Ukraine’s broadcaster Suspilne has announced that Eurovision 2024 representative alyona alyona will once again join the songwriting team for the country’s Junior Eurovision 2026 national selection.
alyona alyona joins with music producer Svitlana Tarabarova
The rapper, represented Ukraine alongside Jerry Heil with “Teresa & Maria” (Malmö 2024). This year, she will work with returning music producer Svitlana Tarabarova to create original songs for the finalists hoping to represent Ukraine at this year’s Junior Eurovision Song Contest.
Young artists are shortlisted for the competition before being paired with experienced songwriters and producers. Together they work to develop an entry for the televised final.
This marks alyona alyona’s second consecutive year as part of the creative team, following her involvement in the 2025 selection. Her appointment continues Ukraine’s recent approach of involving established Eurovision artists in developing the next generation of performers.
alyona alyona shared her thoughts on joining the team:
“I am glad to return to Junior Eurovision. For the second year in a row, I will create for children and with children. It charges me very much, because this is our future. Working with children is not easy work, but it is truly sincere. I hope that this year it will be possible to create songs that will find their place in millions of hearts.”
Ukraine’s Junior Eurovision journey
In 2006, Ukraine made their debut to the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, with Nazar Slyusarchuk and the song “Khlopchyk Rock ‘n’ Roll” (Хлопчик рок ‘н’ ролл), which placed 9th. Since their debut, the Eastern European nation has participated 17 times, and even won once in 2012 with Anastasiya Petryk and her song “Nebo” (Небо).
Following a third place in 2024, Ukraine achieved another top five finish in 2025, when Sofiia Nersesian and her song “Montaka” placed second. She received 79 points from the jury and 98 from the online vote, ultimately winning the online vote.
The contest will take place in Malta in October 2026. Ukraine is expected to select its representative through a televised national final following the songwriting and mentoring process.
After coming 3rd and 2nd in the past 2 years, is a 1st place on the cards for Ukraine in Junior Eurovision 2026? As always, let us know what you think on social media and follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, Bluesky, and ZOOP as we head towards Junior Eurovision 2026!
News Source: Suspilne Ukraine
Photo Credit: Тарас Боднар / Taras Bodnar
Thomas James