Main points
- LELÉKA presented an updated competition version of the song Ridnym for Eurovision 2026, which combines a modern sound with Ukrainian traditions.
- The Ukrainian singer's performance at Eurovision 2026 is scheduled for the second semi-final on May 14 at the Wiener Stadthalle arena in Vienna.
LELÉKA / Photo by Anastasia Mantach / Collage by Channel 24
Singer LELÉKA is preparing for Eurovision 2026. She presented the competition version of the song Ridnym, with which she will perform on the stage of the song contest in Vienna.
The video with the updated composition has already been published on the official LELÉKA YouTube channel.
The song Ridnym, with which LELÉKA will represent Ukraine at Eurovision 2026, is dedicated to the theme of home and connection with loved ones. It combines a modern sound with Ukrainian musical traditions.
One of the track's features is a 28-second vocalise – a moment when the singer sings without words, conveying emotions only with her voice. This moment conveys the idea that music can speak about the most important things even without lyrics.
The updated version of the song has an enhanced bandura sound. The instrument, performed by musician Yaroslav Dzhus, opens the song and sets its emotional mood.
The Eurovision version of the song Ridnym is special to me. I wanted to emphasize its roots and sound even more, so at the very beginning there is more of the pure sound of the bandura. The 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 for us it has an even deeper meaning – it is a sound that instantly brings us home,
– LELÉKA herself noted.
LELÉKA – Ridnym (Eurovision Version): watch the video online
What is known about LELÉKA's participation in Eurovision 2026?
- The singer competed for the right to represent Ukraine together with 9 other participants in the National Selection. In the final of the song contest, LELÉKA received the highest number of points from both the jury and the audience, winning.
- On February 13, the singer signed a contract with the Public to participate in Eurovision 2026, officially becoming the representative of Ukraine.
- This year's Eurovision Song Contest will be held at Austria's largest indoor arena, the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna. The Ukrainian singer is scheduled to perform in the second semi-final of the contest on May 14. The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 Grand Final will be held on May 16.