This Saturday, the grand final of Vidbir 2020 will be held. And with it, Ukraine will select its act for Eurovision 2020. Six acts will compete in the national final, but only one can win the ticket to Rotterdam. The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — have listened to the finalists and ranked their favourites. Who do we think should head Ukraine’s Eurovision comeback?

Antranig

1. Go-A – “Solovey”

What a monumental drop in quality from the song they didn’t send last year. This is a truly pitiful selection of songs that Ukraine has to choose from. Go-A and Khayat would both actually be good entries which could potentially protect Ukraine’s perfect qualification record, but the problem is that neither of them won their semi-finals which is alarming. Maybe I have to place my faith in Tvorchi. It’s a cold day in Kyiv when their neighbours in Belarus and Moldova have better selections. I absolute adore Ukraine at Eurovision, so colour me worried.

2. Khayat – “Call For Love”
3. Tvorchi – “Bonfire”
4. David Axelrod – “Horizon”
5. KRUTЬ – “99”
6. Jerry Heil – “Vegan”

Renske

1. KRUTЬ – “99”

Every single year, Vidbir gives us a wide variety of songs and plenty of original acts to choose. There is however one song that really stands out for not standing out: KRUTЬ’s “99”. There is a certain calmness in “99” that makes you want to forget about what you are doing to just enjoy the music. KRUTЬ is to Vidbir 2020 what Frans was to Melodifestivalen 2016. It’s music without needing a show to sell it.

2. Khayat – “Call For Love”
3. Go-A – “Solovey”
4. Tvorchi – “Bonfire”
5. Jerry Heil – “Vegan”
6. David Axelrod – “Horizon”

Robyn

1. Khayat – “Call For Love”

Either of my top two songs would be good for Ukraine to send to Rotterdam, but “Call For Love” is my favourite. It combines modern electronic music with the traditional flute sound, and a compelling vocal performance from Khayat. Not only that, but the song delivers the absolute killer line “God is all you got / Let me help you love”. Oh my! The song has a pop drop — which is always difficult for a Eurovision performance — but Khayat and his dancers fill in the gap with their moves. My only criticism: in the live performance, Khayat’s deep delivery of the “Call for love” line is weirdly reminiscent of De Vet Du’s “Vi ska på roadtrip” line from Melfest 2017.

2. Jerry Heil – “Vegan”
3. KRUTЬ – “99”
4. Tvorchi – “Bonfire”
5. Go-A – “Solovey”
6. David Axelrod – “Horizon”

Florian

1. KRUTЬ – “99”

There’s something really magic and unique about “99”.  The atmosphere is really authentic and given further touch with the added harp. If it were to go to Rotterdam, it’d stand out for its unique production and stylistic elements. Besides, it also worked well on stage at Vidbir, making it seem like she’s ready to go to Eurovision.

2. Tvorchi – “Bonfire”
3. Khayat – “Call For Love”
4. Go-A – “Solovey”
5. David Axelrod – “Horizon”
6. Jerry Heil – “Vegan”

Natalie

1. Go-A – “Solovey”

This was a really tricky decision for me. There are so many, erm, unique songs in this selection. I loved Jerry and Khayat’s songs musically but they both kinda weirded me out with their staging (even though I’m vegetarian myself). As a sucker for ethnic music mixed with modern production, I’m giving it to Go-A. I’m not sure how it would look at Rotterdam but I still dig it. It’s got some real flair and nice beats, and gets more and more exciting towards the end. It’s interesting, has some originality, and has a nice woodwind instrument. Really nice.

2. Jerry Heil – “Vegan”
3. Khayat – “Call For Love”
4. KRUTЬ – “99”
5. David Axelrod – “Horizon”
6. Tvorchi – “Bonfire”

Luis

1. Khayat – “Call for love”

“Call For Love” is the best song of this bunch in a landslide. It does need work, particularly in the mixing, as in the semi-final performance the backing singer was too loud and it sounded too bewildering. Choreography-wise, it’s on point though. Khayat and the dancers provide a slick, yet slightly sexual performance, which grabs you from the first second. His enunciation needs to improve as well, but this is a diamond worth polishing.

2. KRUTЬ – “99”
3. Go-A – “Solovey”
4. Tvorchi – “Bonfire”
5. Jerry Heil – “Vegan”
6. David Axelrod – “Horizon”

Pablo

1. Khayat – “Call For Love”

Mahmood meets Maruv in Morocco. This is the complete package of what makes Ukraine so good at Eurovision, but male. Dark, mysterious, clubby and sexual, Khayat works every single angle of that camera. With those dance moves and the reptilian green-copper colours of the stage, “Call For Love” comes across as positively hypnotizing, with that last-minute literal spiral into madness keeping you affixed to the screen. If he figures out the pronunciation and tightens up the backing vocals, he is set for Rotterdam. Out of the six songs, this is the only one I would gladly replay over and over, and I feel many would agree.

