Croatian Band Lelek's Cover of a Eurovision Classic
The Croatian folk-pop group Lelek has released a cover of the iconic song 'Wild Dances.' Originally performed by Ruslana, this track became a landmark for Ukrainian music when it won the Eurovision Song Contest for Ukraine in 2004. Lelek will represent Croatia at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna with their own song, titled 'Andromeda.' This cover highlights the enduring influence of past Eurovision winners on contemporary artists.
Croatia's Selection Process for Eurovision 2026
Croatia's national selection for Eurovision 2026 featured 16 competing acts, with semi-finals held on February 12th and 13th. The winner was chosen through a mixed voting system where:
- 50% of the score came from public televotes,
- 25% from a Croatian jury,
- and 25% from an international jury.
The Croatian jury included representatives from the cities of Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, and Osijek. The international panel was composed of experts from San Marino, Luxembourg, Norway, and the United Kingdom.
By choosing to cover a song synonymous with Ukrainian success on the international stage, Lelek has made a distinctive artistic statement. Notably, Ukraine's own representative for Eurovision 2024 is the artist Leleka with the song 'Ridnym,' further underscoring a cultural connection between the two nations' music scenes.
The positive reaction from the Ukrainian music community to Lelek's version of 'Wild Dances' reflects a strong interest in and support for collaboration between Ukrainian and Croatian artists. In this way, Lelek is not only honoring a legacy of Ukrainian musical achievement but also fostering the growth of the international music community.
Lelek's cover of 'Wild Dances' underscores the significance of cultural exchange between Ukraine and Croatia, particularly within the context of the European music arena.
Collaboration between artists from different countries can help broaden audiences and promote national musical traditions, a dynamic that is especially relevant within international competitions like the Eurovision Song Contest.
This year, Eurovision will see a fascinating cultural exchange as Ukraine's Leleka presents a fresh take on 'Ridnym'. As the two nations prepare for the competition, the artistic connections between Croatia and Ukraine continue to flourish, showcasing the power of music to bridge gaps and foster collaboration across borders.