They’re the electronic folk ensemble that would have participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 for Ukraine. And even though the contest was cancelled, Go_A have found plenty of ways to keep active in recent weeks. Most recently, they offered their own take on one of Ukraine’s most notable Eurovision entries — the 2007 runner-up, Verka Serduchka’s “Dancing Lasha Tumbai”.

The Ukrainian band held a vote to decide which song they would cover in their own unique style next. The iconic hit from their home soil won over other three options: The Roop’s “On Fire”, Conchita Wurst’s “Rise Like a Phoenix” and Lordi’s “Hard Rock Hallelujah”.

 

Complying with social distancing laws, the live video was filmed on the top floor of the UA:PBC building. Their cover of the 2007 runner-up and perennial hit displays both a new interpretation of the song as well as a new side of the folk band, who’ve opted for a much more German progressive rock perspective. It fits surprisingly well with their folk style.

We should also note that the urban atmosphere really brings out a gritty club feeling in what is usually seen as a more campy and sparkly song. Go_ A struck gold with this one we know they have made their judge at Vidbir very proud.

Ukraine at Eurovision 2021

Go_A have been selected to go to Eurovision 2021, and were one of the first acts to be re-confirmed.

In a statement shared on the day Eurovision 2020 was cancelled, the band wrote: “We are pleased to inform you that we will still represent Ukraine next year at the Eurovision 2021. UA: FIRST and STB 2021 will not carry out an additional national selection”.

They concluded by saying: “We are very grateful to each of you for the support and crazy emotions you have given us. For believing in yourself and a victorious spirit. For overturning our world and becoming such a close musical family”.

As part of their thanks, they kindly filmed an acoustic version of their planned Eurovision 2020 song for The Wiwi Jam — our at-home celebration and tribute concert on May 13. You can watch their stunning performance below. Pay careful attention to the cat on the bed. She’s most definitely a mood!

What do you think? Could this rocky angle work well for their 2021 entry? Let us know in the comments below!

14 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Kim
Kim
3 years ago

How can you not smile while singing this?!??

Kosey
Kosey
3 years ago

This is amazing, I am a big fan of this, they should definitely do something like this next year. Much rockier, it complements their intensity really well. Really looking forward to what Go A will bring next year!

yodenman
yodenman
3 years ago

If this was an original song just think how popular it would be. Forget Iceland and Lithuania here is the front runner to win (a non existent contest).

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
3 years ago

Definitely one of my favourite covers from the season. This actually made me excited to see what they are going to come up with next year since I didn’t actually like Solovey that much.

Zelenovi
Zelenovi
3 years ago

I love them so much

Jeff USA
Jeff USA
3 years ago

I love Go_A such a talented group and this cover is so good! I can’t wait to see them again next year:)

Darren
Darren
3 years ago

Go_A are a class act. Certainly my favorite Ukrainian entry since Ruslana (although I did like Verka, musically wise)
I can’t wait to see what they bring in 2021, definitely an act I am looking forward to seeing back.
I just love ethno-dance though so I dunno.

dygh
dygh
3 years ago

They slayed their cover, contrary to Hooverphonic.

kohen
kohen
3 years ago

WOWW stunning!! Ukraine was my third place this year! wish we could see them on the eurovision stage 🙁

Esc2021rotterdam
Esc2021rotterdam
3 years ago
Reply to  kohen

We will see them next year. Don’t worry

Anita
Anita
3 years ago

brilliant is the right word.

Africavision
Africavision
3 years ago

This was a fantastic performance, and they were my favorite in the final episode of Eurovision Home Concerts. My favorites from each episode were:
Episode 1: Ryan O’Shaughnessy
Episode 2: Jamala
Episode 3: Jeangu Macrooy
Episode 4: KEiiNO
Episode 5: Senhit
Episode 6: Lea Sirk
Episode 7: Go_A
Whilst Jamala and Jeangu probably gave the best vocal performances, I think Ryan is my overall winner from Eurovision Home Concerts, as his two performances were more diverse, and he also focused on the visual aspect of his performances, not just the audio.

Roy Moreno
Roy Moreno
3 years ago

One of the best covers, easily

Generic Eurovision Fan
Generic Eurovision Fan
3 years ago

I couldn’t really believe what I was watching. It was so good. But I don’t know how Kateryna kept that facial expression for 3 minutes while singing the craziest ESC Song ever