Ukraine’s Eurovision season is officially underway. On 24 November, Suspilne published the 15-artist longlist for Vidbir 2026, selected from 451 submissions and signaling the start of a very anticipated national final for 2026. With the 70th Eurovision Song Contest heading to Vienna in May, Ukraine is once again preparing to defend its reputation as one of the contest’s most consistently successful nations.

The longlist is led by two performers who have already stood on the Eurovision stage. Jerry Heil returns to Vidbir after securing third place at Eurovision 2024 alongside alyona alyona with “Teresa & Maria.” She previously competed in Vidbir 2020 with “Vegan” and in 2023 with “When God Shut the Door,” ultimately winning Vidbir 2024 on her third attempt.

Monokate, the solo project of Kateryna Pavlenko, also joins the lineup. Pavlenko is best known as the lead vocalist of Go_A, who represented Ukraine at Eurovision 2021 with “Shum.” While this is the first time Monokate appears in Vidbir as solo, Pavlenko’s previous Eurovision experience positions her as one of the most seasoned artists in the selection.

Several other contenders are also back in the running. KHAYAT, who finished second in Vidbir 2020 with “Call for Love” and returned in 2025 with “Honor,” now makes another attempt to secure Ukraine’s ticket. MOLODI arrive with momentum from Vidbir 2025, where their song “My Sea” finished second, narrowly behind winners Ziferblat.

Familiar Vidbir faces round out the list. LAUD, who finished fourth in Vidbir 2018 with “Waiting” after winning his semi-final, returns for the first time since being disqualified from Vidbir 2022 due to a release-date issue. Rock band Karyotype previously competed in Vidbir’s online wildcard round with “Sadness,” and make their first appearance in the televised selection.

The longlist also showcases Ukraine’s folk and alternative scenes. Berlin-based quartet LELÉKA bring a blend of jazz and Ukrainian folk to Vidbir for the first time. Folk group ShchukaRyba offer an acoustic, roots-driven style shaped by years of performing in Ukrainian and European cultural events. The Elliens introduce a pop-rock angle led by Olena Usenko, who represented Ukraine at Junior Eurovision 2021 and now steps into the adult contest.

Several artists are making their Vidbir debuts, adding new musical colours to the lineup:

  • ANSTAY
  • MON FIA
  • Mr. Vel
  • OKS
  • Valeriya Force
  • Marta Adamchuk

ANSTAY is known for atmospheric indie-pop releases; MON FIA previously appeared only in Vidbir’s online wildcard phase; Mr. Vel brings theatrical vocal training from the Kyiv Operetta Theatre; OKS rose to prominence after appearing on The Voice of Ukraine; Valeriya Force gained attention on X-Factor Ukraine before continuing her career from the U.S.; and Marta Adamchuk has long been a recognised TV vocalist now entering Vidbir for the first time.

Over the coming days, Suspilne will hold live auditions to select nine finalists from the longlist. A tenth finalist will be determined via an online ranking vote. Up to ten acts will compete in the Vidbir 2026 final, scheduled for February, with the winner chosen through a combination of jury and public voting.

Ukraine enters the 2026 season on the strength of recent results. Ziferblat placed ninth at Eurovision 2025, and Jerry Heil and alyona alyona earned third place in 2024. The country remains the only participant to have qualified for every Eurovision grand final since its 2003 debut.

Vidbir’s longlists are often as competitive as full national finals elsewhere, and 2026 appears no different. Eurovision alumni, returning finalists, and ambitious newcomers are all vying for limited places. ESCXTRA will keep you updated.

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