Judging the Ukrainian National Selection for Eurovision 2026
The organizer of Ukraine's national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 has revealed the five-member expert jury who will assess the competing artists. The selection final is scheduled for Saturday, February 7th. Ukraine's national selection is a key event, as the country has a strong track record in the contest, including a win in 2022.
This year, the organizers have decided to create an original stage and venue design, promising a visually distinctive event. Furthermore, the final show will include a fundraising drive to support prosthetic limbs for Ukrainian veterans and those injured in the war.
National Selection Jury Members
- Ruslana, the winner of Eurovision 2004, stated she wants to hear a song that can revolutionize music by incorporating Ukrainian elements.
- Zlata Ognevich, who represented Ukraine at Eurovision 2013, will focus on the artists' vocal ability, sincerity, and charisma.
- Yevhen Filatov, a Ukrainian composer and performer, plans to evaluate the song arrangements, structure, vocal talent, and stylistic concept of the performances.
- Konstantin Tomilchenko, a director and choreographer, emphasized the importance of finding a balance between the song, the artist, and the stage production.
- Vitalii Drozdov, General Producer of the Tavr Media holding, believes this selection represents the next step for Ukrainian music into the global music ecosystem.
Therefore, the National Selection for Eurovision 2026 promises to be not only a musical event but also a socially significant one, highlighting current issues and supporting Ukrainian veterans. The fundraising effort for veteran prosthetics combines art with social responsibility, reflecting the contemporary challenges Ukraine faces. This initiative may also help increase international attention on Ukrainian music, especially given the active participation of well-known artists in the selection process.