The 16 competing acts in Ukraine’s Vidbir 2020 selection show for Eurovision were confirmed on Monday 20 January. And now, the running order draw has been made for the competition’s two semi-finals.
Unlike at Eurovision and national selections like Sweden’s Melodifestivalen where the running order is producer-led, the Vidbir draw is completely random.
Each of the 16 acts had to draw a card during a special conference on 22 January. The card indicated both the semi-final number and the performer’s place in the line-up.
Ukraine’s Vidbir 2020: Running Order
Semi-final one
- [О]
- Jerry Heil
- Katya Chilly
- Krutь
- Go-A
- Cloudless
- Gio
- Assol
Semi-final two
- Moonzoo feat. F.M.F. Sure
- Fo Sho
- Elina Ivashchenko
- Oleksandr Poriadynskyi
- Garna
- Khayat
- David Axelrod
- Tvorchi
Vidbir 2020: Key Facts
Following 2019’s withdrawal, Ukraine’s broadcasters UA:PBC and STB have once again joined forces to organise Vidbir, Ukraine’s national final
The acts are divided into two semi-finals on 8 and 15 February. Three acts will progress from each semi, resulting in a six-song final on 22 February.
The winner will be decided by a split of votes from a jury – consisting of 2006 Eurovision entrant Tina Karol, Andriy Danylko and radio exec Vitalii Drozdov – and the public.
In a bid to avoid the controversy which erupted after Maruv’s 2019 victory, entrants must not have performed in the territory of the Russian Federation since 2014. They also can’t have entered Crimea “in violation of the legislation of Ukraine”. Furthermore, they cannot have plans to do either during the competition or Eurovision.
This rule change comes in the wake of the chaotic Vidbir 2019, which saw the winner Maruv withdraw due to a breakdown in contract negotiations. Much of the disagreement related to the singer’s close ties to Russia.
These links came centre stage when Eurovision 2016 winner Jamala pointed a finger at the “Siren Song” singer and asked her an “uncomfortable question” on the issue.
Ukraine and Russia have been in conflict since 2014 when the latter illegally annexed the Crimean peninsula.
Maruv’s withdrawal triggered a spectacular chain of events which resulted in the second and third place acts, Freedom Jazz and Kazka, also turning down the offer to represent Ukraine in Tel Aviv. The country called it quits before fourth-place finishers Brunettes Shoot Blondes had the opportunity to say no.
Who do you want to win Ukraine’s 2020 national selection Vidbir? Let us know in the comments down below!
The song from Khayat just dropped. It has elevated this selection into infinity.
I have a most uncomfortable question for you….!
Anyone knows a playinglist for the entries?
Said to be lots of cool, alternative, interesting and original songs. E.g. songs I will most probably like.
Thanks!
I think this is it
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUl8DXzR9uo&list=PLN9nCyjzMo9aF3AWSjMGNa6f_TqYRZ6AN
From what I already heard ( 5 songs)they are really good, especially Cloudless and Fo Sho, waiting for fan favs Khayat and Jerry realizing their songs
I didn’t find any good songs in this selection. Maybe Khayat only. They might struggle to qualify for the first time.
Have they all been released at this point?
No, only 5 are released
In fact, officially released 4 (?): CLOUDLESS – Draw Me Down, Oleksandr Poriadynskyi – Savior, Garna – Who We Are. Elina Ivashchenko admitted today that her song “Get Up” would not be rearranged as it was claimed before. So I guess it’s official now too. But more are coming – David Axelrod will present his song tomorrow, Go-A has a teaser released called “Solovij” (Nightingale) on YouTube and there is a sample loop of Jerry Heil’s Vegan (yet to be released) on some YouTube channels.
@ Vladchik And Fo Sho in an interview concerned that BLCK SQR is their entry. So 5 songs to date.
Yes, sorry – I missed that. And David Axelrod “Horizon” is out today.
@ Alex you have to wait until the semis to see which song can represent Ukraine. At least wait until all the songs are released to make judgements. BTW Khayat’s song hasn’t been released yet and your saying maybe him what…
There is also a snippet of tvorchi on YouTube
I have big expectations! All the alternative and uncompromised stuff. Always good with entries that go outside the usual ESC-box