Suspilne, the Ukrainian national broadcaster, have opened song submissions for Vidbir 2026 – their national selection for the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, in Vienna.

Suspilne opened the song submission period yesterday and will close on Monday 27th October. The rules can be seen HERE, where the song submissions can be made. Up to fifteen artists will be selected to participate in Vidbir 2026, during February 2026.

A list of Vidbir 2026 finalists will be chosen by December 15th, which will include up to 9 artists. Among the artists on the long-list who do not make it automatically, an online vote will be held. This vote will pick one more artist to advance to Vidbir 2026.

Jamala, winner of the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest, has been selected by Suspilne to be the Music Producer for Vidbir 2026. Jamala had the following to say:

“For me, the role of a music producer for the Vidbir is a new challenge and at the same time a great honor. Being on the jury is one thing. You choose among the artists proposed to you. As a producer, I need to listen to all the applications and, together with the team, choose the participants who will then appear before people on the air.

In the years since Eurovision, I have learned a lesson: there are no accidental winners. It is always about readiness, about endurance, about professionalism. This is exactly what I would like to see in future participants. Because the contest is a difficult physical and moral test. It is dozens of rehearsals, constant performances and the feeling that you represent the country every moment.

Expect sincerity and strength from the upcoming season. I want to see artists who are ready to go on stage and fight for victory. Don’t be afraid to experiment and remain yourself. This is what Eurovision values ​​and this is what the audience remembers. And most importantly, get ready now, because when you go on stage, you need not to prepare for the performance, but to perform. Believe in yourself, in your dream and remember: on stage you represent not only yourself, but also Ukraine.”

Let us know what you think about Ukraine and the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest – either in the comments below or on our FACEBOOK, BLUESKY, TWITTER, YOUTUBE, INSTAGRAM and TIKTOK pages.

The Eurovision Community, which Eurovision Ireland are a part of, celebrates diversity through music. Please keep your comments respectful. We will not tolerate racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, body-shaming or any other derogatory or hostile language.

Author: Richard Taylor

Source: Eurovoix