With thanks to our forum member AlekS for contributions to this article!

Ukraine’s return to the Eurovision family is just around the corner, as the participants in this year’s Vidbir are expected to be announced tomorrow, 10th January. With Ukraine hoping to firmly put their issues behind them in 2020, hopes are high for a strong finish from the Eastern European nation in Rotterdam. But what do we know about Vidbir, and who can we expect to perform under the blue and yellow colours in the Netherlands?

What’s the format?

Vidbir will take place over two semi-finals on 8th and 15th February, with 18 songs expected to take part for the chance to qualify for the Vidbir final a week later on 22nd February. Ruslan Kvinta, a well-respected composer and producer for a number of acts in Ukraine including Sofia Rotaru, Kazka, Mika Newton and Alekseev, has overseen the selection of the acts for this year’s competition.

The shows, as ever, will be a joint venture between STB and UA:PBC, and hosted by comedian Serhiy Prytula. So far, Andriy Danylko (better known to Eurovision fans as the man behind Verka Serduchka) and Tina Karol have been confirmed as part of the jury for Vidbir 2020.

Who’s taking part?

We already have one confirmed name – Jerry Heil will take part in Vidbir 2020, after this was confirmed by STB during last weekend’s The X Factor show. The young singer from Vasylkiv started posting covers on YouTube before releasing a debut album last year.

There are, of course, many other rumours, with some artists indicating their intent to submit entries and take part in Vidbir, such as Myata and Vanotek, OHITVA (with the song “Wonder”), Masha Mo (with the song “Stay”), Shy (with the song “Fool”) and RUBTSOVA (with the song “Break Away”).

Other acts expected to submit entries include Dmytro Rogozhynskiy, comedy bloggers FIINKA and Hapuga, SHOZHA and KAZAKY. Whether any of these artists will in fact be part of the final line-up remain to be seen.

Auditions took place in December with acts such as FO SHO, NAVKA, Lvivdanceclub and On i Ona hoping to bag a spot in the semi-finals of the competition, but who will be successful?

When will we know more?

All looks set to be revealed on Friday 10th January 2020, when we are expecting to learn the names and songs that will fight to represent Ukraine in Rotterdam. Will any of the above come true, and which acts will have us talking in 2020?

Which acts do #YOU want to see in Vidbir 2020? Share your thoughts with us on our newly-updated forum HERE or join the discussion below and on social media!

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