Today, Ukraine’s national broadcaster Suspilne have confirmed the 9 finalists that compete in Vidbir 2026. The remaining six artists from the longlist will take part in an online wildcard to select a 10th finalist.
🇺🇦 Suspilne confirms the 9 automatic finalists for Vidbir 2026
Today, Suspilne the national Ukrainian has announced the 9 acts that have automatically advanced to the live broadcast of Vidbir 2026 from the recently confirmed longlist. These include former Eurovision Song Contest 2024 representative Jerry Heil.
- Jerry Heil
- LAUD
- LELÉKA
- MOLODI
- Monokate
- Mr. Vel
- The Elliens
- Valeriya Force
- ЩукаРиба
“It was a very difficult choice – the formation of a shortlist of the National Selection-2026. I see and hear it as vocal, song, with as many competitive and interesting performers as possible. It is so unusual to be in the role of a music producer for the first time. It’s like writing a small thesis, presenting each participant in front of the organising committee.
It was a difficult choice: there are performers who did not get into the shortlist, but whom I would definitely like to see in the final. The process of songs continues: arrangement, lyrics, vocals… from myself I will connect everyone I can to bring everything to top-quality.
Ahead of the audience wildcard vote. And I want to ask everyone not to neglect it, because the fate of six artists is decided. Therefore, it is very important that the audience be active and vote for their favourites.”
Jamala, (Vidbir 2026 Producer)
The six acts that have not made the Final of Vidbir 2026 will take part in an online wildcard vote. The winner will advance to join the other acts in a 10 song showcase taking place in February. The wildcard will be announced on January 15.
- ANSTAY
- Karyotype
- KHAYAT
- MON FIA
- OKS
- Marta Adamchuk
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.
