Ruslana's Endorsement of LELÉKA Deemed Acceptable by National Selection Organizers.

The Situation Regarding Ruslana and LELÉKA

According to TSN.ua: Suspilne, the organizer of Ukraine's national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, has issued a statement concerning judge Ruslana's public call for viewers to vote for finalist LELÉKA. The broadcaster confirmed that Ruslana's commentary, in which she expressed a favorable opinion of LELÉKA's performance, does not violate the competition's rules. The Eurovision Song Contest is a major international event where national selections often generate significant public discussion.

Transparency and Democratic Nature of the Process

According to the rules, jury members are permitted to share their impressions of the artists' performances during the national selection final, offering both positive and negative feedback. In expressing her personal support for LELÉKA, Ruslana clarified that her call to vote was a statement of her individual position and not a breach of protocol. Consequently, the organizers have raised no objections to her actions.

It is notable that LELÉKA has emerged as Ruslana's favorite, demonstrating the level of support an artist can receive from within the jury. This episode highlights the openness and democratic nature of Ukraine's Eurovision selection process, where every judge is entitled to a personal opinion.

This incident illustrates the influential role judges can play in the national selection, as their public comments may significantly sway audience votes. Furthermore, the organizers' permissive stance on such commentary underscores a democratic approach to the contest, allowing for free expression without fear of repercussions. This transparency can foster greater viewer engagement in the selection process and potentially enhance an artist's chances of gaining public support.