Ever since their participation in the local series of X Factor, Ukrainian group KAZKA have been high on fan wishlists for Eurovision. The group have taken part in multiple editions of Vidbir, but missed out on the top prize several times. In an interview with Russian-language newspaper Vesti, the group have now revealed that they won’t return to the contest next year.
KAZKA last took part in the Ukrainian selection in 2019, finishing third with the song “Apart”. A huge favourite to win, the group faced a bit of a backlash. Many fans said that Oleksandra sang poorly on the night, and their performance received a huge amount of dislikes on YouTube. It currently has 7,300 likes compared to 26,000 dislikes.
KAZKA on Eurovision 2022 participation
With regards to their potential participation in Suspilne’s upcoming national final, KAZKA frontwoman Oleksandra Zaritska told Vesti:
“We all know that Eurovision is a big dream of our producer Yury Nikitin. After Verka Serduchka exploded so powerfully in that contest, all [Nikitin]’s thoughts are only with Eurovision. I agree with those, who, when we took part in the national final, [said] it was a bit too early.”
“However, we have grown since then. I, as a vocalist, feel a bit more confident. But we have no song which I would say is a hit for Eurovision, for now. For this contest, we need to prepare for a long time, and well before it. So, this year, we will clearly not participate.”
“For me, if we again fight for participation in this contest, then [it would be] only to win it. And therefore, in 2023, I don’t exclude such a possibility. It would be cool — after all it’s a great platform to [get people to] know you better in other countries.”
KAZKA first took part in Vidbir in 2018 with “Dyva”, crashing out in the semi-finals. Over the summer that year, the group broke through the charts around Eastern Europe, achieving radio Top 10s in Bulgaria and Russia with their Ukrainian-language hit “Plakala”. In 2020, the group opted not to enter the Eurovision preselection.
Recently, KAZKA fans have seen the band’s frontwoman in a different capacity: Oleksandra Zaritska took part in the local version of Dancing with the Stars.
Meanwhile, and as noted in another article coming from Vesti, broadcaster Suspilne reportedly expects to start preparations for the new selection in December. Earlier, the public broadcaster announced a tender for production companies after parting ways with commercial network STB.
Are you sad that KAZKA won’t be taking part in Eurovision 2022? Do you think they are making a good decision? Let us know in the comments down below!
it seems that any high-class Ukrainian performer is currently under pressure of unavoidable comparison with Go_A; so most of them decide to refrain from participating Vidbir next year…
i love KAZKA and they are right; they should find the big song first and not just take part for the sake of it and due to the hype of Go_A. Wise decision.
I love their sound and I hope their day will come. I respect a lot when artists have the sensibility to know they don’t have the right song yet to try Eurovision.
KAZKA’s music is great to listen to on the radio or your headsets. Their songs are really good. Unfortunately the lead singers vocals are disappointing live.If this is her potential , forget about participating. Bring back Go-A
They are more succesfull than Go-A
apart is a very good song but beating “cry” is tough – “cry” was for me a potential ESC winner song – far above 2016 winner – no idea why this song was never part of vidbir?
the ukraine has luxus problems – they have so many high quality acts in nearly all styles of music.
as german I am a little bit envious and as fan of ethnic folk music too i am still hoping for dakhabrakha at vidbir.
”Apart” was my winner of Vidbir 2019. When MARUV was disqualified , i had big hopes maybe they offer KAZKA to go to Tel Aviv but in the end it didn’t happen
I think she was offered to go, but out of respect to Maruv she didn’t accept if I remember correctly
not out of respect for Maruv, but out of respect for those who voted for her
Being a big big but a very big fan of “Cry” , I listen it twice a week at least so it’s sad to not see them trying this year but if they don’t have THE song it’s normal, so I hope for them in 2023 then. My hope for Ukraine this year will be Khayat, I love him so much, I love his style and his creativity, and this mix of modern and current sounds with traditional ukrainian elements, I love that so much.
I think he already said he isn’t going to be there.
One of the rumoured acts is Wellboy. He’s quite cool!
Oh really? I didn’t know or heard something from him about Vidbir or Eurovision since many time but I was hopeful he was preparing something for that, ok two sad news then for me, no Kazka and no Khayat in 2022… I don’t know yet Wellboy so if he participate I would discover him, always a pleasure to discover new talents 😉 .
want them at eurovision so much!
work, I’d love to see them represent ukraine at some point in the future. apart was amazing