Eurovision 2026: where to watch and what you need to know about Ukraine’s performance

Ukraine has chosen its representative for the 2026 Song Contest: the final of the national selection concluded on a high note, introducing viewers to a new artist set to take the big European stage. The winner is already preparing for their performance in Vienna, where the anniversary Eurovision Song Contest will attract millions of viewers from all over the world. Find out when Europe’s biggest music contest will take place

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Europe’s biggest song contest, the Eurovision Song Contest, is set to kick off shortly in Vienna, Austria. This year, 35 countries will be taking part in the contest. Here’s when the 70th anniversary edition of the Eurovision Song Contest begins and what you need to know about Ukraine’s performance.

Who will represent Ukraine at Eurovision 2026?

In 2026, Ukraine will be represented at Eurovision by the singer LELÉKA with the song ‘Ridnym’.

LELÉKA’s final performance at the national selection was one of the most moving moments of the evening. The group performed the song “Ridnym”, which immediately stood out among the competing entries for its depth and sincerity.

The song tells of a person’s inner journey — accepting change, having the courage to face one’s fears, and finding support in one’s roots. It is precisely this meaning that formed the basis of the group’s stage image.

The performance was crafted in a restrained, almost meditative style. Without an overload of special effects, but with a powerful emotional message that gradually built from the opening chords to the finale. The audience felt every line alongside the performers, and the lively delivery and soulful intonation made the performance truly unforgettable.

The audience’s reaction was immediate — LELÉKA’s performance resonated strongly with the crowd and became one of the most talked-about performances of the National Selection final.

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When will Eurovision 2026 take place?

The 70th anniversary edition of the Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Vienna in 2026. Austria secured the right to host the show following the victory of JJ with the song ‘Wasted Love’ at the previous contest in Basel.

Austria will be hosting the contest for the third time. The Wiener Stadthalle has once again been chosen as the main venue — the country’s largest indoor venue, which previously hosted Eurovision in 2015.

The music event will traditionally take place in May: the first semi-final is scheduled for 12 May, the second for 14 May, and the spectacular grand final will take place on Saturday, 16 May.

Ukraine will perform in slot 12 in the second semi-final, i.e. on 14 May.

An interesting fact: Ukraine is the only country in the history of Eurovision (since the introduction of semi-finals in 2004) to have always progressed to the final. All of Ukraine’s representatives who have taken part in the selection rounds have been guaranteed a place in the grand final. There is therefore good reason to hope that this year, too, we will see Ukraine’s representative in the final on 16 May.

Where can you watch Eurovision 2026?

In Ukraine, Eurovision 2026 will be available to watch on the ‘Suspilne’ platforms: the ‘Suspilne Kultura’ TV channel, the ‘Suspilne Kultura’ and ‘Eurovision Ukraine’ websites, as well as on the ‘Eurovision Ukraine’ YouTube channel.

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Reminder! In May 2026, Oleksandr Usyk will face kickboxing elite Rico Verhoeven. Whilst experts are calling this bout a walk in the park, the Ukrainian is only stepping up his training. Find out the key details of his preparation and the ins and outs of the upcoming super-fight.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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