Ukraine: Maruv wins Vidbir 2019

The national selection in Ukraine, Vidbir (Yevrobachennia. Natsionalnyi Vidbir / Євробачення. Національний відбір), was completed tonight. Maruv won the Final of the Ukrainian selection and will – maybe – represent the country in Tel Aviv with the song Siren Song. The results were decided by 50/50 combination of public televoting and an expert jury.

Vidbir 2019 – Final

23 February 2019

1. Maruv – "Siren Song" (11 points)
2. Freedom Jazz – "Cupidon" (10 points)
3. Kazka – "Apart" (8 points)
4. Brunettes Shoot Blondes – "Houston" (5 points)
5. Yuko – "Galyna guliala" (5 points)
6. Anna Maria – "My Road" (3 points)

Will Maruv represent Ukraine at Eurovision?

Maruv has performed multiple times in Russia, and has scheduled a number of performances in Russia in the next couple of months.

This can be a problem for Maruv and maybe put an end to her Eurovision journey.

During the show, the host Serhiy Prytula read out a statement from the Ukrainian broadcaster UA:PBC, saying that the broadcaster might reject the winner of Vidbir as the Ukrainian representative at Eurovision 2019.

Ms Koltsova, board member of UA:PBC, stated:

Shortly after Maruv was crowned winner of Vidbir, the Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine, Vyacheslav Kyrylenko, wrote on twitter:

The final decision on whether Maruv will represent Ukraine at Eurovision Song Contest 2019 will be taken within 48 hours.

Vidbir 2019

Vidbir 2019 had three shows, held in Palace of Culture "KPI" in Kyiv:

• 9 February 2019: Semi-final 1
• 16 February 2019: Semi-final 2
• 23 February 2019: Final

The jury was the same as last year:

• Jamala – singer-songwriter, Ukraine 2016 (winner)
• Andriy Danylko (Verka Serduchka) – comedian, drag artist and singer, Ukraine 2007 (2nd)
• Eugene Filatov (The Maneken) – singer and producer, creator of group Onuka

Ukraine in Eurovision Song Contest

Ukraine is one of the most successful countries in Eurovision Song Contest.

Out of 15 participations Ukraine has:

• Two victories: 2004 (Ruslana: "Wild Dances") and 2016 (Jamala: "1944")
• Two 2nd places: 2007 and 2008
• Qualified for the final: 14 out of 14 times!