Tonight, we saw the first semi-final of the fifth edition of Ukraine’s national selection – Vidbir! The first eight of the 16 semifinalists performed their entries live for the first time, with three qualifying for the final on the 22nd of February!
Over the past few weeks, the competing artists of Vidbir 2020 have been releasing their entries ahead of the first semi tonight. All except once, as Katya Chilly was yet to release the studio version of her song before the show.
The Vidbir jury consists of 3 members, Andrii Danylko (Verka Serduchka), Tina Karol (Ukraine 2006) and Vitalii Drozdov. Notably, Jamala will not be returning after the MARATHON of mess that took place at Vidbir 2019. Like last year, the jury will have 50 percent of the say in the results with the other 50 percent coming from the Ukrainian public. Six acts will qualify to the final on February 22nd overall.
The running order of tonight’s show, along with the qualifiers in bold, was as follows:
- [О] – “Tam, Kudy Ya Ydu”
- Jerry Heil – “Vegan”
- Katya Chilly – “Pich”
- KRUTЬ – “99”
- GO-A – “Solovei”
- CLOUDLESS – “Drown Me Down”
- GIO – “Feeling So Lost”
- Assol – “Save It”
And here are the full results of this evening’s semi-final:
| Place | Act | Song | Jury | Televote | Total |
| 1 | KRUTЬ | “99” | 8 | 8 | 16 |
| 2 | Jerry Heil | “Vegan” | 7 | 6 | 13 |
| 3 | GO-A | “Solovei” | 6 | 7 | 13 |
| 4 | CLOUDLESS | “Drown Me Down” | 5 | 5 | 10 |
| 5 | Katya Chilly | “Pich” | 4 | 3 | 7 |
| 6 | GIO | “Feeling So Lost” | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| 7 | [O] | “Tam, Kudy Ya Ydu” | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| 8 | Assol | “Save It” | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Next week
Next Saturday (15th February) will see another eight acts competing for three spots in the final. The running order for next week’s show is:
- MOONZOO feat. F.M.F. Sure – “Maze”
- FO SHO – “BLCK SQR”
- Elina Ivashchenko – “Get Up”
- Oleksandr Poriadynskyi – “Savior”
- GARNA – “Who We Are?”
- KHAYAT – “Call For Love”
- David Axelrod – “Horizon”
- TVORCHI – “Bonfire”
Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest
Ukraine has competed in the contest 15 times, winning twice and regularly featuring in the top 10 – becoming a modern Eurovision powerhouse for songs and exceptional staging. To date, Ukraine remains one of two participating countries who have always qualified for the final.
While initially set to compete in the 2019 contest in Tel Aviv, the country withdrew after controversy surrounding the winner of Vidbir 2019. MARUV won the national final with ‘Siren Song’ but was unable to agree the terms of the contract set by UA:PBC. The broadcaster was also unable to reach agreement with any of the other artists to participate either, forcing a withdrawal.
Did the right three songs qualify? Who are you rooting for to win Vidbir 2020? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to see our reactions to the news in the run up to Rotterdam!
