Ukrainian national broadcaster Suspilne has officially confirmed its participation in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2025. Alongside the announcement, Suspilne has opened applications for the Ukrainian national selection, with the deadline set for July 10, 2025.

For the third consecutive year, Svitlana Tarabarova will serve as the Musical Director of the Ukrainian selection. Speaking about her return, Tarabarova stated:

“It is a great honor and responsibility to be the music producer of the Ukrainian selection for Junior Eurovision once again. This competition is more than just a contest — it’s an opportunity for talented children across Ukraine to showcase their potential, gain recognition on a big stage, and feel supported. My mission is to foster an environment of creativity, freedom, and professional growth so these young artists can confidently represent Ukraine in Europe. Children are our future, and I’m proud to help them take their first steps toward a big dream.”

The selection process has clear rules:

  • Participants must be aged between 9 and 14 years old.

  • Soloists, duos, and groups are all eligible to apply.

  • Applicants must submit a video introduction along with two cover song performances.

  • Original songs may be submitted but do not guarantee advancement in the selection.

  • Original songs must not have been released prior to May 1, 2025, and at least 60% of the lyrics must be in Ukrainian.

  • Suspilne reserves the right to change the song if a participant with an original song is chosen for the final.

Following the application review, up to 15 artists will be announced on or before July 22. These selected participants will attend a “Star School,” where they will receive training in performance and stage presence. Based on expert evaluations during the “Star School,” six finalists will be chosen.

A new addition to this year’s format allows the sixth finalist to be a group formed from participants of the “Star School.” Oksana Skybinska, Head of Delegation for Ukraine, explained:

“We want the selection to be an open platform where more talented children have the chance to develop their skills, work with industry experts, and gain invaluable experience. That’s why we introduced the option for the sixth finalist to be a group, giving multiple participants the opportunity to continue their journey, receive a song from our songwriters, and present a full stage production in the final.”

The Ukrainian national final will be held in October 2025, with the winner representing Ukraine at Junior Eurovision 2025 in Tbilisi.

Last year, Artem Kotenko represented Ukraine with the song “Hear Me Now,” finishing in 3rd place with 203 points — Ukraine’s best result and first top-three finish since 2013. He received maximum 12 points from the juries of North Macedonia and Poland.

Source: Suspilne

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