The final version of “Ridnym”, the song representing Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, has been released.
The revamped version of “Ridnym”, performed by LELÉKA, was released today by the Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne. The song has undergone changes to its production to enhance it for the Eurovision Song Contest stage this May. The updated version was enhanced by an even richer sound of the music instrument bandura, performed by musician Yaroslav Dzhus.
LELÉKA has commented that:
“This Eurovision version of the song ‘Ridnym’ is special to me. I wanted to emphasise its roots and sound even more strongly, so there is more pure sound of bandura at the beginning. Bandura is a very symbolic instrument for Ukrainian culture. Its sound contains our history, our songs and memory. I call it the ‘Ukrainian harp’, but it has an even deeper meaning for us — it is the sound that instantly brings us home.”
LELÉKA will perform in the second half of the second semi-final on May 14. You can read more about her here:
Source: Suspilne
Ukraine first participated in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2003, when Oleksandr Ponomariov performed “Hasta la vista”. The following year, Ruslana brought the country their first win with the song “Wild Dances”. It was a feat that would be replicated in 2016 by Jamala with her song “1944”, which scored 534 points to take victory in Stockholm. In 2017, O.Torvald represented the country on home soil with the song “Time”. The group finished in 24th place, Ukraine’s worst result at the contest to date. Kalush Orchestra gave Ukraine their third victory in 2022 with “Stefania”. Ukraine is one of only two remaining countries with a 100% semi-final qualification record.
