German Nenov has been announced as the creative director for Vidbir 2026, Ukraine’s national selection for next year. He already has Eurovision experience, having helped to stage Luxembourg’s act in 2024.
Nenov experienced at Eurovision
In a press release, Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne confirmed German Nenov would be acting as the creative director for this year’s selection. Nenov already has extensive experience with Eurovision, having helped to stage Tali’s “Fighter” in Malmö in 2024. He also served as the creative director for Vidbir in 2025. Speaking on his selection, German said:
This year I’m returning as the creative producer of Ukraine’s national selection for Eurovision with a new approach to how we work. Now I’m part of the Suspilne team throughout the whole preparation process, which gives us a real chance to change the show’s format and structure.
The National Selection, as we know it today, has existed for almost 10 years — since 2016. Over that time, it has slowly adapted to the realities we live in. In the past, the creative producer or director would join only about six weeks before the live show, with all the technical decisions already made by the production team.
For a large-scale show watched by the whole country, that simply wasn’t enough time for proper planning or meaningful updates.
Vidbir runtime to be shortened
German added that following consultation with fans following their 9th place finish in Basel, key format changes are underway. This includes the drastic reduction in Vidbir’s runtime. Traditionally, Vidbir’s final lasts at least 4 hours, but this can be extended depending on circumstances.
He added:
Right now, our team is already working on transforming many parts of the adult national selection. And today, I can officially confirm: the show’s runtime will be significantly shortened.
I’ve often spoken about my dream — to turn the national selection into a real Ukrainian Eurovision. And I believe that step by step, even if it’s hard, with this team and the synergy we have at every stage, we’ll get there. This year’s show will truly be something special.
Currently, Suspilne is accepting songs for next year’s competition. Former Eurovision winner Jamala has also been announced as the music producer for this year’s show. Future updates on the longlist and who will be included will be released in due course.
Ukraine’s Eurovision journey
Ukraine is one of the most successful countries to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest. The country has scored nine top-five placements, with an extra four top-ten finishes. Ukraine won the Contest three times – in 2004, 2016 and 2022 respectively. Ukraine made history for being the first ex-Soviet country to win the Contest more than once.
In 2025, Ziferblat represented Ukraine in Basel with their song “Bird of Pray”. The band finished in 9th place, scoring 218 points – of which 60 points came from the jury, whilst the remaining 158 points came from the televote.
What do you think about German Nenov being announced as the creative director? Do you think Vidbir will continue to improve? As always, please let us know what you think by getting involved in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, tumblr, and Bluesky for more information about Eurovision 2026!
News Source: Suspilne
Photo Credit: Vesti.ua
Euan T 
Giwrgos Oiko