Erika Kolesnichenko will represent Ukraine at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Malta with 'NE Kolyskova', after winning the country's national selection.
The 11-year-old singer was chosen following the final of Ukraine's annual Junior Eurovision pre-selection. She will perform in Ta' Qali, Malta, at the 24th edition of the contest on 24 October.
Written by Svitlana Tarabarova, 'NE Kolyskova' ('NOT a Lullaby') delivers a message about pursuing dreams, taking action and believing in one's own abilities. The song also highlights the importance of recognising each person's uniqueness and potential to shine.
Who is Erika Kolesnichenko?
Erika comes from Bila Tserkva, Ukraine, and has been taking singing lessons since the age of six. She has won several awards at national festivals across the country and secured first prize at an international singing competition in Lithuania.
Beyond music, Erika has a passion for theatre and creative make-up, particularly enjoying the transformation into unusual characters. Her stage roles have included Cruella, Maleficent, Mary Poppins and Vaiana.
Malta 2026 will mark Ukraine's 21st participation in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. The country has won the competition once, in 2012, when Anastasiya Petryk triumphed with 'Nebo'. Ukraine has also finished in second place three times, most recently at the 2025 contest in Tbilisi.
