Before we get ready for another Super Saturday, it’s time to talk about one of the most successful countries in the history of the Eurovision Song Contest. Ukraine has chosen their representative on Sunday instead of Saturday, following problems with the televoting. In the end fan favorite Alyona Alyona & Jerry Heil came out on top and will represent them in Malmö come May.
Ukraine at Eurovision
It’s safe to say that Ukraine is at this moment in time the strongest link in the Eurovision family. They might not hold the record for most victories. But in their short history at the competition they have outsold every other country! Ukraine first took part in 2003, right before the introduction of the semi finals. Their first entry “Hasta La Vista” by Olexandr may not have reached the top 10, but still managed to score a decent 14th place in the final. Nobody was ready, however, for what came next!
In their second attempt in 2004, a singer songwriter from Lviv called Ruslana took Europe by storm with her anthemic “Wild Dances”. After coming second in the semi final, she left all her competition far behind her and won the contest with what was then a record amount of 280 points. She would eventually go on to become one of the most iconic winners of the 21st century, and is to this day still a well loved guest at many Eurovision pre-parties! Along with being a fierce activist in the ongoing war against Russia! What a queen!
In 18 attempts, Ukraine has already managed to win the competition 3 times. Besides Ruslana, they won in 2016 with the song “1944” by Jamala and most recently in 2022 with “Stefania” by Khalush Orchestra, who now hold the record for the highest ever amount of televote points! Apart from 3 victories, they have placed 3rd once, and 2nd on 2 occasions in 2007 & 2008 consecutively. Ukraine has given us some iconic performances and some fan favorite artists such as Go_A, Jamala and of course Verka Serduchka, who has become somewhat of a Eurovision legend! To top it all off they are the only country that has never failed to qualify for the grand final! Now how’s that for a resume?
Ukraine 2024
11 acts competed in Vidbir 2024 (the Ukrainian national selection). One of those acts was Mélovin, who won the competition in 2018 and represented his country at Eurovision that same year. Though he was one of the frontrunners, he eventually placed third. In the end it was Alyona Alyona & Jerry Heil (who competed in Vidbir in 2020 and 2023) that won the competition after a delayed voting sequence on Sunday. Their entry “Teresa and Maria” references the figures of Roman Catholic saint ‘Mother Teresa’ and the ‘Virgin Mary’, mother of Jesus Christ. However both singers have expressed that the reference is only meant as an inspiration for the symbolism of charity, love and unification. It’s about taking responsibility of yourself to better your future. Will the Holy Mary help them ascend to first place in Malmö? Or are they doomed to stay behind in the semi? Read what we think below!
Niall
Absolutely adore this track, it’s so enchanting and hypnotic. Jerry has such a beautiful voice, it genuinely gives me goosebumps. Alyona Alyona successfully adds to this with her rap, she also sounds great. All of this comes together and it ultimately becomes a work of art. I enjoy that this has a really subdued feel whilst still retaining a fun energy.
Ukraine’s talent for staging coupled with this years stage means this is one I’m super excited to see live.
Early prediction: Top 5
Tomas
Ukraine Ukraine, what are you doing to me??? How is it that you guys just keep coming up with banger after banger!? I can hardly remember the last time Ukraine dissapointed me! They just ‘get it’! They get Eurovision and they know what they’re doing! “Teresa & Maria” is hauntingly beautiful and it gives me goosebumps from start to finish, especially Jerry’s piercing vocals! I love how it successfully combines the modern and the traditional in a way that no other country ever could. As with Albania and Croatia, Ukraine just have a way of doing Eurovision that is unmatched!
Even more impressive considering the setting in which Vidbir was held! And you just know that they are going to stage the hell out of this! Bravo!
Early prediction: 3-6
So there you have it! Our review to Ukraine’s entry for Eurovision 2024! Do you agree with us? Do you think Alyona Alyona & Jerry Heil have what it takes to give Ukraine their 4th win? Who was your favorite in Vidbir? Let us know in the comments down below! As a treat for you, you can find our full reaction video to their national final performance below! I promise you it’s worth a watch! We are ever so grateful for all your support! More reactions will be coming soon as 3 more acts will be chosen this weekend! So stay tuned!
