Next up: 2021 – Ukraine

Ukraine was quick to announce Go_A as their participant for Eurovision 2021. The group has never performed in Russia or Crimea, which is a strict prerequisite for any Ukranian representative in the contest.

In today’s episode we look at Ukraine in 2021. For a full review of their potential entry for 2020, check out this article on our partner website Eurovision Union. Check out our thoughts for next year below.

Key takeaways: Thinking outside the box

Okay, let’s face it: the Ukranian selection process this year was rather weird. First of all because of the Maruv-rule, which excludes every singer who has professionally performed in Russia or Crimea. And secondly because the professional jury completely changed their opinion between the semi finals and the final.

However, broadcaster UA:PBC ended up with a very interesting entry. One that’s also very different from all the songs that have brought Ukraine success over the past few years. “Solovey” is ethnic and traditional, eccentric, and performed in the Ukranian language. Something that really shakes up the field in any Eurovision show.

How should Ukraine proceed with Go_A in Eurovision 2021?

Now that Go_A will get another shot at Eurovision in 2021, it seems likely that this style of music will remain, too. After all, this is what Go_A is mostly known for and it is also what suits lead singer Kateryna Pavlenko best. The group has covered lots of different Eurovision songs in their own unique style, including “Dancing Lasha Tumbai”. And while these covers suggest a lot of humour, versatility and technical influences in their music, I would highly recommend staying true to the traditional flutes for Rotterdam 2021. Let’s see if Ukraine can be successful in that genre as well.

This was supposed to be Ukraine’s Eurovision 2020 entry

About “Next Up: Eurovision 2021”

In our series Next Up: 2021, we look ahead to the Eurovision Song Contest 2021. After the cancellation of Eurovision 2020, all participating countries now face the choice: Stick with their Eurovision singer, or come up with a new preselection or internal selection.

We make an analysis based on what we know so far. What will this country do, or most likely do? And is that the wise choice, looking at the fact that the Eurovision Song Contest remains a music competition?