Jamala Responds to Ruslana’s Remarks About Her Eurovision Production Role.

LELÉKA Wins Ukraine’s National Selection for Eurovision

According to TSN.ua: Singer LELÉKA claimed victory in Ukraine’s national selection for Eurovision 2026 with the song “Ridnym.” Serving as the music producer for the selection process, Jamala explained that she worked to share her own backstage insights and experience with the finalists. Her goal, she said, was to give the artists every possible advantage so they could deliver their strongest performances.

'I wanted to pass on to every finalist everything I felt behind the scenes,' Jamala stated.

Artist Tensions and the Contest’s Future

The national selection was closely overseen by a jury that included Ruslana. After Jamala’s performances, Ruslana expressed surprise at her apparent generosity, asking: 'Why are you sharing so selflessly with them? Are you a volunteer?' This question highlights growing friction among artists over the motivations and relationships within the selection process.

Eurovision 2026 is scheduled for May in Vienna, Austria. Jamala, who won Eurovision 2016, remains an active force in shaping Ukraine’s music scene by mentoring emerging talent. With the support she gained during the national selection, LELÉKA is now seen as having strong potential to succeed on the international stage.

LELÉKA’s victory underscores the importance of nurturing new artists in Ukraine and reflects Jamala’s ongoing role in advancing the music industry. The dispute between Jamala and Ruslana may point to broader issues of collaboration and competition among Ukrainian artists in the context of international contests. A strong showing by LELÉKA at Eurovision could significantly boost her career and the global profile of Ukrainian music.