🇺🇦 Road to Malmö: Ukraine

photo: UA:PBC

We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Ukraine.

Alyona Alyona

Aliona Olehivna Savranenko, known professionally as Alyona Alyona, is a groundbreaking Ukrainian rapper and songwriter, born on June 14, 1991, in Kapitanivka, Novomyrhorod Raion, Kirovohrad Oblast. With a background in education, holding two bachelor’s degrees and experience as a kindergarten teacher, she transitioned from teaching to pursue music full-time. Gaining attention with her debut video for “Rybky” in October 2018, Alyona Alyona’s career quickly ascended. Her first album, “Pushka,” released in April 2019, showcased her storytelling prowess and unique approach to rap, earning her acclaim as “Ukraine’s most unlikely rap star” by Vogue. Alyona Alyona’s impact extended internationally with her signing to Def Jam Polska in 2020 and winning the Public Choice Award at the Music Moves Europe Talent Awards in 2021. 

Jerry Heil

Yana Oleksandrivna Shemayeva, known as Jerry Heil, is a versatile Ukrainian singer, songwriter, and YouTuber, born on October 21, 1995, in Vasylkiv, near Kyiv. Her musical journey was shaped by her studies at the R. Glier Kyiv Institute of Music and the Kyiv Conservatory. Adopting the stage name Jerry Heil at 15, she launched a YouTube channel in 2012, covering songs and sharing vlogs, which caught the attention of notable musicians, including Sviatoslav Vakarchuk from Okean Elzy. Signing with Vidlik Records in 2017, Heil’s debut EP, “De miy dim,” marked her professional entry into music. Her career further blossomed with hits like “Okhrana, otmyena,” leading to her debut album “Ya, Yana.” Heil’s distinctiveness continued with her engagement in Vidbir, notably winning Vidbir 2024 alongside Alyona Alyona with “Teresa & Maria” for Eurovision 2024. Fluent in multiple languages and a committed vegan, Heil’s personal and artistic choices are closely intertwined, reflecting her unique identity and values in the music industry.

Vidbir

Vidbir is the name of the Ukrainian national selection. The contest this year contained 11 entries. One of them was added in a late stadium as a wildcard, as a winner of an online election. One former Eurovision participant was among the contestants: Mélovin. The singer presented the song “Dreamer” and was the runner up of the contest. Following the completion of the performances, the Diia app (an app especially for the Ukrainian diaspora) experienced a malfunction, which caused the voting period to be prolonged and resulted in the postponement of the results announcement to February 4. 

Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest

In 2003, Ukraine debuted in the contest. Already one year later, the country had its first victory: Ruslana won the contest with “Wild dances”. Ukraine won again in 2016 with Jamala‘s “1944” and in 2022 with Kalush Orchestra and “Stefania”. Ukraine never failed to reach the Grand Final, reaching the top-3 on no less than 6 occasions.

photo: EBU

The Bookmakers

It looks like Ukraine is gonna be succesful: in the betting odds Ukraine is currently the 3rd country in chances to win the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest.

The song

This is the song:

Related news

Eurovision 2026

Song: Switzerland, Armenia, Czechia and Georgia complete the latest reveal wave

The latest Eurovision 2026 entries have sharpened the picture for Vienna. Switzerland has confirmed Veronica Fusaro with Alice. Armenia has completed the artist lineup with SIMÓN and Paloma Rumba. Czechia moves forward with Daniel Zizka and CROSSROADS. Georgia closes the release cycle with Bzikebi’s On Replay. Together, these four songs add alternative pop, rebellious energy, emotional sincerity and a strong dose of comeback value to a contest field that is now taking clear shape ahead of May. Switzerland brings a darker message with Alice Switzerland’s new entry may be one of the most serious songs in this latest batch of Eurovision 2026 entries. Eurovision describes Veronica Fusaro’s Alice as an alternative pop track with rock influences. The song tells the story of a woman whose boundaries are crossed under the disguise of affection. In the official article you can read the lyrics explore several forms of violence, including manipulation, control and abuse of power. It is also a new version of a song from Fusaro’s 2025 album Looking for Connection, reworked with British producer Charlie McClean. Armenia completes the lineup with Paloma Rumba Armenia, meanwhile, arrives with one of the day’s most immediate concepts. Paloma Rumba, performed by SIMÓN, is framed by Eurovision as a rebellious anthem about breaking out of a suffocating routine and choosing ambition over comfort. The official story explains that the title refers to a joyful dance of freedom, while the lyrics follow a character who walks away from an unrewarding nine-to-five life. The song was composed by LI’LITH, and the lyric team includes Rosa Linn, who represented Armenia at Eurovision 2022. With this announcement on 11 March, Armenia also became the final country to confirm its singer for Vienna 2026. Czechia puts its faith in Daniel Zizka Czechia takes a different route. Rather than leaning into spectacle, broadcaster ÄŒT appears to be backing authenticity with 23-year-old Daniel Zizka. Eurovision describes him as one of the most compelling voices of a new generation in Czech music, while the official participant list confirms CROSSROADS as his song for Vienna. The Eurovision feature also notes that magazine Headliner has named him among the future talents of the Czech scene. In addition, Czech delegation head KryÅ¡tof Šámal praised Zizka’s focus and control in early studio sessions, while Zizka himself said he wants to bring music and emotion rather than hide behind flashy tricks. Georgia turns nostalgia into a new Eurovision chapter Finally, Georgia offers one of the most intriguing stories of the season. Bzikebi are no ordinary newcomers: the trio won Junior Eurovision for Georgia in 2008, and Eurovision.com notes that the country has since gone on to collect a record-setting four Junior Eurovision victories. Now reunited as adults, Giorgi Shiolashvili, Mariam Tatulashvili and Mariam Kikuashvili return with On Replay, which Eurovision calls the final song to be released for the 70th contest. Composed by Giga Kukhianidze with lyrics by Lizi Japaridze, the entry sends Georgia into the First Half of the First Semi-Final on 12 May with a familiar name and a fresh mission. What these Eurovision 2026 entries say about this year Taken together, these Eurovision 2026 entries reveal a striking balance. Switzerland brings social weight and a darker lyrical edge. Armenia goes for motion, release and personal freedom. Czechia bets on sincerity and clean emotional delivery. Georgia, by contrast, turns proven Eurovision history into a contemporary comeback story. That variety matters. In a contest where memorability is often just as important as melody, none of these four countries has chosen the same lane, and that should help each entry carve out its own identity as rehearsals draw closer. source: eurovision.com        

