Unlike the majority of this year's Eurovision participating nations, Ukraine benefits of some major names in the line-up of their national final for Europe's favourite music show. Former Russian Eurovision contestant Anastasiya Prikhodko, famous local pop star Jamala, popular performer Zlata Ognevich and Mika Newton, are the hot favourites to win the Ukrainian ticket to Düsseldorf.

The Eurovision fever hits Kyiv, as we are approaching the date of the Ukrainian national final for the European favourite music show. On February 27th, eighteen acts will battle for the honour of representing the 2005 host nation at the Eurovision Song Contest. Since October 31st 2010 till November 28th 2010, pre-recorded weekly heats have been aired by the country's national broadcaster (NTU) on 1TV. Twenty-four participants advanced to the semi-final stages of the competition. Three semi-finals were held during December 2010 and eventually eighteen acts qualified for the big final to be held on February 27th.

Four local divas are the hot favourites to win the Ukrainian ticket to Düsseldorf. Anastasiya Prikhodko, who represented Russia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2009, is trying her luck in her native country Ukraine this year. Her 2011 entry is called Action and was tipped by the local media as the best choice to represent the country at the European favourite music show. Unlike her former Eurovision song, Action is a up-tempo techno song with minimalistic influences that might surprise the crowds inDüsseldorf with its powerful melody. Anastasiya revealed her outfit for the big gala show and we can inform you that she will be wearing a special designed costume which involves jewelry. The music video of Action is being shot in Kyiv and it will be released soon.

Another hot favourite is Jamala, one of the rising stars of the Ukrainian show-business. Her entry is called Smile and according to the singer, it was inspired by her niece who lives in Turkey. Today, the official release of the Smile music video took place. Max Xenda directed the video which used a contemporany technology in order to create a special cartoon motion.

Zlata Ognevich decided to go back to the roots of the first and only Ukrainian victory at the Eurovision Song Contest. Her entry, The Kukushka, was written by Mikhail Nekrasov who is responsible for the arrangements of Wild Dances, Ruslana's Eurovision winning song. The music video was shot and released last month and it received positive feed-back from the local critics.

Last but not least, Mika Newton will try to conquer the hearts of the Ukrainian audience with her ballad Angely. Although she is not as popular as the above-mentioned participating stars, Mika is considered to be a strong contender for the victory at this year's national selection.

This is how the line-up of the Ukrainian national final is looking like:

Bahroma –Eyo imya

Zhemchug –Hero

Vitaly Halay –My expression

Zlata Ognevych –The kukushka

Vladislav Levitsky –Love

Anastasiya Prihodko –Action

Shanis –Tsvetok

Denis Povaly –Aces high

Alyona –Why did I say goodbye

Mika Newton –Angel

Eduard Romanyuta – Berega

Dasha Medova – Infinity

Armiya & Vera Varlamova – Allo, allo

Jamala – Smile

El Kravchuk – Moya nadezhda

To be announced

To be announced

To be announced

Jamala – Smile

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8oCV_NIO0M

Zlata Ognevych –The kukushka

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nd_N6VsdIuQ

Mika Newton – Angely

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYkylvJOOYI

Anastasiya Prikhodko – Action

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3hYRGp0y6Y