Picture: Jamala (Instagram)

Following Tina Karol and Suspilne board member Yaroslav Lodygin, Eurovision 2016 winner Jamala has been announced as the third jury member for Vidbir 2022. The “1944” singer therefore completes the three-person jury.

Ukraine will select its Eurovision 2022 act via a reformed Vidbir created by the country’s public broadcaster Suspilne and the external production company Friends Pro TV. 

Vidbir 2022 is set to continue the tradition of the Ukrainian public broadcaster since 2016. Ever since then, a three-person jury and televoting public have decided who will represent the country at Eurovision. Accordingly, Suspilne has announced that 50% of the votes will be decided by sms voting and the other 50% by the jury. This is also different from the way the country selected their latest Junior Eurovision entry, when a jury accounted for 6/7 of the final results.

Earlier Suspilne already hinted that there would be three jurors — the stage design showed a desk with three chairs. In essence, this means that they will copy the earlier Vidbir format as STB and Suspilne also made use of three jurors. In the old format, the judging heavily mirrored the local adaption of X Factor – produced by STB. This included the jury giving comments to the acts after each performance. 

 
 
 
 
 
Dit bericht op Instagram bekijken
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Een bericht gedeeld door Євробачення (@suspilne.eurovision)

Yaroslav Lodygin and Jamala to judge alongside Tina Karol

Yaroslav Lodygin was earlier announced as the second judge of Vidbir 2022. The television producer and director made a name for himself with productions such as The Wild Fields

In 2021, Lodygin was part of the five-piece internal jury that selected Go_A’s song for the contest in Rotterdam. This year, it will be the first time we see him judge a live television selection. 

 
 
 
 
 
Dit bericht op Instagram bekijken
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Een bericht gedeeld door Євробачення (@suspilne.eurovision)

Jamala is a Vidbir veteran. After winning the selection in 2016, she was part of the judging panel between 2017 and 2019. In 2020, her spot on the judging table was taken by Tina Karol. Last year, like Lodygin, she was part of the internal jury that selected “SHUM”. 

The appointment of Jamala and Yaroslav Lodygin also means the departure of Andriy Danylko from the jury. A popular television personality on STB, Danylko remained the only judge that served on every panel when the show was still partially organised by the commercial broadcaster. He was the driving force behind getting both Mélovin and Go_A to Eurovision. 

What do you think about the jury for Vidbir 2022? Who would you like to see winning? Let us know in the comments down below!

91 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Jay
Jay
2 years ago

Given that all the songs in Vidbir are terrible, it really doesn’t matter

lasse braun
lasse braun
2 years ago

is jamala in the jury now a good or more a bad thing for alina pash?

Last edited 2 years ago by lasse braun
Karl
Karl
2 years ago

Gotta give Jamala recognition for singlehandedly derailing Ukraine’s participation in Eurovision 2019.

Last edited 2 years ago by Karl
Alex
Alex
2 years ago

I love Jamala in the judging panel. She is talented and her criticism is good and i also love the drama after the Maruv incident, so iconic!!!!

However, and jokes aside, it was very unprofessional of her to ask this question on live TV and making MARUV feel very uncomfortable. If there are rules about artists that shall not perform in Russia, then make them public and disqualify them instead of interrogating them on live TV

Matija
Matija
2 years ago

I dont like this women. #sorrynotsorry

JJK
JJK
2 years ago

It is so incredibly annoying that some brainless monkeys believe to know something just because they have seen a f‘ing meme. Go watch the entry scene before saying anything dumb. Also: Ukraine is a free and independent country, if that bothers you, go f yourself.

Ant
Ant
2 years ago

Omg how thick are all these people blaming Jamala for Maruv?? First, Maruv would’ve gotten into a trouble with the larger Ukrainian public that doesn’t watch Vidbir regardless of what the judges said, who in the end they awarded her high points. Maruv was performing in Russia (where it’s illegal btw to state simple facts like that “Crimea is Ukraine”), so there were questions about whether she’d be able to be clear on this as a representative of Ukraine. Those who say, there are no political questions at the ESC have probably not watched many press conferences. So, the tension… Read more »

Ana
Ana
2 years ago
Reply to  Ant

Thank you. National selections are not meant for international viewers, and the audacity of some people here to criticize what Ukrainians choose to discuss on THEIR NATIONAL CHANNEL? Like who the F invited you? You don’t have nearly enough knowledge or context to criticize their issues, just shut up already.

vlvikin
vlvikin
2 years ago

Jamala instead of the question “Are you ready to refuse to give concerts in Russia?”, Asked “Crimea is Ukraine?”. She wanted to help Maruv. Too bad a lot of people here don’t get it.

khiughk
khiughk
2 years ago
Reply to  vlvikin

I don’t think so. She would have helped by keeping her mouth shut. Nevertheless, it was good MARUV did not win b/c Covid would have hit when Ukraine hosted, costing them millions, and then Russia’s invasion would have hit. And why does no one talk about the similarity between Russian and Nazi invasion? But, yeah. . . .

