Contract Signed for National Final Production
Ukraine's National Public Broadcasting Company has awarded a contract to Starlight Production LLC to produce the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. The contract, signed on January 30, is valued at 14.99 million hryvnias. The final, featuring 10 performers, is scheduled for February 7, 2026. This event is a key step in selecting the country's entry for the international competition.
The agreement covers the production of the televised national final. The largest cost items for the project are detailed as follows:
- Technical equipment - 3.35 million hryvnias
- Stage design and scenery - 2.75 million hryvnias (including a shelter for 100 thousand hryvnias)
- Personnel expenses - 1.64 million hryvnias
- Creation of performance numbers - 1.28 million hryvnias
- Fees for hosts, jury members, and star guests - 1.02 million hryvnias
Specifically, the host's fee is set at 180.5 thousand hryvnias, while a single jury member will receive 53.2 thousand hryvnias.
Lineup for the National Final
Ten acts will compete in the national final. Nine were selected directly for the shortlist, while the tenth was chosen by public vote via the Diia app. Audience voting for the final will also take place through the Diya app and via SMS. The performance order is as follows:
- Valeriya Force – Open Our Hearts
- Molodi – Legends
- Monokate – ТYТ
- The Elliens – Crawling Whispers
- Laud – Lightkeeper
- Lelєka – Ridnym
- Mr. Vel – Do or Done
- Khayat – Герци
- Jerry Heil – Catharticus (Prayer)
- ЩукаРиба – Моя земля
For context, production costs for Ukraine's Eurovision content have fluctuated in recent years. In 2024, 1+1 production handled it under a 10.9 million hryvnia contract, while Starlight Production won the tender for 2025's content with a bid of 10.5 million hryvnias. Starlight Production was founded in 2005, with its ultimate beneficiaries being Victor Pinchuk, Olena Pinchuk, and their children Maria, Roman, and Kateryna. The Starlight Production media group includes the TV channels STB, ICTV, M1, M2, and OCE TV.
Ukraine's recent Eurovision history saw the duo Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil place third in 2024 with 453 points for their song "Teresa&Maria." According to the draw, Ukraine will perform in the second half of the second semi-final of Eurovision 2026 on May 14.
This contract marks a significant phase in Ukraine's preparations for Eurovision 2026, underscoring the continued importance of the national selection process, which maintains strong viewer engagement within the country.