On November 10 — after all 17 Junior Eurovision 2016 songs were released — we asked our readers to vote for their favourites to win. After counting 14,704 votes we can now reveal that Bulgaria’s Lidia Ganeva has come out on top.

All week we’ve highlighted Bulgaria as the most age-appropriate act in the field. Young Lidia loves what she does and that passion comes through in her enchanting performance of an enchanting song. The colourful staging suits her personality well and when she spins she seems to spin for all of the children of the world. Light a torch. Loving it.

Young Lidia, who charmed us during our interview in Valletta, finished with 2,841 votes — more than 19% of all those cast.

That put her narrowly ahead of Russia’s Water of Life Project who finished with 2,580 votes — or around 18%.

Ireland’s Zena Donnelly was the only other act to get more than 2,000 votes, finishing with 2,359 — or around 16%.

Junior Eurovision 2016: Poll results

  1. Bulgaria: Lidia Ganeva “Magical Day” 2,841 votes, 19.32%
  2. Russia: Water of Life Project “Water of Life” 2,580, 17.55%
  3. Ireland: Zena Donnelly “Bríce ar Bhríce” 2,359, 16.04%
  4. FYR Macedonia: Martija Stanojkovi? “Love Will Lead Our Way” 1,364, 9.28%
  5. Albania: Klesta Qehaja “Besoj” 809, 5.5%
  6. Armenia: Anahit & Mary “Tarber” 574, 3.9%
  7. Belarus: Alexander Minyonok “Musyka moih pobed” 556, 3.78%
  8. Italy: Fiamma Boccia “Cara Mamma – Dear Mom” 485, 3.3%
  9. Poland: Olivia Wieczorek “Nie zapomnij” 480, 3.26%
  10. Serbia: Dunja Jelicic “U la la la” 437, 2.97%
  11. Netherlands: Kisses “Kisses and Dancin'” 435, 2.96%
  12. Malta: Christina Magrin “Parachute” 414, 2.82%
  13. Cyprus: George Michaelides “Dance Floor” 366, 2.49%
  14. Australia: Alexa Curtis “We Are” 349, 2.37%
  15. Ukraine: Sofia Rol “Planet Craves For Love” 276, 1.88%
  16. Georgia: Mariam Mamadashvili “Mzeo” 197, 1.34%
  17. Israel: Shir & Tim “Follow My Heart” 182, 1.24%

Junior Eurovision 2016 jury final

Of course, our readers opinions — which we love and value — will not have an impact on the results, as the show is decided entirely by an adult jury, a kids jury and an expert panel.

The jury final took place on Saturday afternoon. All of the performances were filmed and the videos will be sent to jurors in the various countries on Sunday at noon CET.

You can read our full review of the jury final by clicking here, and you can watch our review below.

Who do you think will win Junior Eurovision 2016? Let us know below!

READ ALL OF OUR REHEARSAL REVIEWS

SEE OUR JESC 2016 SONG REVIEWS AND RANKINGS

FOLLOW ALL OF OUR JUNIOR EUROVISION 2016 COVERAGE

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oooops
oooops
7 years ago

I forgot Australia could be another surprise.

oooops
oooops
7 years ago

Based on the songs combined with rehearsals, I want Italy to win it all. Very good rehearsal and song. I think surprises in top 7 could be Georgia, Malta and Cyprus.

James
James
7 years ago

Thoughst and likely placement predictions for all 17 songs: http://www.jlhabitan.com/blog/2016/11/mini-preshow-review-of-junior-eurovision-2016-songs/

Wishing everyone good luck. 😀

Colin
Colin
7 years ago

Calling it now – Georgia is going to win. They have the semi-last spot and it is really touching song. It’s both elegant and sincere enough to appeal to adults and catchy enough to appeal to kids.

But as I said earlier, all 17 are good and whoever wins, I’m happy for them.

JonathanUK
JonathanUK
7 years ago

I strongly believe that it will be between Bulgaria and Poland. As to the outcome? I’m not sure! The Polish entry will do better with the Adult Juries and Bulgaria may do better with the Kids Juries! In the end however, I think Poland may just edge it. And deservedly so (it is my favourite entry)! It’s so close this year however that I am ready to be surprised haha! 😀

KennyESC
KennyESC
7 years ago

1 – FYR Macedonia
2 – Armenia
3 – Ukraine
4 – Ireland
5 – Russia
6 – Italy
7 – Israel
8 – Malta
9 – Serbia
10 – Belarus

I WANT MACEDONIA TO WIN ?????????

Magdalena
Magdalena
7 years ago

1. Bulgaria

James
James
7 years ago

There’s a lot of competitive songs this year, especially the ballads, so it’s hard to pick a Top 5 for me. However, I’m pulling for Albania, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine and Ireland.

I do expect Cyprus to perform badly however but hopefully the actual live performance would change my opinion of it.

From Portugal
From Portugal
7 years ago

I would love if Lidia Win,she is my winner in my top 3.

1-Bulgaria
2-Serbia
3- FYR Macedonia

bartosz
bartosz
7 years ago

Ireland third? And supposedly this is Poland who is always rigging the polls…
Coming back to JESC, good to see Bulgaria on first place – this is very lovely song and I hope it will finish high tonigh. I’m keeping my fingers crossed also for Albania, Italy, Ukraine, Russia and Poland.

EsCfan
EsCfan
7 years ago

With all the great cameras and effects, I think that Serbia can be a dark horse (at least for the kids jury)

Azeri96
Azeri96
7 years ago

Alright! She’s my second favourite! Love the song and her live vocals.

My Top 5:
1. Macedonia
2. Bulgaria
3. Albania
4. Ukraine
5. Cyprus

Carlo
Carlo
7 years ago

My top:
1.Bulgaria
2.Macedoina
3.Italy
Good luck to all !

(J)ESC Fanatic
(J)ESC Fanatic
7 years ago

@beccaboo1212

I watched your amazing video and liked, well done! 🙂
We have the same top 2 but my 2nd is your 1st and my 1st is your 2nd! 😀

(J)ESC Fanatic
(J)ESC Fanatic
7 years ago

I really don’t know who will win, maybe Russia.

Eva M.
Eva M.
7 years ago

She is magical for me–like a living symbol of childhood, dreams and happiness. Her performance, sweetness and fragility touch me. I do not know if she is the best vocally or has the best song, but she creates magic…

#American
#American
7 years ago

omg yessss i want her to win so badly 🙂
she seems so happy and positive, and has a great voice and song

beccaboo1212
7 years ago

I don’t mind if Bulgaria wins, as long as everyone’s happy with the results. In fact, there’s so many good songs this year, since I had a hard time ranking them all in my Top 17 countdown!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IGE7pZudX4

Sanjorz Mickighganian
Sanjorz Mickighganian
7 years ago

BTW I cant believe how high IRELAND is
she is like my 10th!!

Sanjorz Mickighganian
Sanjorz Mickighganian
7 years ago

i wouldnt mind if this won 🙂 although she is my 4th
1- Macedonia
2- Albania
3- Ukraine
4- Bulgaria
5- Armenia