Following the confirmation of Ukraine’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, broadcaster Suspilne announced that Eurovision 2016 winner Jamala will be the new music producer of Vidbir 2026 with the submission window open from today.
Jamala to oversee artist selection for Vidbir 2026
Suspilne, the national broadcaster of Ukraine have confirmed that their Eurovision 2016 winner Jamala will become the new music producer for Vidbir. The ‘1944’ singer takes over from the outgoing 2006 representative, Tina Karol. Since winning the Stockholm contest, Jamala has been a key figure of Ukraine’s selection process. Jamala has participated on the jury in seven editions of Vidbir.
For me, the role of music producer for the National Selection is both a new challenge and a great honor. Being on the jury is one thing: you choose among the artists presented to you. But as a producer, I need to listen to every submission and, together with the team, select the participants who will go on to perform before the public on air.
Since winning Eurovision, I’ve learned an important lesson: there are no accidental winners. Victory always comes down to readiness, resilience, and professionalism. That’s exactly what I want to see in future contestants. This competition is an intense physical and emotional trial. It means dozens of rehearsals, constant performances, and the constant awareness that you’re representing your country every single moment.
From the upcoming season, I expect sincerity and strength. I want to see artists who are ready to step on stage right now and fight for victory. The submission window will open very soon — so I urge everyone to prepare thoroughly and send in your songs.
Jamala
🇺🇦 Vidbir 2026 submission window opens
From today, artists and songwriters can submit their potential Eurovision entries to Suspline. The window will remain open until October 27. All submissions must comply with the rules of the contest and cannot be submitted to other national finals.
After the closure of the submission window a maximum of 15 artists will advance to the audition round. Following the audition, up to 9 acts will be selected for the live show of Vidbir 2026. These will be chosen in December. One act from those not selected will join the selection as a wildcard. This will be determined through an online voting process.
The winner of Vidbir 2026 will be selected in February and will represent Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna, Austria.
Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest
Vidbir was first used to select the country’s song and artist in 2016, which saw Jamala win in Stockholm, Sweden with ‘1944‘. Since their debut in 2003, Ukraine has qualified every year for the grand final, being the only country to have done so and has won the contest on three occasions. In their second year of participation, Ukraine took their maiden victory with Ruslana and the crowd pleasing, tribal anthem, ‘Wild Dances‘.
In 2022 Ukraine achieved their third victory for Kalush Orchestra and ‘Stefania‘. Last year it was the turn of Ziferblat to represent the nation with their entry, ‘Bird of Pray’. During the Basel final, the band finished 9th with 218 points.
Who should represent Ukraine at Eurovision 2026? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra.bsky.social on Bluesky, @escxtra on Instagram, @escxtra on TikTok and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify for the latest music from your favourite Eurovision acts. As well as YouTube to see interviews and reactions to the latest Eurovision news.
