Eurovision 2026 national final: 10 finalists and one message from Ukraine in Vienna
This evening an artist will be chosen to represent Ukraine at the 70th contest in Vienna. This is not just a musical selection — it's a blend of culture, image and international visibility at a critical time for the country.
By Tetiana Suchkova-Ladik
February 7, 2026 · 2 min read
National Final: Ukraine's Voice in Vienna
Today, February 7 at 19:00, the final of Ukraine's national selection for Eurovision 2026 began. At the 70th anniversary contest in Vienna, our country will be represented by one of the ten finalists — a choice that combines musical quality and foreign‑policy image.
"Today, February 7 at 19:00, the final of Ukraine's national selection for Eurovision 2026 began."
— УНН
Who is in the final
List of finalists: Jerry Heil, Monokate (Kateryna Pavlenko), Laud, the band MOLODI, Ellliens, Mr Well, Андрій Хаqят, Valeria Force, the band "Щука‑Риба" and Leleka. Each of them will present an original song and their own vision of what Ukraine should be like on the international stage.
Why it matters
Eurovision is one of Europe's most watched platforms, where music becomes a form of cultural diplomacy. At a time when international attention to Ukraine is waning amid information noise, a strong performance can renew interest, strengthen the emotional connection with audiences and give the artist (and the country) broad promotional space.
How the winner will be determined
The winner of the national selection will be decided by the combined results of jury and public voting. This is the contest's standard formula, which combines professional evaluation with popular support — and it is this balance that often determines how competitive a song will be on the European stage.
Notes from the final
Among the news hooks are changes in participants' images: for example, Monokate drew attention with a new platinum hair shade, which the media have already noted as part of her stage communication. Such details are important: they enhance recognizability and help create a coherent presentation of the artist on the international arena.
What's next
After the winner is announced, the promo stage in Europe will begin: performances, interviews, work on staging. For Ukraine, the role is not limited to a beautiful presentation — it's about how a cultural product shapes the country's image in the eyes of millions. Now the key is that the winner not only has a strong song but also a clear promo strategy that will turn local success into international resonance.
In short: tonight the name will be revealed of the one who will combine artistic quality and international appeal — and represent Ukraine at the 70th Eurovision in Vienna.
