Ukraine: The first three finalists selected

Ukraine is back after one year of absence. This year they will choose their representative for Eurovision Song Contest 2016 in Stockholm, among 18 songs from two semi-finals.

The first semi-final took place this evening in Kiev with nine contestants. Three of the contestants qualified for the Final, and will be joined by another three next Saturday.

Semi-final 1

6 February 2016

1. Jamala – "1944"
2. The Hardkiss – "Helpless"
3. Brunettes Shoot Blondes – "Every Monday"
4. Svitlana Tarabarova – "Never Again"
5. Aida Nikolajchuk – "Inner Power"
6. Vladislav Kurasov – "I'm Insane"
7. Anastasia Prykhodko – "I Am Free Now"
8. Tonja Matvienko – "Tin Whistle"
9. Lavika – "Hold Me"
   

Ukraine 2016

There are three shows in this year's Ukrainian selection:

• 6 February: Semi-final 1
• 13 February: Semi-final 2
• 21 February: Final

The three shows will be aired on the public "First Channel" and on the private channel STB. The winner will be selected by a 50/50-mix of televoting and a jury:

• Ruslana (Ukraine 2004)
• Andrii Danylko, aka Verka Serdiuchka (Ukraine 2007)
• Kostiantyn Meladze

Ukraine in Eurovision Song Contest

After one year's absence from Eurovision, Ukraine is back this year! They have participated 12 times since it's debut in 2003, and with great succes. Best result is when Ruslana won at Ukraine's second Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Wild Dances" in 2004. They finished 2nd two times (2007 and 2008), and 8 of the 12 times they finished in top-10.

Since the introduction of Semi-finals in 2004 Ukraine qualified to all the 11 Grand Finals.