Ukraine’s Suspilne reveals Vidbir 2027’s application deadline, selection process and February final, as Dmytro Shurov returns as musical producer.
After Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne confirmed its participation in Eurovision 2027, which will take place in Burgas, Bulgaria, details of the selection process for Vidbir, Ukraine’s national final scheduled for February 2027, have now been revealed. Along with the announcement, the broadcaster has introduced a new musical producer who has previously held the same position.
Vidbir 2027: Applications Open Until November 2
The application window for Vidbir 2027 opened on September 15 and will remain open until November 2. During this period, artists can submit their applications, either as solo performers or as groups of up to six members.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old by May 3, 2027, the expected date of the Eurovision Song Contest under the new rules set for the competition. All genres are welcome, and artists are encouraged to submit several songs if they wish. The songs must be original, must not exceed three minutes in length, and must not have been performed or publicly released in the past. Applicants may perform their songs in any language, but songs in Russian are not permitted.
First Stage: Choosing 12 Finalists
Once the application period closes, Suspilne will begin the first selection stage, in which up to 12 artists will be chosen. The selected candidates will then take part in face-to-face auditions.
Following the auditions, at least six candidates will advance to the next stage, with the names of the selected artists expected to be revealed by December 4. Suspilne will give the chosen finalists the opportunity to improve their songs with Vidbir’s producers, if necessary, during the selection process.
Public Involvement
The artists who qualify through the selection process will not necessarily be the only ones competing for a place in Vidbir 2027. Artists who are not selected directly will have another chance to join the competition through an online public vote. The winner of this vote will receive the remaining spot in the national final, bringing the total number of finalists to 12.
The full list of finalists will be announced no later than January 22, 2027, before the final stage of the competition. Vidbir 2027 is scheduled to take place in February 2027.
Some Changes Made
Ukraine is keeping a similar selection format, but the number of artists has changed. While 15 artists competed last year, Vidbir 2027 will feature up to 12 candidates, with the public once again getting the chance to vote for an additional finalist. The main change is how the number of finalists is presented. Last year, a specific number was announced: nine finalists selected through the process, plus a tenth chosen by public vote. This year, Suspilne gives an approximate figure of at least six finalists without providing further details. The system remains the same, but the number has changed.
A Familiar Name Returns to Vidbir
The production and musical direction of Vidbir will now return to Dmytro Shurov, also known as “Pianoboy”, who previously held the position in 2023 and 2024.
Shurov will be responsible for supporting the selected artists, working with them on their songs before the competition, and helping them prepare for the final. During his previous time in the role, he worked with several successful Ukrainian artists, including Jerry Heil and Alyona Alyona, who represented Ukraine with “Teresa & Maria” in 2024 and finished third. He was also involved in the selection process that led to Ukraine’s 2022 Eurovision victory with Kalush Orchestra and “Stefania”.
View this post on Instagram
Ukraine at Eurovision: Major Success and an Impressive Record
Ukraine, alongside Sweden, is the most successful country at Eurovision in the 21st century. It has won the contest three times in 2004 with Ruslana and her song “Wild Dances”, in 2016 with Jamala and her song “1944”, and in 2022 with Kalush Orchestra and their song “Stefania”.
In addition, Ukraine has finished in second place twice and third place twice, and has never failed to qualify for the Eurovision final.
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 2027: This will be Ukraine’s 22nd 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.