Last edited 2 years ago by khiughk
#synthsareawesome
#synthsareawesome
2 years ago
Reply to  vlvikin

Helping her would be nit asking anything at all.

vlvikin
vlvikin
2 years ago

The society was unhappy with the fact that Maruv was performing in Russia. It would have looked very strange if she had not been asked about it. But Jamal decided to help her and asked another question.

Kobe
Kobe
2 years ago

Good that Eurovision is not about politics…

kir
kir
2 years ago

I don’t like the way Jamala has been framed after the 2019 selection. Blaming her for this dumpster fire is just incorrect to say the least.

Mil
Mil
2 years ago

Wow, so many experts on internal affairs in Ukraine here, so many professionals who know very well the political background, the social pain points… Just amazing.
It’s also very disappointing to see so many people who laugh at things we Ukrainians living in Ukraine don’t find laughable at all.

JJK
JJK
2 years ago
Reply to  Mil

I honestly believe that some people (here and in general) don’t understand what’s at stake. The territorial integrity of Ukraine isn’t something up for debate. Instead of supporting Ukraine during this period, people are joking about Crimea and Ukraine in general.
I couldn’t care less about Eurovision when compared with the lives, culture and future of an independent and free country such as Ukraine.

Patrick
Patrick
2 years ago

Oh lord…..Enough with that witch!

Teddy
2 years ago

The amount of hate here for this woman is wild! Especially when many more invasive questions were asked in Ukrainian by other judges and the host himself to all of the acts. She supported Maruv yet gets the blame for the whole situation because of one 30 second meme

Patrick
Patrick
2 years ago
Reply to  Teddy

You are rationalizing. Just because other people are being dreadful doesn’t make her behavior less bad!

Teddy
2 years ago
Reply to  Patrick

I’m not rationalising. All of you are scapegoating. She was trying to help Maruv. The only ones who hate her for what she said are foreign fans who have no idea what happens in Ukraine.

Roodi
Roodi
2 years ago

I have a uncomfortable question for you Crimea is Ukraine

Sapphire
Sapphire
2 years ago

I wonder how many more uncomfortable questions she has xD

Hu Hu Hu hurricane
Hu Hu Hu hurricane
2 years ago

When I saw the picture first I was like “wow Tamta girl, blackfishing is not ok” then I realized it’s Jamala xD

Rick
Rick
2 years ago

Hahaha

Last edited 2 years ago by Rick
Sebastián
Sebastián
2 years ago

Jamala at interval act of Vidbir

https://youtu.be/_52ZDZCR0SE

Karl
Karl
2 years ago

Hi Anya, hi Maruv. Welcome to Turin. I have very uncomfortable question to you:

Transnistria is Moldova?

Last edited 2 years ago by Karl
Jessica Folcker
Jessica Folcker
2 years ago

The juries and the fandom let her dreadful song win and now Jamala thinks she’s the queen of Europe that farts diamonds.

T J
T J
2 years ago

Jamala is the 2nd best Eurovision since 2000 (after Måneskin) so tbh she is the queen of Europe

Stephanie
Stephanie
2 years ago
Reply to  T J

Not even close !!!!

Jessica Folcker
Jessica Folcker
2 years ago

I can’t take you seriously with this nickname. 😛

Steven
Steven
2 years ago

“Is Crimea Ukraine?” – still can’t understand what on Earth did Jamala try to get from asking this “uncomfortable” question during the national selections for the Eurovision SONG Contest…..

Last edited 2 years ago by Steven
John
John
2 years ago
Reply to  Steven

Giving Jamala the benefit of the doubt, she was trying to be helpful in attempting to prepare Anya for uncomfortable political questions at the press conferences in Tel Aviv. Unfortunately, by creating this uncomfortable moment for Anya on national TV, Jamala inadventently triggered a cascade of events that led to Maruv’s management to reject what was previously standard contract language for all previous participants around artistic and speech freedom at the contest, as representatives of Ukraine on an international stage. Because after the incident that language was read by everybody in the worst possible light.

Ann Lya
Ann Lya
2 years ago
Reply to  John

Jamala was not aware that political issues are prohibited at Eurovision conferences

Samo
Samo
2 years ago
Reply to  Steven

She was trying to help Maruv. There has been some controversy about her position on Crimea in local media, so Jamala tried to give her a space for her to clarify that by asking her what would she reply if she was asked that question on a press conference. Seriously guys, just the fact that she asked in English should give you a hint that she was pretending to be someone else.

