11-year-old Erika Kolesnichenko will represent Ukraine at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest

Ukraine will be represented at the 2026 Junior Eurovision Song Contest by 11-year-old Erika Kolesnichenko from Bila Tserkva. The young singer won the national selection and will perform at the contest in Malta on October 24.

Erika has been studying vocal music since she was six. During this time, she has participated in numerous competitions and festivals, where she has won awards. Among her achievements are first prize at an international vocal competition in Lithuania and top placements at national festivals across Ukraine.

In addition to music, she is passionate about theater and loves to take on different roles. She has already played Cruella, Maleficent, Mary Poppins, and Vaiana, and is also interested in bold makeup and unique looks.

In her free time, Erika enjoys horseback riding. Her horse’s name is Oski. She also has two Huskies—Hasya-Kovbasy and Hani. According to Erika, her pets are somewhat similar to her in temperament.

In the National Selection final, Erika competed against five other contestants and scored 11 points: five from the jury and six from the audience.

At the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, she will perform the song “Ne Kolyskova” (“Not a Lullaby”). The song is about the importance of not being afraid to express yourself, believing in your own strengths, and not putting off your dreams. The track combines elements of musical theater and K-pop.

Potap and Nastya Kamenskykh sparked a wave of outrage among Ukrainians after posting a humorous video about the Russian language and “freedom.”

Ukrainian producer and performer Potap found himself at the center of controversy after a failed joke about Maxim Galkin during the Laima Rendezvous Jūrmala 2026 festival in Latvia. Alla Pugacheva and her husband were present at the event, and the artists’ reaction to Potap’s remarks sparked a wave of discussion on social media.