Suspilne confirms 201 artists have applied for Vidbir 2027, marking a sharp decline in submissions ahead of Eurovision in Bulgaria.
Ukraine’s national broadcaster Suspilne has officially announced today (Friday) that 201 artists have submitted applications for the country’s national selection, Vidbir 2027, which will determine Ukraine’s representative at the Eurovision 2027 in Burgas, Bulgaria.
Suspilne revealed the application figures, confirming that a total of 217 applications were received from 201 artists. These included 153 solo artists and 48 musical groups.
Among the applicants are eight musicians who have previously competed in Ukrainian national selections. Most submissions came from Ukrainian artists, although applications were also received from musicians based in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Norway and the Czech Republic.
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Vidbir 2027 Records Lowest Number of Applicants in Four Years
This year’s figures point to a significant decline in interest in Ukraine’s national selection. With just 201 artists applying, Vidbir 2027 has recorded its lowest number of applicants in the past four years, representing a drop of nearly 49% compared to the previous edition.
For comparison, the number of artists who applied in recent years was as follows:
- 2024: 288 artists
- 2025: 304 artists
- 2026: 392 artists
- 2027: 201 artists
Vidbir 2027 Longlist to Be Announced at a Later Date
Following an initial review of the applications, Suspilne will compile a longlist of artists who will advance to the next stage of the selection process. Those selected will be invited to sign contracts with the Ukrainian national broadcaster by November 24th. The longlist itself will be announced at a later date.
Oksana Skybinska, Ukraine’s Head of Delegation at Eurovision, thanked the artists who submitted applications despite the country’s difficult circumstances.
“We are grateful to the artists who continue to create high-quality music even in the darkest times and aspire to become the voice of Ukraine on the biggest international stage.”
According to Skybinska, the upcoming national selection will give Ukrainian audiences an opportunity to discover new names while also allowing established artists to add another chapter to their musical careers.
Skybinska added that the evaluation process is still underway, but it is already becoming clear that the longlist may need to be expanded.
“There is a feeling that we will need to expand the longlist so that more diverse Ukrainian songs can first be heard during the auditions and later make their way onto Ukrainians’ playlists.”
Dmytro Shurov Returns as Vidbir’s Music Producer for the Third Time
The song selection process will once again be led by Ukrainian musician and composer Dmytro Shurov, also known by his stage name Pianoboy. Shurov is a familiar name among Eurovision fans, having previously served as the music producer of Vidbir in 2023 and 2024. He now returns to the role ahead of Eurovision 2027.
During his previous two tenures, two Ukrainian acts selected through Vidbir went on to achieve strong results at Eurovision. The band TVORCHI represented Ukraine in 2023 with “Heart of Steel”, finishing sixth, while the duo Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil represented the country in 2024 with “Teresa & Maria”, securing third place.
Shurov said he was impressed by the quality of this year’s submissions and admitted that several of the names on the applicant list came as a surprise.
“As a music producer, I always dream of a wide variety of styles that reflect all the developments taking place in contemporary music,” Shurov said.
He added that many musicians he considers ready to compete in every respect – including their vocal abilities, repertoire, psychological maturity and professional experience – had managed to create songs and submit applications. He also noted that several unexpected names had appeared among the submissions. Shurov also praised several established artists who decided not to participate this year, choosing instead to prepare more thoroughly for the next national selection and arrive at their strongest. He described them as an important pool of talent for Ukraine’s musical future.
Vidbir Producer on Artificial Intelligence: “Songs Featuring Human Musicians Sounded Even More Original”
One of the notable trends in this year’s submissions was the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in music production. Shurov specifically addressed the use of AI-powered tools to create backing vocals and orchestral arrangements.
“Against the backdrop of backing vocals and orchestras generated using artificial intelligence, the songs featuring the work of numerous human musicians sounded even more original,” he explained.
According to Shurov, during the longlist stage, artists and producers will work together to improve the submitted songs and bring them in line with the standards and requirements of the Eurovision final.
Shurov also reflected on the difficult conditions under which many artists had to prepare their submissions. He revealed that some audition videos began with an apology for being filmed next to a streetlight pole, as there was no electricity available at the artists’ locations.
“I sincerely thank all the musicians who gathered their willpower and courage, created music and submitted it so that Ukrainians can, as always, choose their favourite musical representative in February 2027,” Shurov said.
He added that despite the risks, uncertainty, crisis in the music industry, power outages and psychological exhaustion, he believes the overall standard of this year’s submissions is relatively high.
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.
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A writer and content creator with a strong specialization in the Eurovision scene, particularly across Eastern Europe and post-Soviet countries. His work highlights the artistry, storytelling, and cultural variety that define the contest, offering readers a deeper look into both established performers and emerging voices.
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