Ukraine has chosen its representative for the Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam in May this year. The winner set to fly the Ukrainian flag in Netherlands this year is Go_A!
This Saturday saw the six finalists of Vidbir 2020 sing their hearts out for their chance at the Ukrainian ticket to Rotterdam for Eurovision 2020.
Half of the votes came from the jury – Andrii Danylko (better known as Verka Serduchka), Tina Karol and Vitalii Drozdov. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian public provided the other half via televote and app voting.
On the way to Rotterdam
The running order for the final was drawn by the finalists beforehand and was as follows:
- KRUTЬ – “99”
- Jerry Heil – “Vegan”
- GO-A – “Solovei”
- David Axelrod – “Horizon”
- Khayat – “Call For Love”
- TVORCHI – “Bonfire”
Here is the full breakdown of the votes revealed in tonight’s show:
| Place | Artist | Song | Jury | Televote | Total |
| 1 | Go_A | “Solovey” | 6 | 6 | 12 |
| 2 | Khayat | “Call for Love” | 4 | 5 | 9 |
| 3 | Krutь | “99” | 5 | 4 | 9 |
| 4 | Tvorchi | “Bonfire” | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| 5 | David Axelrod | “Horizon” | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| 6 | Jerry Heil | “Vegan” | 1 | 1 | 2 |
This year, the judging panel for Vidbir consisted of Andriy Danylko – or Verka Serduchka, legendary runner-up for Ukraine at Eurovision 2007; Tina Karol – who represented Ukraine at the Eurovision 2006; and Vitaliy Drozdov – the general producer for TAVR Media Radio Holding.
Andriy is the only one following on from last year’s panel. Jamala, who left the panel last year, performed at tonight’s finals.
You can watch GO_A’s winning performance below:
Ukraine in Eurovision
Having competed in the contest for a grand total of fifteen times, Ukraine can boast of winning twice and heavily featuring in the top ten. Their entries have brought equal amounts of memes and jaw-dropping moments. As one of the two participating countries to have always qualified for the final, it’s definitely one to watch!
Last year however, we didn’t get to see Ukraine in Tel Aviv. Despite initially being set to compete in last year’s edition of the contest in Tel Aviv, Ukraine withdrew after issues with MARUV, the winner of Vidbir 2019.
Though she won the national final with her ‘Siren Song’, she was unable to agree the terms of the contract set by UA:PBC. The broadcaster could not reach an agreement with any of the other artists to participate either, thus forcing a withdrawal.
Did the right song win? Are you looking forward to seeing Solovey in Rotterdam? 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!
