Leleka Triumphs in Eurovision 2026 National Selection
Singer Leleka has won Ukraine's national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, a result that ignited intense debate on social media. Her victory was met with significant criticism within Ukraine, largely because Leleka, whose real name is Viktoria Leleka, has lived and worked in Germany for many years. She performed the song 'Ridnym' and received a perfect score, earning 10 points from the jury and 10 points from the public televote for a total of 20 points. The Eurovision Song Contest is a major international event where national representation is a point of immense pride.
The Background of the Artist
Leleka was born in Shakhtarske, Dnipropetrovsk region, and studied at the Karpenko-Kary University. She later moved to Germany to study at the Dresden University of Music and is now based in Berlin. There, she founded the ethno-jazz band Leléka and develops her solo project Donba₴grl. She has also composed music for the series 'I Will Be People,' and her project Leleka has been active for nearly a decade. Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi publicly congratulated the artist on her win.
The criticism directed at Leleka centers on her prolonged residence outside Ukraine. Writer Larysa Nitsoi noted that the singer might face a backlash from the domestic audience, despite Leleka's active support for Ukraine. Other public figures, like Bohdan Lohvynenko, defended her, arguing that despite living abroad, she has remained engaged with Ukraine, consistently aiding the war effort and continuing to create Ukrainian music.
Lohvynenko added that during wartime, Ukrainians often inflict pain on each other and called for the strength to be more open-minded.
Bohdan Lohvynenko
Meanwhile, Larysa Nitsoi expressed concern about the potential consequences of the criticism for Leleka, stating that it is crucial to support fellow Ukrainians rather than direct anger inward. Thus, Leleka's victory in the national selection has become not just a musical achievement but a focal point for public discussion on patriotism, support, and the role of Ukrainian culture amid contemporary challenges.
This win has underscored the complex nature of Ukrainian identity in an era of globalization and emigration. The debate surrounding her reflects broader societal concerns about patriotism during a time of war. It also highlights how Ukrainian artists can influence national culture regardless of their place of residence and how a nation perceives its representatives on the international stage.