Khayat on Eurovision National Selection: Why Fifth Place Has Him Hesitant to Return.

Khayat's Participation in Ukraine's Eurovision 2026 Selection

According to TSN.ua: Khayat entered Ukraine's national selection for the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, where his song 'Hertsi' placed fifth. The singer has since shared his reflections on the competition and his future intentions regarding similar events.

Khayat's Remarks on the Contest and Future Plans

The Ukrainian national selection for Eurovision 2026 drew significant attention from both audiences and judges. Despite not securing a higher ranking with his performance of 'Hertsi,' Khayat has stated he has no plans to participate in upcoming contests in the near future.

'I shouldn't say never, but I definitely won't be taking part any time soon. Out of the four national selections I've been in, this one left a strange aftertaste that I least want to talk about.' - Khayat

In May 2026, the Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Vienna, where Ukraine will be represented by the band LELÉKA with a revised version of their entry 'Ridnym.' Khayat noted that while he doesn't plan a swift return, he still believes opportunities for success in such competitions exist.

'If the audience chose it, if the judges chose it – then there must be a chance.' - Khayat

Eurovision remains a vital platform for Ukrainian artists, offering a path to international recognition. Khayat has thus clarified his stance on national selections, emphasizing the crucial role of audience and judge support in achieving success on the global stage. The outcomes of these highly competitive national finals can significantly influence an artist's career trajectory, highlighting the high stakes involved.