Ana
Ana
2 years ago

So.. Like, ESC fans absolutely hate politics, right? There is so much bitterness here about the politics but weren’t you the same people who absolutely ADORED Hattari for bringing politics into the contest? I am so confused. Please explain me how this works.

Jonas
Jonas
2 years ago
Reply to  Ana

I’ll explain – some people think one way, and others think another way. Every person has their own mind and no one person speaks for everybody.

Ann Lya
Ann Lya
2 years ago
Reply to  Ana

Do not confuse political overtones with social and universal

#synthsareawesome
#synthsareawesome
2 years ago
Reply to  Ann Lya

Politics are tied in with social issues. It’s the only reason why they exist at all. And ESC was always a political contest. Jamala won, Hatari did great… That’s not even 2% of the examples.

Tara
Tara
2 years ago

Oh, no ..this woman again.

Jo.
Jo.
2 years ago

nato girl ready to seal another task!

Azuro
Azuro
2 years ago

Hi Anya, hi MARUV, welcome to Turin! So I have very uncomfortable question to you.

Kiev is Ukraine?

Sebastian
Sebastian
2 years ago
  • Hi Anya, hi MARUV, wellcome to Tel Aviv. So, I have very… unconfortable question to you: Crimea is Ukraine?
  • Ukraine of course (said it with very ukrainian accent)
  • Ok… (clapping their hands)
hhhhurricane
hhhhurricane
2 years ago

Hi Anya, hi MARUV, welcome to Turin! So I have very uncomfortable question to you. Donbas is Ukraine?

Pablo in Germany
Pablo in Germany
2 years ago

As long as politics don’t overshadow everything and we have all 41 countries competing in May, I assume I don’t care that much who will show up at the judging panel next Saturday..

Also, I don’t even want to think what the worst case might be here, if s*** becomes real..

Dida
Dida
2 years ago

No more Jamala, for the love of God! They have only 3 singers in that country? Jamala, Verka and occasionally the 3rd different juror… Bring back Ruslana, at least she’s objective, and not a bully like Jamala. Or Zlata, or any other female singers or past reprezentative, but no more Jamala and Verka, PLEASE!

Jim
Jim
2 years ago
Reply to  Dida

God doesn’t exist.

Eli Grant Weinmann
Eli Grant Weinmann
2 years ago

2019 proved Jamala is a bully. I feel bad for the artist that’ll have to face her

Voix
Voix
2 years ago

Hiring again someone who caused such controversy and put on spot a singer for issues unrelated with a singing competition, is a less than smart decision

Jimmy
Jimmy
2 years ago

Jamala’s giving us Yennefer of Vengerberg in these promo shots.

Epicurean
Epicurean
2 years ago

Jamala: “I have very uncomfortable question for you. Galicia is Spain or….”

Sebastian
Sebastian
2 years ago
Reply to  Epicurean

The comment or best comment

Kåre Eriksen
Kåre Eriksen
2 years ago
Reply to  Epicurean

YES! I missed this kind of question at Benidorm Fest

Xxx
Xxx
2 years ago

Yes, Crimea is Ukraine, Queen!

Xxx
Xxx
2 years ago
Reply to  Xxx

For those who disliking… Voronezh is Ukraine, Kaliningrad is Lithuania, Pskov is Latvia, St Petersburg is Estonia, Vyborg is Finland, Siberia is China.

Rick
Rick
2 years ago

Jamala? Oh no, it’s gonna happen again…

Im so fab
Im so fab
2 years ago

Hoping there will be no “uncomfortable” questions this time…… And not another Maruv-like scandal.

Kåre Eriksen
Kåre Eriksen
2 years ago
Reply to  Im so fab

Actually I want other countries to ask their contestants uncomfortable questions, Ukraine wasn’t enough

sam
sam
2 years ago

i just hope she keeps her politics out of it this time. using vidbir as a way to publicly humiliate and ridicule up and coming performers like she did with maruv is so unprofessional especially for a eurovision winner. and i fear that if alina pash wins, jamala will probably repeat her behavior in 2019

Last edited 2 years ago by sam
Babes
Babes
2 years ago

No Jamala!!! I can’t forget how she treated Maruv!

Jim
Jim
2 years ago
Reply to  Babes

She helped her win.

Samo
Samo
2 years ago
Reply to  Babes

You mean that she (successfully) tried to help her?

Sanka
Sanka
2 years ago

yess queen Jamala is back <3 Honestly people can hate, but she spits facts

Darren
Darren
2 years ago
Reply to  Sanka

She spits vinegar actually..

