She’s the Ukraine singer who gave her country its second Eurovision victory. Now broadcaster STB has confirmed that Jamala will return to the judging panel of Ukraine’s national final.

After winning the national selection and then Eurovision in 2016, Jamala joined the panel for Ukraine’s national final earlier this year. She will again be part of the three-person judging panel who will help select Ukraine’s act for Lisbon.

And the Eurovision winner has high standards for the competing acts. She told STB, “I expect good songs, interesting personalities on stage, charisma and crazy energy coming from performers. Last year there were a lot of good artists, but in my opinion, there was not such a character who clearly would have been above the others.”

She also had praise for Ruslan Kvinta, the music producer of Ukraine’s 2018 selection, saying, “[He] will be able to cope with new tasks perfectly.”

The other two judges will be revealed “very soon”. Last year, Jamala was joined on the judging panel by the show’s then musical producer Konstantin Meladze and comedian Andriy Danylko, best known as the outrageous Eurovision star Verka Serduchka.

Melovin plots revenge

Also planning to return to the Ukraine national final is last year’s third-place finisher Melovin. The 2016 Ukraine X Factor winner — who is known for wearing a comedy contact lens in his left eye — has vowed to “take revenge” in 2018.

He told STB, “I want to take revenge. I am very determined and do not want to let the audience down. I think if they gave the most votes for me, then I must give them an answer and come back. I’m working on the song and as soon as it is ready, we will submit an application.”

While Melovin finished third in the 2017 national final with his song “Wonder”, he topped the televote, with 31.22% of the vote.

Melovin has just over six weeks to submit his new song. Entries for Ukraine’s 2018 national final close on 15 January 2018.

What do you think? Who else would you like to see on the judges’ panel? Should Melovin represent Ukraine in Lisbon? Share your thoughts below!

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Random.Sage
Random.Sage
6 years ago

AND I WILL NEVER LOVE AGAAAAAIIIIIIIIIINNNN!

Vanessa
Vanessa
6 years ago

MELOVIN FOR THE WIN

Gorilla716
Gorilla716
6 years ago

I wasn’t a fan of Melovin’s song last year but I would be happy if he did something similar to Unbroken, which is a pretty good song.

Rona
Rona
6 years ago

Melovin literally cannot represent Ukraine. He has this huge group of fangirls that obsess over him, but his songs are so basic and he would be a 100% non qualifier in Lisbon due to the jury in Lisbon.

Héctor
Héctor
6 years ago

I’m looking forward to listen to what Melovin has to offer. I loved ‘Wonder’ and should have represented Ukraine in Kiev.

MustardMeg
MustardMeg
6 years ago

@robyn. Which NF are you most looking forward to this series? Would love to know 😀

MustardMeg
MustardMeg
6 years ago
Reply to  MustardMeg

😀 great! Melfest is obviously the fave, but Songvakeppnin is sooo cool. Such a mix of songs. Can’t wait for that one this year! x

Monia
Monia
6 years ago

I am a big fan of hers but I didn’t like her in a jury. This year, as in 2016 the whole jury result was all messed up. I hope Melovin gets the chance to represent Ukraine in Lisbon, as he was robbed. His song and performance were amazing, not to mention Tayanna’s beautiful performance, as well. But instead of these two gems, the “expert” jury opted for a bland rock band…. Unexpected and unjustified. Hope the other 2 jurors will be different than this year…

Benito Bonito
Benito Bonito
6 years ago
Reply to  Monia

I can’t understand how can anybody likes Tayanna. She is silly, ”Je t’aime… moi non plus” wanna be.

Ted
Ted
6 years ago
Reply to  Benito Bonito

Can you sing like that? If not, then shut up…

Rhiannon
Rhiannon
6 years ago

I hope Melovin would do something like “Hooligan”. The dancers of the music video to the stage. It would be awesome!

Mil
Mil
6 years ago

Last year lots of great artists didn’t join because they thought back-to-back victory is not possible. That was exactly the argument for The Hardkiss, Julia herself said that in her interview.
Melovin is a mediocre artist to me. He has managed to win X Factor because of his looks and teenage girls fandom.

Vladyslav
Vladyslav
6 years ago
Reply to  Mil

Totally agree with you. As for me, The Hardkiss are much more stronger runners-up, than Tayanna and Melovin. But teenage girls, unfortunately, can vote 🙁

Mil
Mil
6 years ago

Never say never.

Mil
Mil
6 years ago

Jamala’s PR today confirmed she is pregnant. Congratulations to her!

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

Hopefully, a better selection than last year, which was rather weak. I want another “2016”, but I don’t know if Ukraine is willing to take the risk of another victory.

Sasha
Sasha
6 years ago
Reply to  Jo

Don’t worry. The juries won’t allow that to happen no matter how good the singer is.

KellyR91
KellyR91
6 years ago
Reply to  Jo

Even if Ukraine ever wins again they will never be allowed to host after everything that happened last year.

Mil
Mil
6 years ago
Reply to  KellyR91

Never say never

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  KellyR91

They will win again, but not in 10-15 years at least.
And what’s the real problem with this year’s host?
Political situation? Then Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan should never win again too.
Technical problems and budget? Well, 80% of the countries participating at ESC have similar problems, or even worse ones.