Eurovision 2026: Meet Ukraine's Leléka and her song Ridnym

We profile the 2026 entry from Ukraine including details on the artist, song, how it was chosen, odds, fan reaction and how the nation has fared at Eurovision.

Ukraine is widely considered one of the most successful modern countries at the Eurovision Song Contest. They debuted in 2003 and made an immediate impact, winning the Contest just one year later in 2004.

Since then, Ukraine has built a remarkably strong track record. They have won the contest three times — in 2004 (Ruslana – Wild Dances), 2016 (Jamala – 1944), and 2022 (Kalush Orchestra – Stefania) — and have also achieved multiple runner-up and top-three finishes.

What really sets Ukraine apart is their consistency. They are the only country (outside automatic qualifiers) to have qualified for the Grand Final every single time since semi-finals were introduced, and they frequently place in the top 10.

Overall, Ukraine’s Eurovision history is defined by a mix of cultural authenticity, modern sounds, and strong staging — making them a true Eurovision powerhouse with one of the best success rates in the Contest.

This year Leléka will be representing Ukraine with Ridnym.

2026 Entry: Leléka - Ridnym

• Leléka will perform 12th in the running order in semi-final 2

• My Eurovision Scoreboard ranking: 21st

• Odds to win ranking: 9th

(Rankings as of 18 April 2026)

About the artist 

Leléka (real name Viktoria Kornikova) is a Ukrainian singer, composer and arranger with a strong background in ethno-jazz. She founded her own band in Berlin (where she lived for 11 years) and has built a career blending traditional Ukrainian folk elements with modern jazz and contemporary sounds.

She was selected through Ukraine’s national final, Vidbir 2026, where she won convincingly — taking top points from both the jury and the public vote.  This kind of unanimous win reflects strong domestic support, something Ukraine often relies on for Eurovision success.

Overall, Leléka stands out as a very “Ukrainian-style” Eurovision entry — authentic, artistic, and emotionally driven — which aligns closely with the country’s track record of sending culturally rich and impactful performances.

About the song

Her song Ridnym (which translates roughly to “to the loved ones”) is deeply emotional and rooted in Ukrainian identity. It was inspired by events around 2022 and explores themes of connection, resilience, and staying close to those you love even in times of hardship.  

In an interview with us Leléka explained what the song means:

"The main message is, if everything seems like it is over, it isn't and you always have the strength to find this power in yourself to create and to live the life you truly want. It about this inner transformation. You can do if you go through your fears."

How Leléka was chosen for Eurovision?

Vidbir 2026 was the national final used to select Leléka as Ukraine’s Eurovision 2026 representative.

Like in previous years, Ukraine’s broadcaster held a televised national final where a shortlist of artists performed their competing songs live. The result was decided through a combined voting system, a professional jury (made up of music industry figures), and a public televote from viewers across Ukraine.

Leléka competed with her song Ridnym and ended up winning both the jury vote and the public vote, giving her a clear overall victory. That kind of double win is a strong endorsement and shows she had both industry backing and widespread public support.

Winning Vidbir earned her the right to represent Ukraine at Eurovision 2026.

Ukraine will compete in the second semi-final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest on 14 May 2026 in Vienna.

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