Producers behind Vidbir 2024 — Ukraine’s Eurovision 2024 selection — have already heard their winner. They just don’t know which song it is!
In a statement released on Wednesday, broadcaster Suspilne confirmed that it had received 389 submissions for Vidbir 2024. Applications were received from 288 artists, 222 of whom are solo singers. The long list of entries will be published by November 9.
Vidbir 2024 music director Dmytro Shurov (Pianoboy) summed up the applicant pool.
“Ukrainians, thank you for each of the 389 applications! I can already say that they feature at least four 100% hits, ten potential hits, several exciting comebacks, as well as something new that, I hope, will surprise us and the whole world. I am grateful to all musicians, producers, arrangers and authors for their efforts and heart. I know how difficult it is psychologically to be creative now, but I am proud that artists do not give up on their work but develop and move forward. Vidbir, as always, will breathe new Ukrainian music and discover those walking on the edge of modern pop culture and desperately looking for self-expression in this turbulent world.”
A lot of applicants were feeling creative — so much so they submitted more than one song. The broadcaster’s statement explains more.
“During the application period, Suspilne Ukraine received 337 songs, with more than 15% of artists submitting more than one song. The primary language of the songs is Ukrainian, with a rate of 57.5%; 33% of the submitted songs are performed in English, about 9% are bilingual and 0.5% are in other languages.”
“This year’s long list of entries will include up to 20 performers and will be announced by November 9. The longlisted participants will go through an audition. Subsequently, a list of up to 10 finalists will be formed by November 20. Finally, an online public voting will be held among the longlisted participants that have not been included in the list of finalists to determine one more participant of the final.”
“The final of Vidbir will take place in February 2024 as a TV concert. As in previous years, the winner will be determined by public and jury voting. Ukrainians will choose the jury of the final by online voting.”