grand Final interval act, beloved past stars of the contest delighted the audience with a rhythmic and festive medley of songs. Among the participants who swept the arena, the entries from Ukraine, Ruslana and Verka Serdiuchka, stood out, but it was precisely around the musical number of the musical sensation Verka Serdiuchka that a severe misunderstanding arose.
The Hit That United the Arena – And Was Left on the Cutting Room Floor
The issue is that Serdiuchka took to the stage twice during that nostalgic medley. While the artist’s first performance of the song “Puppet on a String“, which also won the Eurovision Song Contest held in Vienna back in 1967, can still be seen in the official version published online, the singer’s second part, which served as the grand finale of the entire show, simply vanished into thin air and was abruptly cut from the video.
Watch the edited performance published on the official Eurovision YouTube channel:
This decision by the organizers sparked a wave of anger and dissatisfaction among the audience, as many defined this moment as one of the highlights of the show. In that cut section, Verka Serdiuchka performed the timeless Italian hit “Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu” (in English: “In the Blue Painted Blue”), widely known as “Volare”, with the entire arena in Vienna singing along with her in perfect synchronization, creating an electric atmosphere. Many users who went onto YouTube to relive this emotional moment brutally discovered that the scene had simply been deleted.
Watch the Deleted Clip:
“It’s Simply Not Fair” – The Internet Is Fuming
The furious reactions from fans were not long in coming, flooding the comments section:
“Where is the part where Verka Serdiuchka sang “Volare” together with the crowd? It was the best and most emotional moment in this entire final!”
Other users joined the protest, painfully adding:
“They simply cut the end of “Volare” with Verka, exactly when the whole arena sang as one. It is so unfair…”
As of this moment, the Eurovision Song Contest organizers have not yet provided an official explanation or technical reason for editing the video and omitting the segment, while fans on social media continue to apply pressure and demand the upload of the full and original performance.
Verka Serdiuchka – Who Are You?
Behind the metallic silver outfit, huge sunglasses, and the glittering star hat that dazzles European stages stands Andriy Danylko – an esteemed Ukrainian actor, comedian, and singer. Danylko created the crazy and colorful character of Verka Serdiuchka (originally a train stewardess character) in the early 1990s, quickly turning her into a cultural sensation in Eastern European countries.
The big international breakthrough came at the Eurovision Song Contest 2007, where Serdiuchka captured second place with the wild and infectious hit “Dancing Lasha Tumbai“. Since then, the character has become one of the undisputed, most beloved, and iconic symbols of the Eurovision Song Contest of all time – a crazy camp phenomenon identified above all with explosive energy, wild humor, and a zest for life that crosses borders and languages.
Ukraine at Eurovision 2026
“Ridnym” is the title of the song that was performed by Leléka, who represented Ukraine at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria. Leléka finished 9th in the grand final with 221 points. The song was written by Viktoria Leléka, who also performs it, together with Adama Cefalu.
The main message of the song is that precisely through confronting fear and transforming pain into joy, people can grow to new heights and lead the way home, much like trees that rise even higher after the storm.
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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