Ukraine have today announced their act who will represent the nation in Gliwice-Silesia on 24th November. 13-year-old Sofia Ivanko will perform the song “Koly zdaietsia” (When It Seems) – it is the first song to be confirmed for this year’s Junior Eurovision. The final version of the song is to be presented at a later date.
Sofia won the first national final of the season
10 songs took part in the Ukranian national final which was won by Sofia Ivanko. The result of the national final comes a day earlier than expected. As of the time of the publishing, the placings of all other songs except the winner have not been announced.
Below, are the 10 songs that took part in the national final:
- Alisa Chydzhan – “Novyi den” (New Day)
- Anhelina Terennikova – “Fly Away”
- Evanhelina Zamula – “Malyi you” (I Draw You)
- Mariya Tkachuk – “Nytochky” (Threads)
- Oleksandr Balabanov – “Power in You”
- Oleksandr Zazarashvilli – “Moia MA (Zalysheni v pit’mi)” (My MA (Left in The Dark…))
- Polina Pisartsova – “My Friend”
- Sofia Ivanko – “Koly zdaietsia” (When It Seems)
- Valeriya Khrystyk – “I Will Shine”
- Varvara Koshova – “Dyvo v rozmayitty” (A Miracle in Diversity”
The submission process for the national final was held online. The chairman of the organization committee, Alexander Koltsov, said this was so “everybody was able to join the selection”.
The winner of the selection was chosen by a seven-member jury made up of Ukranian television representatives and music industry professionals. Amongst the jurors was Ukraine’s 2010 Eurovision representative Alyosha.
We have decided that Sofia Ivanko would be the best representative of Ukraine at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest this year. Why? Because she very much stands out from other participants, she is very special, she has her specific, very expressively emotional character, she is mysterious and there is something about her, not characteristic of other people or other participants. The song needs a little more extra work, and then it will be very cool material, a cool song. I hope that Ukraine’s entry will be highly appreciated not only here, in this room, but also all over the world.
Alyosha, 2010 Ukranian Eurovision representative
Who is Sofia Ivanko?
Sofia is a 13-year-old singer who loves writing songs and experimenting with different genres in music. She hails from the Ukranian capital city of Kyiv, where she also takes singing lessons. As well as singing, Sofia can also play the piano.
Sofia is no stranger to Junior Eurovision selections, taking part in the 2018 Ukranian national final with the song, “Chomu? (Why?)”. Earlier this year, she also took part in The Voice Kids in Ukraine, where she was on Jamala’s team. Jamala, of course, won the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm with her song, “1944”.
Ukraine at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest
Ukraine debuted at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2006, represented by Nazar Slyusarchuk. His song, “Khlopchyk Rock-n-Roll”, finished in 9th place. Since then, Ukraine have took part in every edition of the contest and are regarded as one of the best performing countries overall.
Ukraine have won the contest only once, in 2012. Anastasiya Petryk won the contest with “Nebo”. Her sister Viktoria had already placed well in the 2008 contest, finishing 2nd.
Last year, Darina Krasnovetska represented the country with “Say Love”. The song finished in 4th place, which is very impressive, especially because in July 2018, Ukraine announced they weren’t even going to take part in the contest due to financial difficulties!
You can hear Sofia’s entry, “Koly zdaietsia”, below:
Do you like “Koly zdaietsia”? Are you excited for the rest of the 18 songs to be announced for the contest?
Let us know in the comments below and join in the conversation on social media @ESCXTRA.
