Main points
- LELÉKA presented an updated version of the song Ridnym accompanied by a string quintet and bandura at the Muzvar Music Awards.
- Eurovision 2026 will be held in Vienna, Ukraine will perform in the second semi-final on May 14.
LELÉKA / Photo from the singer's Facebook
Ukraine's representative at Eurovision 2026 LELÉKA presented an updated competition version of the song Ridnym.
She performed the composition accompanied by a string quintet and bandura. The video of the performance was published on the Eurovision Song Contest YouTube channel.
The updated Ridnym was sung by LELÉKA at the Muzvar Music Awards ceremony. The production director Mykhailo Kharchenko worked on the creation of this version of the composition. The instrumental accompaniment was provided by the GRAFF string quintet, which includes Vladislav Nikulin, Maksym Romanyuk, Maksym Oshchepkov, Oleksandr Svit and Vladislav Primakov. In addition, bandurist Yaroslav Dzhus joined the performance.
For me, it is especially valuable to present the song in a sound where live strings are present. After all, Ridnym is primarily an orchestral piece, and someday I will record an orchestral version. In the meantime, I am curious: how do you like this semi-acoustic version accompanied by a string quintet and bandura?
– the artist noted, as reported by Suspilne Kultura.
LELÉKA – Ridnym: watch the video online
What is known about Eurovision 2026?
- This year's song contest will be held in Vienna. The city was awarded the right to host the show after JJ won last year with the song Wasted Love.
- 35 countries are expected to participate. According to the results of the draw, Ukraine will perform in the second semi-final.
- The semi-finals of the show are scheduled for May 12 and 14, and the final of the competition will take place on May 16, 2026.
- Eurovision 2026 will be held at the country's largest indoor arena – Wiener Stadthalle.