Vidbir 2026 is a selection that asks to be judged beyond first impressions. Across the line-up, the question isn’t whether the songs are pleasant, but whether they leave a mark — emotionally, musically or through their potential on stage. Some entries reveal strength through contrast, others through distinctive voices or instantly effective choruses, while a few struggle to justify their place in the final. Staging, once again, feels like a decisive factor for several contenders. In this review, Lucas Hey approaches each song with a clear focus on impact, credibility and live performance.
Valeriya Force – 'Open Our Hearts'
Lucas Hey: "I really appreciate the contrast between the sung parts and the “rapped/slammed” sections. It’s a good track, which could have potential if the staging follows through."
Molodi – 'Legends'
Lucas Hey: "Unfortunately, my two favourite songs of the selection were in the Wild Card, and I’m absolutely not taken by this song. I struggle to understand how it managed to get an automatic place in the final, instead of Anstay or Mon Fia."
Monokate – 'Tyt'
Lucas Hey: "I preferred Go_A’s two entries in 2020 and 2021, but Monokate’s voice is so distinctive that she could sing almost anything and make me enjoy it. I’d be perfectly fine with her winning."
The Elliens – 'Crawling Whispers'
Lucas Hey: "Olena Usenko had already convinced me in Paris in 2021, and I’m very happy to see her back in the contest scene. The Elliens’ song is in my top 3 of the final; the chorus is very strong and I have no doubt that Olena’s performance will carry the song even better live."
Laud – 'Lightkeeper'
Lucas Hey: "Unfortunately, his song feels very ordinary to me. I don’t have a bad time listening to it, far from it, but I struggle to see the potential of this song in a competition."
Lel̩ka Р'Ridnym'
Lucas Hey: "An original proposal, which sounds absolutely like a Ukrainian entry. If there weren’t “former artists” in the line-up, her victory would already seem secured to me. It’s a good song that plays well with the contrasts between choruses and verses. The ending is well handled, unlike other songs where I’m left wanting more."
Mr. Vel – 'Do or Done'
Lucas Hey: "My biggest guilty pleasure — the chorus works so well! It’s the only song that really hit me from the first listen (which is often what a competitive song looks for). The verses are less impactful, but they serve the chorus perfectly, and I can’t get it out of my head! I hope to be just as surprised live."
Khayat – 'Hertsy'
Lucas Hey: "I’m sorry — I was a big fan of “Call for Love” in 2020, and I recommend everyone listen to his other song called “Темно”, which is a gem — but his song this year was, for me, the weakest of the Wild Card. I don’t understand how it managed to win musically; I regret thinking that he may have won only because of his name."
Jerry Heil – 'Catharticus'
Lucas Hey: "A singular song; I still can’t believe it’s the same artist who did the song “Vegan” at Vidbir 2020. The song is pleasant but doesn’t really move me, although I’m still looking forward to seeing the staging."
ShchukaRyba – 'Moia zemlia'
Lucas Hey: "I find the proposal interesting; I feel like it could touch me, but it doesn’t, unfortunately. I’m waiting to see their staging tonight, in the hope of being more moved by the song."
Alongside this overview, readers can also find below the full ranking of the Hashtag Eurovision team, offering a collective perspective on the competing songs.
Those who wish to explore the individual opinions of our correspondents and discover who each of them considers the strongest contender can do so here, through a dedicated piece:
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