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A Plea for Reform

In a surprising turn of events, Andriy Danylko, the iconic artist behind Verka Serduchka, has announced he will no longer serve as a judge for Ukraine’s national Eurovision selection unless significant changes are implemented.

Danylko’s decision stems from his belief that the current format of the national final has become too predictable. The elimination of the semi-finals, he argues, has removed the critical elements of suspense and drama.

“The thrill of the unexpected is what makes Eurovision captivating. Without it, the competition loses its magic.”, Danylko stated.

Standing by Ukrainian Talent

Despite his criticism of the selection process, Danylko has shown unwavering support for Ukraine’s Eurovision hopefuls. This year’s representatives, Jerry Heil and Alyona Alyona, received his full endorsement. Their powerful performance of “Teresa & Maria” at Eurovision 2024 in Malmö earned Ukraine a stunning third place with 453 points. Danylko’s enthusiasm for their success highlights his commitment to showcasing Ukrainian talent on the global stage.

Anticipation for Eurovision 2025

Ukraine has not yet officially confirmed its participation in Eurovision 2025, but all signs point to the country’s continued involvement. The national final is likely to remain the method for selecting the representative, albeit possibly with the structural changes Danylko advocates for.

What do you think? Could we see Danylko make a dramatic return as a participant in the future?