Ukraine’s Junior Eurovision Song Contest journey so far…

On November 26th, the crystal anniversary of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest will take place. Indeed, Georgia’s capital city of Tbilisi will host the 15th edition of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. Therefore it is the perfect time to look back at the journeys of all of this year’s participating countries in the contest so far. Following their entry selection last night, today it’s Ukraine!

Quick facts

• Country: Ukraine
• Broadcaster: UA:PBC
• Debut appearance: 2006
• Number of participations: 12
• Highest finish: 1st (2012)
• Lowest finish: 14th (2010)

At the start, Ukraine looked to find their feet

2006 and 2007 saw a slow but steady start for Ukraine at Junior Eurovision, giving them 9th place in consecutive years. It was in 2008 where Ukraine really announced their arrival. Viktoria Petryk took to the stage with “Matrosy” and finished in second place, earning the silver medal on Ukraine’s third ever participation.

This was followed in 2009 by Andranik Alexanyan giving Ukraine a fifth place result with Try topoli, try surmy.

Turning experience into results

2010 and 2011 saw Ukraine’s worst results so far with 14th and 11th place finishes. However, learning from their mistakes, the Eastern European nation took Anastasiya Petryk to the competition with “Nebo”, using both English and Ukrainian lyrics to deliver the message of the song. “Nebo” won the competition with 138 points. Ukraine’s first win was well received at home and abroad with Petryk widely praised for her performance.

The following year, 2013, saw Sofia Tarasova follow up the win with a second place result with her song “We Are One”.

A return to poor form

In the funny world of Eurovision, you’re only one year away from finishing last after good results. Fortunately for Ukraine, after a win and a second-placed result, it was a 6th place result that followed in 2014.
2015 and 2016 were not as successful, however, with 11th and 14th placed finishes.
Statistically, 2017 should see Ukraine massively improve. On the two previous occasions after the nation suffered two consecutive bad results, they were immediately followed up by a podium position.

My favourite entry from Ukraine at Junior Eurovision

Their second entry in 2007 remains my favourite. It’s so Ukrainian sounding and was powerfully sang with catchy hooks. “Urok hlamuru” by Ilona Galytska finished 9th with 56 points.

Which is your favourite entry so far for Ukraine at Junior Eurovision? Furthermore, are you looking forward to their performance this year in Tbilisi? Make sure you tell us in the comments section below and via our social media pages @ESCXTRA!