Jerry Heil

Yana Oleksandrivna Shemayeva, widely recognized by her stage name Jerry Heil, is an accomplished Ukrainian singer, songwriter, and YouTuber, born on October 21, 1995.

Shemayeva’s early years unfolded in Vasylkiv, located on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, where her parents are engaged in private trading. Her musical education spanned notable institutions, including the R. Glier Kyiv Institute of Music and the Kyiv Conservatory, where she honed her skills.

Initial Steps At 15, Heil adopted her stage name, initially choosing Jerry Mouse after the famous cartoon character, before switching to Heil based on an arbitrary American surname she encountered online. She humorously reflects on the origin of her stage name as “moronic.”

In 2012, Heil ventured into the digital world by launching a YouTube channel, where she shared vlogs and song covers, earning acclaim from fans and musicians alike, including Okean Elzy’s lead, Sviatoslav Vakarchuk.

2017 marked a turning point in Heil’s career when she signed with Vidlik Records, embarking on a professional journey with the guidance of the label’s founders and leading to the release of her debut EP, De miy dim, in October 2017.

Her audition for X-Factor Ukraine in 2018 saw her progressing through the competition, though she did not win. This experience fueled her return to music, releasing singles including “Kava” and “Postil,” with the latter featuring her first music video.

2019 was a pivotal year for Heil, previewing her hit single “Okhrana, otmyena” on Instagram before its official release, which quickly became a sensation in Ukraine. Her debut album Ya, Yana, followed, showcasing her songwriting and performing prowess.

Heil’s engagement with the Eurovision Song Contest began with Vidbir 2020, where her entry “Vegan” reached the final. She continued to participate in Vidbir, finishing third in 2023 with “When God Shut the Door” and winning Vidbir 2024 alongside Alyona Alyona with “Teresa & Maria,” setting the stage for their Eurovision 2024 representation.

Heil is multilingual, proficient in Ukrainian, Russian, and English, and chooses to perform primarily in Ukrainian. A committed vegan, her lifestyle reflects in her personal and professional choices.

In August 2018, Heil faced legal challenges over copyright infringement related to her use of “Believer” by Imagine Dragons. The ensuing dispute with Komp Music Publishing, a licensee of Universal Music Group in Ukraine, led to a temporary removal of her YouTube channel. However, through negotiations facilitated by AIR Music, the fines were reduced, and an agreement was reached, allowing Heil to continue her musical endeavors online.