LELÉKA Wins Eurovision 2026 Selection and Announces Return to Ukraine After 11 Years Abroad.

LELÉKA's Homecoming to Ukraine

According to TSN.ua: After living in Berlin for 11 years, singer LELÉKA has decided to return to Ukraine. This major life change follows her victory in the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 and coincides with the end of a personal relationship in Germany. Her return marks a significant personal and professional shift for the artist.

LELÉKA recently faced a professional setback when she lost her voice while performing her song 'Ridnym'. Despite this challenge, she remains a vocal advocate for Ukrainian sovereignty, stating:

“This is an open wound for all Ukrainians who feel the pain of the struggle for Ukraine's statehood and for our preservation as a nation and a subject in the world.”

She also defended her right to pursue education globally, asserting: “I believe I have every right to study anywhere in the world, and I am doing this precisely for Ukraine.” Expressing uncertainty about her future in Germany, she added: “I don't know when I will go to Germany or what I will do there, as I don't really have a place to live there anymore.”

Impact on the Ukrainian Music Scene

LELÉKA is now preparing for a new chapter, aiming to resume her career in Ukraine and on the international stage. Her participation in Eurovision 2026 is seen as a potential catalyst for greater global attention on Ukrainian culture, particularly during the ongoing war. The singer's emphasis on national identity reflects a broader trend of strengthening cultural pride within Ukrainian society.

Her homecoming after more than a decade abroad could be a landmark event, not just for her personally but for the Ukrainian music industry. It represents a meaningful step in fostering national pride and promoting Ukrainian music worldwide during a critical period for the nation.