2. Go-A – “Solovey”
3. Tvorchi – “Bonfire”
4. Jerry Heil – “Vegan”
5. KRUTЬ – “99”
6. David Axelrod – “Horizon”

Oliver

1. Jerry Heil – “Vegan”

I can never seem to shake the catchy and memorable tune that Jerry Heil has put together out of my mind. While the semi-final performance could be considered as a bit “out there”, anything else would seem tame in comparison to the unique lyrics and structure of the song. For a first time listener of the song, “Vegan” is composed in such a way that you never expect the twists and turns that the song takes you on. It would be interesting to see something like this next May, as nothing really comes to mind that matches the humour, wit and musicality of Jerry Heil’s number; it would definitely be a risk, but Ukraine has never shied away from trying something outside the box.

2. Go-A – “Solovey”
3. Khayat – “Call For Love”
4. Tvorchi – “Bonfire”
5. KRUTЬ – “99”
6. David Axelrod – “Horizon”

Tom

1. Go-A – “Solovey”
I too a complete sucker for ethnic folk music. I loved the fire Tulia brought last year and I very much like this also. I have to say, I do miss the traditional costumes with Solovey’s performance but the vocals are on point. I love the modern beat alongside the traditional sound and the inclusion of the drums are excellent as well. Not the strongest of years from Ukraine but with Solovey it’s a decent effort.

2. Tvorchi – “Bonfire”
3. Jerry Heil – “Vegan”
4. KRUTЬ – “99”
5. David Axelrod – “Horizon”
6. Khayat – “Call For Love”

What do you think? Who are your favourites in Vidbir 2020? Share your thoughts below!

Read more Ukraine Eurovision 2020 news here

38 Comments
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Ben R
Ben R
4 years ago

Vegan is, far and away, my favorite I love that song so much! I made a TikTok to it and everything!

Flamezz
Flamezz
4 years ago

I am sure if that guy from tvorchi improves his vocals they could secure the win. Idk why everybody is hating on their song, it’s actually the only good one that would do good in Eurovision. A pretty unique choice

StudyG
StudyG
4 years ago

Krut? really sings bad for me but her song 99 is masterpease. Idk i think Ukraine for first time will failed to quality.

ESCFanGA
ESCFanGA
4 years ago

Am I the only one who doesn’t like any of the songs and thinks Ukraine might not qualify this year?

StudyG
StudyG
4 years ago
Reply to  ESCFanGA

If Krut wins maybe if she did do live better…

StudyG
StudyG
4 years ago
Reply to  StudyG

I mean if Krut didn’t do better might not qualify this year

Xu Quan
Xu Quan
4 years ago

Antranig, are you sure you were in your mind writing ‘Belarus and Moldova have better selections than Ukraine’? Clearly you were not. Or Wiwiblogs were bribed, as always. Because right now we have like 7/11 listenable songs out and yet you say Ukraine has a bad selection? I am from Norway, we’ve had the best selection so far, in my opinion of course, but the second best is surely Vidbir 2020.
Sometimes it seems that Wiwiblogs are really only favorable to the countries like Australia/Sweden OR the countries that bribe them (Russia etc.)

Vlad
Vlad
4 years ago
Reply to  Xu Quan

And they purposely put this opinion in the top of the article. It left bitter taste tbh…

OhhHoney
OhhHoney
4 years ago

Robyn it’s a Sopilka, not a flute.

blondboybc
blondboybc
4 years ago

GO_A or Khayat for the win. Tvorchi sounds terrible live! Krutb is nice enough. The others, can’t take them seriously.

Plantae
Plantae
4 years ago

As much as I like Call For Love, to me it didn’t work live. He’s gotta work on his diction, otherwise the only part I can sing along, despite the obvious chorus, is the “god is all you GOD” bit lol. I also love 99, but then again, it’ll lose a bit of its effect on the ESC stage since she won’t be allowed to actually play the instrument there. I guess I’m stuck with third favorite for now (Vegan).

Bonny
Bonny
4 years ago

I just have watched the snipests of the rehearsals , I can tell Khayat and Jerry have changed their staging a lot, it looks absolutely different, in a good way. Khayat looks like Neo in Matrix,lol, they have changed the outfit, lightning and dance moves looks more cool and polish, very dark and mysterious vibe, they left big green circle though, overall it looks stunning! Jerry got rid of her animals on stage and horrible background colors, it looks more cool, though it’s not my thing anyway, the rest of finalists staging look pretty much the same with a little… Read more »

Kat
Kat
4 years ago

Solovey = Call for Love > 99! Those are my top three, but I’d be happy with any of them. I also LOOOOOVE Pich in the first semi. I don’t know about any drop in quality – having four songs I like this much is a good sign imo, even if none of them are ready-made for the Eurovision Crown. 🙂 I always appreciate Vidbir for bringing a whole lot of variety and risky/unusual songs (like Pich)!

Sabrina
Sabrina
4 years ago

Go-A for me. But I would be totally fine with Krut, Khayat or Tvorchi.

By the way. have you guys seen this video of Krut performing “99” in the stairs of an appartment building? Loved the idea: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ay8Z034jmJk

Azaad
Azaad
4 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

watching her play makes me wish even harder ESC would allow live instrumentals

Teddie
Teddie
4 years ago

Zero intrigue here. Krut’ is going to win and that’s that.