Riv5n
Riv5n
2 years ago
Reply to  Darren

Lmao

Tara
Tara
2 years ago
Reply to  Darren

HAHAHAHHA

Ivan
Ivan
2 years ago

Politics mustn’t be part of music and sport events etc. It’s just so wrong.

NickC
NickC
2 years ago

Am I the only one who thinks Jamala was treated very unfairly given there is a very big threat of Russian invasion?

Jonas
Jonas
2 years ago
Reply to  NickC

I don’t know if she was treated unfairly, but I remind myself that I have no real appreciation of how it feels in Ukraine right now and shouldn’t judge.

#synthsareawesome
#synthsareawesome
2 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

As a Ukrainian, she’s annoying. No excuses.

Darren
Darren
2 years ago

Jamala shouldn’t be there after her behaviour in 2019.

But I guess given the current climate, this is acceptable now.

Aria
Aria
2 years ago
Reply to  Darren

I feel like she made a more lasting impression in 2019 than in 2016.

Last edited 2 years ago by Aria
Darren
Darren
2 years ago
Reply to  Aria

She showed her true colours in 2019, that’s why.

Maruv was robbed because of her behavior that year.

Aria
Aria
2 years ago
Reply to  Darren

I agree. That’s why it’s the more lasting impression. We know who the aggressor was in that case.

Sale
Sale
2 years ago
Reply to  Darren

Y’all keep acting like Jamala said Maruv should not go to Eurovision and stopped her. UA:PBC had their rules that were not set by Jamala, but by them and the politics of the country, so give her a break she did not stopped her from going. Rules were rules the unfortunately stopped Maruv from going.

Darren
Darren
2 years ago
Reply to  Sale

Jamala’s questions had no place in Vidbir or the wider Eurovision community.
Her interrogation of Maruv raised questions about Maruv and in turn UA:PBC investigated the situation.
Maruv was ordered to sign a contract (that Melovin didn’t have to do).

It all began with Jamala and her attempts to politicise music.
So yes! I place blame completely at her door.

James
James
2 years ago
Reply to  Darren

Uncomfortable questions will always gonna be thrown at Eurovision acts. It didn’t start with her, nor will it end with her.

Jonas
Jonas
2 years ago
Reply to  Darren

Singing under a country’s flag is already politics in a way, that didn’t start with Jamala.

Darren
Darren
2 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

No but the contest tries to be apolitical and the rules state that it has to be that way.

I would call anyone out on it, but considering Jamala is the subject of this article and is guilty of trying to create a political storm, even if it was just at home, I will call her out on it.

Crimea is Ukraine, we all know that, we didn’t need Jamala to inform us all.

Teddy
2 years ago
Reply to  Darren

This is horse crap, Maruv was already widely disliked in Ukraine BEFORE the show started. UA:PBC was the one who have her a terrible contract for the contest, not Jamala. Music and politics have ALWAYS been intertwined in Ukrainian culture. Scapegoating one woman for the actions of a broadcaster is wholly unfair

#synthsareawesome
#synthsareawesome
2 years ago
Reply to  Darren

Her winning was already sorta accepting her political stuff.

James
James
2 years ago
Reply to  Darren

A blue and gold Ukrainian?

Darren
Darren
2 years ago
Reply to  James

Irish

Jonas
Jonas
2 years ago
Reply to  Darren

Should Wiwi say Brooke Scullion is from Derry, or from Londonderry?

Some politics are hard to escape, I suppose.

Darren
Darren
2 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

If Brooke herself was calling it Londonderry, then she probably wouldn’t have been in the Irish National Selection to begin with.

But Marty Whelan wasn’t all “ so is it Derry or Londonderry?” When he was interviewing her.

Jonas
Jonas
2 years ago
Reply to  Darren

It’s worse now, but the climate is not a new thing.

Samo
Samo
2 years ago
Reply to  Darren

You guys don’t seem to understand that Jamala asked that question to help Maruv (and it worked). You can’t take those two English sentences out of the entire context, for god’s sake. Just the fact that she asked that question in English should give you a hint what it was all about.

Rich
Rich
2 years ago

Buckle up, it’s gonna be a bumpy night.

Nikko
Nikko
2 years ago

I have uncomfortable question for you, Donbass is Ukraine?

Campbell Grace
Campbell Grace
2 years ago
Reply to  Nikko

Soon it’s gonna be

“Uncomfortable question for you, Ukraine is Ukraine?”

Last edited 2 years ago by Campbell Grace
Aria
Aria
2 years ago

Very uncomfortable questions coming in …,

Tedd
Tedd
2 years ago

Oh no. I feared she might be back. She’s terrible, and definitely not bais, judge.