Main points
- KHAYAT, a famous Ukrainian singer, is once again participating in the National Selection for Eurovision with the song “Hertsy”, which reveals themes of internal struggle.
- The singer refused offers to work in Russia for political reasons, in particular the war in Eastern Ukraine and the occupation of Crimea.
KHAYAT / Collage of Channel 24
KHAYAT is a Ukrainian singer who has a huge fan base. For several years now, the singer has been competing for the right to represent Ukraine at Eurovision, but victory has always eluded him.
- 1 “Voice of the Country” and the first National Selection
- 2 How did KHAYAT become a participant in the 2026 National Selection?
- 3 Personal life
- 4 Why did KHAYAT refuse to work in Russia?
KHAYAT's real name and surname from birth was Andriy Skalkovich. However, the performer decided to abandon his family name and officially become Khayat even before he gained popularity on television shows. He is originally from the city of Znamenka, Kirovohrad region. This year, the singer returns to the National Selection stage with the song “Hertsy”, where he reveals the themes of internal struggle, pressure and the search for a way out. 24 Channel will tell about the career of the National Selection participant and whether he has a chance to win.
“The Voice of the Country” and the first National Selection
At the age of 10, Andriy learned to play the accordion at a music school. At the age of 14, he tried writing lyrics for the first time. Later, the first songs began to appear.
But as often happens, close people did not really share their son's passion. Parents believed that their son should choose a more promising profession – a diplomat or a businessman. The singer agreed with his relatives, so he entered the National Pedagogical University named after Dragomanov, specializing in “English and Arabic languages”.
Yet KHAYAT's debut took place in 2018 with the release of the song “Girl”.
KHAYAT – “Girl”: watch the video online
A year later, the performer came to the casting of “The Voice of the Country”. Then he chose Tina Karol's team. The artist managed to get to the final, where he took third place.
Andriy Khayat – “Willows Are Rustling at the End of the Dam” (“Voice of the Country”): watch the video online
At the same time, KHAYAT first qualified for the National Selection with the song Ever. At that time, the performance brought the performer only fifth place.
KHAYAT – Ever (National Selection): watch the video online
In 2020, bookmakers predicted great chances for Andriy to win. Then he wrote the song Call for love, which brought the artist “silver” in the selection.
KHAYAT – Call for love (National Selection): watch the video online
In 2025, he again participated in the National Selection, but with a new song, Honor. The artist admitted that he had not planned to participate until the aforementioned track was released.
I believe in this song not because I simply like it as part of my work, but because it is precisely the meaning and those apt words that resonate with our people today and are a reflection of the realities in which you and I live,
– the artist explained.
KHAYAT – HONOR (National Selection): watch the video online
How did KHAYAT become a participant in the 2026 National Selection?
The 10 contestants were voted for using the Diya app. KHAYAT also competed for the competition. He managed to beat out other competitors – the band Karyotype, singers MON FIA, ANSTAY, Marta Adamchuk, and performer OKS.
The singer will perform on February 7th at number eight with the song “Hertsy.” The artist said that the song is about the moment when there is no longer any support in the outside world and only the heart remains, beating despite fatigue, doubts, and fear.
KHAYAT – “Hertsy” (National Selection): watch the video online
In addition, Eurofans made a prediction about which of the Ukrainian artists will win the National Selection. In first place is Jerry Heil with the song CATHARTICUS (prayer), Monokate took second place on the list, and LELEKA entered the top three favorites. But Hayat is predicted to take 6th place. However, this is far from final data, but only the public's assumption. As you know, everything can change during the broadcast.
Personal life
The singer doesn't really like to talk about his private life. However, one of his statements was remembered by the public when the singer said that he would always choose creativity over love.
In a recent interview with RBC-Ukraine, KHAYAT said that he is currently living in the moment.
I don't want to create an image of a proper monogamous male because I live in the moment. Right now I have no room for other people. I have a family, parents, a sister, deadlines are looming, National Selection – there is no room for anyone else,
– the performer answered.
As for whether his heart is free today, Andriy answered quite succinctly: “With varying success.”
Why did KHAYAT refuse to work in Russia?
It turned out that when the artist first gained fame with his participation in the project “Voice of the Country”, the odious Russian producer Max Fadeev approached him with a proposal.
I was offered a contract by a Russian producer in 2019 (I'm talking about Max Fadeev)… And, by the way, this wasn't the only offer from Russia. There was another famous music producer. This is an official letter with an invitation to cooperate,
– the singer recalled.
At that time, it was a successful offer for the guy, but he decided to refuse. He was stopped by the war in Eastern Ukraine and the occupation of Crimea. KHAYAT came to the conclusion that his work makes sense in his native country.
This year, Kateryna Pavlenko (soloist of the band Go_A) will compete for the victory again. However, the singer came as a soloist under the image of Monokate.