Gabríela H.
Gabríela H.
4 years ago

Monumental drop in quality?! Was that suppose to be about Vidbir or Melodifestivalen? (that continues to be overracted af just due its high budget). Vidbir is still better than 90% of the national finals this year. At least it is a different and modern selection and not a bunch of G:son fillers that sound all the same year after year and still get hyped for .. whatever reason.

Franky
Franky
4 years ago
Reply to  Gabríela H.

Agreed. I thought vidbir has at least interesting entries. Can’t say that about the soulless Melodifestivalen

Paulius
Paulius
4 years ago

Khayat please Ukraine !

noone
noone
4 years ago

I actually like 99, Solovey, Call for love and Bonfire. They’re all great, each in their own way and I can see anyone win. The other two, however: Horizon is a cheesy schlager, that has no chances and Vegan is just a joke entry and I wish that we would finally get rid of them. Overall I think that Krut – 99 will win.

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
4 years ago

1. Khayat
2. GO-A
3. Krut(b)
4. Tvorchi
5. Jerry Heil
6. David Axelrod
Any of the top 3 should easily bring Ukraine to the top 10 in the Grand Final, but all in all Ukraine delivers a great national selection again (I don’t know what Antranig is on about) and Ukraine should have no problem qualifying for the final this year, even if they are in the stronger first semi- final.

Mariia
Mariia
4 years ago

I agree with your opinion. Thank you!

BleuKnaveXD236
BleuKnaveXD236
4 years ago

I honestly don’t think the Ukraine selection is that bad(nor is it a drop of quality) this year… yes I guess there isn’t any “big” names on here this year(I’m not familiar with Ukraine’s music industry) but the songs aren’t bad even my least favorite in the final six isn’t bad. Speaking of which there wasn’t really any song I hated in this entire selection. Yes if my favorite doesn’t win I’ll probably end up not having Ukraine in my top ten or whatever, but not like it’s gonna be dead last either. Suppose it’s just a difference in musical… Read more »

Mia
Mia
4 years ago

That “Vegan” disaster tho.. Stick to the youtube Jerry.

Rainer1
Rainer1
4 years ago

i think the russians are lucky. It won’t be kiev2021

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
4 years ago

i don’t get all this love for khayat, his song and performance are all over the place and trying too hard

bryn collins
bryn collins
4 years ago

“99” or “vegan” plz

Somebody
Somebody
4 years ago

Wiwi Jury Tom seems like your typical Eurovision jury who intentionally downvotes the deserving songs to the bottom so their country can have a chance.

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
4 years ago

I’m in love with “99”. It’s pure magic, a beautiful folklore fairytale. When it’s on, time simply ceases to exist. I just can’t get tired of it, I really hope KRUTb wins on Saturday.

ESCNils
ESCNils
4 years ago

Not winning the Semi doesn’t mean anything, previous runner ups of the semis ended up winning and winners ended up as runner ups. Nothing is said yet! I hope they either choose traditional sounds (Go_A), fire performance (Kahyat) or real music (Krutja)

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
4 years ago

Based on those SF results, it looks like Ukraine is going to be choosing between two acts that aren’t going to qualify from an ESC SF. For me, Khayat is far and away the only logical choice, yet he didn’t win the televote or the jury in his semi final. Really worrying.

The Roop is On Fire
The Roop is On Fire
4 years ago

Agree. This year’s quality is as similar as last year with exception of Maruv, of course.

The Roop is On Fire
The Roop is On Fire
4 years ago

Sorry, I mean to say that despite Maruv’s participation last year even if she was good, and even with or without her in Vidbir, the other songs in 2019 are as good and special as many songs this year. The quality this year is as stable as before and there is never a monumental drop of it. For instance, Yuko, Kazka and that “Hate” song is as sublime to the likes of Katya Chilly, Fo Sho and “99” and they shouldn’t be underestimated just because of an absence of the likes of “Siren Song”.

Gurl
Gurl
4 years ago

I actually really like these songs. They are quite unique and will add variety to the contest. My absolute favourite is Go-A, a true gem, super original. It even gives me Deep Forest vibes, my favourite ethno-dance band. Brilliant!

CoochieStank
CoochieStank
4 years ago

Khayat is the way to go. Really hope he tweeks his performance a bit.

Colin
Colin
4 years ago

I think Ukraine has three really good options here – Call For Love, Solovey and 99. Each is unique in it’s own way. Each has reasons why they would do good, but each has it’s potential traps too. IDK who would I pick. I’m maybe leaning towards Khayat now, but any of these three could continue putting Ukraine in the finals.

NickC
NickC
4 years ago

I think Tvorchi will win, but I am happy with KRUTb or Khayat.

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
4 years ago

Wiwi Jury’s ranking (1-6 points)
1. Go-A 41p.
1. Khayat 41p.
3. KRUTb 33p.
4. Tvorchi 31p.
5. Jerry Heil 29p.
6. David Axelrod 14p.