Ukrainian national broadcaster UA:PBC and STB are in full steam as preparations for the 2018 Ukrainian national selection have kicked off.  Ukraine is gearing up in its quest to search for the 2018 Ukrainian Eurovision act and entry.

UA:PBC and STB have confirmed that the 2017 Ukrainian Eurovision representatives O.Torvald will be interval act at next Saturday’s Ukrainian national selection’s first semi-final.

O.Torvald’s frontman says:

I like the fact that a lot of young interesting musicians are again among the contestants this year, their music will be broadcast live across the country and will definitely find new listeners. But the most important thing is for them to understand what this competition is for, what they can bring to it and what it can give them in terms of creative development.

Nine acts will battle during next Saturday’s show for the golden ticket to the Grand Final of the Ukrainian national selection: Сonstantine, Serhiy Babkin, Laud, Kazka, The VIO, Kozak System, Vil’na, Pur:Pur and The Erised.

About the 2018 Ukrainian national selection

The 2018 Ukrainian Eurovision national selection will consist of a total of 3 shows (2 semi-finals and grand final). All 3 shows will be aired simultaneously on STB and UA:PBC’s Channel 1.

A total of 18 acts will be battling for the golden ticket to Lisbon; 9 acts will compete in each of the two semi-finals.

Serhiy Prytula will be hosting the Ukrainian national selection for the second time, having hosted this year’s Ukrainian Eurovision national selection.

• 10/02: Semi-final 1
• 17/02: Semi-final 2
• 24/02: Grand Final

Eugene Filatov, Jamala and Andreiy Danilko compose the 2018 Ukrainian national selection jury panel. The 3 judges will be responsible to deliberate the 2018 Ukrainian Eurovision representative along with the public voting.

The submission period for artists to submit their entries in their quest to represent Ukraine at the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest opened on 10 October 2017 and concluded on 15 January.

Ruslan Kvinta has been appointed as the music producer of the Ukrainian national selection.

The national selection consists of 2 stages:

• 1st Stage –  Auditions were held throughout Ukriane in order to scout potential candidates
• 2nd Stage – Will consist of 3 televised shows with circa 14-20 acts battling in the semi-finals

The 2018 Ukrainian Eurovision entry and act will be determined by a mixed jury/public televoting deliberation.

Ukraine in Eurovision

Ukraine debuted in Eurovision in 2003 and has won the competition on two ocassions, namely in 2004 with Ruslana and in 2016 with Jamala.

The country is amongst the most successful countries in the contest and has never missed a Eurovision Grand Final since its debut, with the exception of 2015 when the country Ukraine withdrew from the contest. Ukraine has achieved a total of 9 Top 10 placings in its 14 year history in the event.

In 2017, O.Torvald represented Ukraine on home soil with their entry Time, achieving a 24th place in the Grand Final.