05/16/2026
Ukraine’s representative at Eurovision 2026 LELÉKA (real name Viktoriya Leleka) successfully performed in the final. She managed to create a sensation and cause a storm of ovations with the tender and deep composition Ridnym.
The singer, originally from the Dnipropetrovsk region, performed at number seven, and the audience chanted her name. This became known during the broadcast on the Eurovision YouTube page.
The number, directed by Ilya Dutsyk, began with the artist’s symbolic passage along a white podium towards bandura player Yaroslav Dzhus, which immediately gave the performance a powerful authentic look and emphasized the beauty of the Ukrainian folk instrument.
The singer appeared on stage in a multi-layered white dress, which, due to the lightness of the fabrics, resembled the flight of a bird when moving. On her hands were black gloves, which referred to the coal feathers on the wings of real storks.
The real highlight of the final performance was the song’s unique vocal element. LELÉKA performed an incredible thirty-second vocal, which Euro fans have already dubbed the longest note in the history of the contest and have been arguing with each other.
From the very first seconds, the audience began to support the artist.
This powerful and clear high-pitched sound made the multi-thousand-strong arena literally hold its breath, and after the chord ended, the hall erupted in loud ovations, cementing Ukraine’s status as one of the brightest participants in this year’s final.
By the way, the bandura played a key role in the number. As noticed online, the musical instrument transforms into a “bandura” at the end of the performance.
Eurofans see a certain symbolism in this: a divided but not divided Ukrainian people, which always remains united.
At the end, Leleka said: “Glory to Ukraine!”
- You can vote for your favorite during the broadcast. How to do this in Ukraine and abroad – read the link.
- Shortly before the final vocal competition, bookmakers have updated their predictions for the top 10 participants who are predicted to have the highest scores. Is Ukraine among them?
- Leleka will represent her homeland with the song Ridnym, which has a deep meaning and melodic sound. The lyrics of the composition and the translation into Ukrainian can be found in our material.
- The Ukrainian woman’s number has many symbols encrypted: from a bird in her hair to a hint at Azovstal. What else interesting did Eurofans notice?
Previously, OBOZ.UA wrote that Ukrainians quarreled over vocalization, while Europeans are delighted with the powerful voice of the Ukrainian woman.
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