Erika Kolesnichenko’s Performance at Junior Eurovision 2026
On October 24, 2026, Ukrainian singer Erika Kolesnichenko finished ninth in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest held in Malta. The winner was Nare Kerobyan from Armenia, who captivated audiences with her song "BOO!" earning a total of 202 points: 103 from the national juries and 99 from public votes. The event took place at the MFCC venue in Ta' Qali, where Ukraine performed 11th out of 16 participating countries.
At just 12 years old, Erika showcased the song "NOT A LULLABY," written by Svetlana Tarabarova. She received 106 points overall, with 38 from the juries and 68 from viewers, securing her position in the top ten. The outfit worn by Erika was styled by Oleksandr Hrekov.
A Brief Overview of Junior Eurovision
The Junior Eurovision Song Contest has been an annual event since 2003, featuring performers aged between 9 and 14. The inaugural contest took place in Copenhagen with 16 countries competing, and Croatian singer Dino Jelusić won with "Ti Si Moja Prva Ljubav." In 2025, Lou Delos from France claimed victory with the song "Ce Monde," while Ukraine’s representative Sofia Nersesyan achieved second place with "Motanka."
Timur Miroshnychenko, head of the Ukrainian delegation, praised Erika’s performance: "Well done, we are proud! Thank you, Erika Kolesnichenko. Bright, confident, beautiful."
Junior Eurovision continues to serve as a vital platform for nurturing young talent from across Europe. Erika’s participation not only highlights her artistic skills but also emphasizes the importance of supporting emerging artists from independent Ukraine. Events like this play a key role in fostering cultural exchange and promoting Ukrainian music on the global stage.