After a competitive national selection, Erika Kolesnichenko will represent Ukraine at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2025 to be held in Malta on October 24.
🇺🇦 Erika Kolesnichenko selected for JESC 2026
During the national final, six artists took part, all hoping to win the ticket to represent Ukraine at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2026. However, it was Erika Kolesnichenko that became the overall winner with, ‘Ne kolyskova’. The winner was decided through a combined score of 50/50 jury and public voting. In a dramatic conclusion, Erika and Zlata Solonenko were tied on eleven points each. Due to Erika’s stronger televoting score, the victory was granted in her favour.
In the aftermath of the competition it was announced by the broadcaster Suspilne that a new version of, ‘Ne kolyskova’ will be released under a new song title. It will now be called, ‘NOT A Lullaby’.
Ukraine in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest
Back in 2006, the Eastern European nation made their debut in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. Since then they have never missed a contest. Their best result came in 2012 with their only victory for Anastasiya Petryk with, ‘Nebo’.
Last year it was the turn of Sofia Nersesian with her entry, ‘Motanka’. At the Tbilisi contest, Sofia placed second with 177 points – including first place in the audience vote. Thus, Ukraine’s best result since 2012 and marking their fifth appearance on the Junior Eurovision podium.
Will Ukraine earn their second victory in JESC 2026? Let us know! Keep track of the latest news by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra.bsky.social on Bluesky, @escxtra on Instagram, @escxtra on TikTok, subscribing to YouTube and liking our Facebook page! Also, follow us on Spotify for the latest music from your favourite Eurovision acts.