Read More »
Eurovision 2026
Martijn

Song: Switzerland, Armenia, Czechia and Georgia complete the latest reveal wave

The latest Eurovision 2026 entries have sharpened the picture for Vienna. Switzerland has confirmed Veronica Fusaro with Alice. Armenia has completed the artist lineup with SIMÓN and Paloma Rumba. Czechia moves forward with Daniel Zizka and CROSSROADS. Georgia closes the release cycle with Bzikebi’s On Replay. Together, these four songs add alternative pop, rebellious energy, emotional sincerity and a strong dose of comeback value to a contest field that is now taking clear shape ahead of May. Switzerland brings a darker message with Alice Switzerland’s new entry may be one of the most serious songs in this latest batch of Eurovision 2026 entries. Eurovision describes Veronica Fusaro’s Alice as an alternative pop track with rock influences. The song tells the story of a woman whose boundaries are crossed under the disguise of affection. In the official article you can read the lyrics explore several forms of violence, including manipulation, control and abuse of power. It is also a new version of a song from Fusaro’s 2025 album Looking for Connection, reworked with British producer Charlie McClean. Armenia completes the lineup with Paloma Rumba Armenia, meanwhile, arrives with one of the day’s most immediate concepts. Paloma Rumba, performed by SIMÓN, is framed by Eurovision as a rebellious anthem about breaking out of a suffocating routine and choosing ambition over comfort. The official story explains that the title refers to a joyful dance of freedom, while the lyrics follow a character who walks away from an unrewarding nine-to-five life. The song was composed by LI’LITH, and the lyric team includes Rosa Linn, who represented Armenia at Eurovision 2022. With this announcement on 11 March, Armenia also became the final country to confirm its singer for Vienna 2026. Czechia puts its faith in Daniel Zizka Czechia takes a different route. Rather than leaning into spectacle, broadcaster ÄŒT appears to be backing authenticity with 23-year-old Daniel Zizka. Eurovision describes him as one of the most compelling voices of a new generation in Czech music, while the official participant list confirms CROSSROADS as his song for Vienna. The Eurovision feature also notes that magazine Headliner has named him among the future talents of the Czech scene. In addition, Czech delegation head KryÅ¡tof Šámal praised Zizka’s focus and control in early studio sessions, while Zizka himself said he wants to bring music and emotion rather than hide behind flashy tricks. Georgia turns nostalgia into a new Eurovision chapter Finally, Georgia offers one of the most intriguing stories of the season. Bzikebi are no ordinary newcomers: the trio won Junior Eurovision for Georgia in 2008, and Eurovision.com notes that the country has since gone on to collect a record-setting four Junior Eurovision victories. Now reunited as adults, Giorgi Shiolashvili, Mariam Tatulashvili and Mariam Kikuashvili return with On Replay, which Eurovision calls the final song to be released for the 70th contest. Composed by Giga Kukhianidze with lyrics by Lizi Japaridze, the entry sends Georgia into the First Half of the First Semi-Final on 12 May with a familiar name and a fresh mission. What these Eurovision 2026 entries say about this year Taken together, these Eurovision 2026 entries reveal a striking balance. Switzerland brings social weight and a darker lyrical edge. Armenia goes for motion, release and personal freedom. Czechia bets on sincerity and clean emotional delivery. Georgia, by contrast, turns proven Eurovision history into a contemporary comeback story. That variety matters. In a contest where memorability is often just as important as melody, none of these four countries has chosen the same lane, and that should help each entry carve out its own identity as rehearsals draw closer. source: eurovision.com        

Read More »
Follow Us: