The wait is over for Ukrainian Eurovision fans. The tenth and final artist for Vidbir 2026 has been decided, and a familiar face is returning to the national stage.
Broadcaster Suspilne has officially announced that KHAYAT has won the public Wildcard vote, securing the last spot in the Grand Final with his song “Hertsy” (Герци). He will now join the nine previously selected finalists to compete for the right to represent Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna.
The Wildcard round, which allowed the Ukrainian public to choose their favorite from six potential candidates via the Diia application, saw high engagement this year. According to official figures, over 283,000 Ukrainians cast their votes between January 8 and January 13.
KHAYAT emerged as the clear favorite, securing a convincing victory with 91,758 votes, representing 32.41% of the total.
The gap between first and second place was significant, highlighting the artist’s enduring popularity with the Ukrainian public.
- Winner: KHAYAT – 32.41%
- Runner-up: MON FIA – 17.31%
- 3rd Place: Marta Adamchuk – 15.36%
For KHAYAT (ado Khayat), this victory marks a triumphant return to the national selection. Known for his unique blend of modern electronic sounds and Ukrainian folk elements, he has been a fan favorite since his previous participations in Vidbir in 2019 and 2020.
With the Wildcard slot filled, the full lineup for the Grand Final is set. The competition this year is fierce, featuring returning Eurovision stars and fresh talent.
The Grand Final will take place on February 7, 2026. KHAYAT will face off against:
- Jerry Heil – “CATHARTICUS (prayer)” (Eurovision 2024 representative)
- Monokate – “TUT” (Go_A’s Kateryna Pavlenko, Eurovision 2020/2021)
- LAUD – “Lightkeeper”
- MOLODI – “THE LEGENDS”
- LELÉKA – “Ridnym”
- ShchukaRyba – “Moia zemlia”
- Mr. Vel – “Do or Done”
- The Elliens – “Crawling whispers”
- Valeriya Force – “Open Our Hearts”
The full studio versions of all competing songs for Vidbir 2026 will be released on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
The Line-Up
Among the names, we can detect familiar faces like:
- Jerry Heil represented Ukraine in Eurovision 2024 (together with Alyona Alyona)
- Monokate is Kateryna Anatoliivna Pavlenko, the lead singer of Go_A, who represented Ukraine in Eurovision 2020 and 2021
- The Elliens lead singer is Olena Usenko, who represented Ukraine in Junior Eurovision 2021
- KHAYAT and LAUD competed in the national selection in the past
“Vidbir 2026” – Knows Details
- The “Vidbir 2026” songs will be released on January 15th, 2026.
- “Vidbir 2026” final will be held on February 7th, 2026.
- The contest’s slogan will be “Be Unique“.
- The public broadcaster and Superhumans will host a charity fundraiser for veterans’ prosthetics as part of the show.
- The results will be based on a fixed point system, composed of 50% public vote and 50% national jury panel.
Jamala, who represented Ukraine in Eurovision 2016 and won the contest, will serve as the music producer for “Vidbir 2026.”
Jamala commented:
“It was a very difficult choice – the formation of the National Team 2026 shortlist. Audience voting ahead. And I want to ask everyone not to forget about the wildcard, because the fate of six artists is decided. “That is why it is very important that the viewers are active and vote for their favorites”
Eurovision 2026 will be held in Vienna, Austria, on May 12, 14, and 16, 2026.
