The National Selection for Ukraine’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 has officially begun. Applications can be submitted via the official form on eurovision.ua from September 3 to October 27, 2025, reports Baltimore Chronicle with reference to Suspilne.
Suspilne Broadcasting, the organizer of the competition, emphasized that applicants may submit an unlimited number of songs. Both solo performers and bands with up to six members are eligible to apply, provided that all participants are at least 16 years old by May 3, 2026.
Jamala, singer, songwriter, and music producer of the selection, urged contestants to start preparing immediately. She highlighted the importance of showing different facets of creativity and stressed that each application must include a live performance video, even if it is a simple selfie recording. “Eurovision values authenticity, experiments, and individuality. When you step onto the stage, you should already be performing, not preparing,” Jamala noted.
The rules require original songs that have not been published or performed publicly before, with a maximum length of three minutes. Demo versions are accepted, and no borrowed material from other works may be used.
Following the review of submissions, a longlist of up to 15 performers will be created. All longlisted artists must attend mandatory live auditions. By December 15, 2025, up to nine finalists will be selected. Additionally, one more finalist will be determined through an online audience vote among those who did not make it into the main list.
The final of the National Selection is scheduled for February 2026 in the format of a large concert. The winner will be chosen by a combined jury and audience vote.
Earlier we wrote that Ukraine will attend the Jubilee Eurovision 2026 in Vienna.