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Since making its debut at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2003, Ukraine has quickly become one of the competition’s biggest success stories — claiming three historic victories.
The winners include Ruslana with her electrifying anthem “Wild Dances” in 2004, Jamala with the deeply moving “1944” in 2016, and Kalush Orchestra with the powerful folk-rap fusion “Stefania” in 2022.
Each triumph has not only filled Ukrainians with pride but also showcased the richness of Ukraine’s culture, language, and music on a global stage.
In this article, we’ll explore the stories behind Ukraine’s Eurovision victories — diving into the personalities of the winning artists, the powerful messages carried in their songs, and the international support that helped bring each of them to victory.
We will also look at Ukraine’s Eurovision participants for 2024 and what we can expect from them in the upcoming contest.
Ukraine’s Eurovision Winners: Three Unforgettable Performances
In 2024, Ukraine marks its 20th appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest since debuting in 2003. Remarkably, the country has only missed the competition twice — most notably in 2015, when the contest was hosted in Russia.
Over these 19 years, all of Ukraine’s representatives have made it to the grand final, with three Ukrainian artists – Ruslana, Jamala, and Kalush Orchestra – bringing victory to their country.
(2004) Ruslana – The Wild Dancer Who Stole Europe’s Heart
Ruslana, the powerhouse performer with a voice that could move mountains, burst onto the Eurovision stage in 2004 with her electrifying entry “Wild Dances.” But who was the woman behind the wild moves and the infectious energy?
Born Ruslana Stepanivna Lyzhychko in 1973, with a background in classical music and a passion for folklore, Ruslana blended traditional Ukrainian elements with modern pop and rock, creating a sound that was uniquely her own.
When “Wild Dances” hit the Eurovision stage, it was like nothing the contest had ever seen.
The pulsating rhythms, the primal choreography, and Ruslana’s raw, unbridled vocals had the audience on their feet and the juries reaching for their top scores.
The top 3 countries that gave Ruslana the highest points:
- Poland – 12 points
- Lithuania – 12 points
- Turkey – 12 points
What do you think made Ruslana’s performance so unforgettable? Was it the music, the choreography, or the sheer force of her personality?
(2016) Jamala – The Voice of Crimea That Echoed Through Europe
When Jamala took the stage at the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest, few could have predicted the impact her performance would have. But as the first notes of “1944” rang out, it became clear that this was no ordinary song.
Jamala, born Susana Jamaladynova, Ukrainian singer of Crimean Tatar origin, drew inspiration from the harrowing story of her great-grandmother, who was among the hundreds of thousands of Crimean Tatars deported by Soviet authorities in 1944.
The lyrics of “1944” paint a vivid picture of the pain, loss, and resilience of a people torn from their homeland. Jamala emphasizes that her song is not about reproach or blame but a tribute to memory and remembrance.
Her father is a Crimean Tatar who was born during the deportation in Central Asia, while her mother is an Armenian hailing from Nagorno-Karabakh. This rich tapestry of cultures and ethnicities is beautifully woven into Jamala’s artistic expression, reflecting the diversity of her heritage.
The song’s melody and poignant lyrics struck a chord with listeners, many of whom were moved to tears by the raw intensity of Jamala’s performance.
The top 3 countries that gave Jamala the highest points were:
- Poland – 12 points
- San Marino – 12 points
- Georgia – 12 points
Jamala’s victory was not without controversy. Some argued that the song’s political undertones violated Eurovision rules prohibiting overtly political content. Others saw Jamala’s win as a powerful statement against Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and a show of solidarity with the Crimean Tatar people.
This song about the deportation of the Crimean Tatar people resonates strongly with the current situation – Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022-2024. Consider these lines:
“When strangers are coming
They come to your house
They kill you all
And say
We’re not guilty
Not guilty”.
Jamala confesses that she doesn’t merely sing this song; she weeps through it. Susana Jamaladynova has been unable to return to her homeland in Crimea for all these years. Now, she finds herself forced to leave Ukraine with her children, seeking safety elsewhere.
(2022) Kalush Orchestra – From the Streets of Kalush to the Eurovision Stage
When Kalush Orchestra burst onto the Eurovision scene in 2022, they were unlike anything the contest had ever seen. With their unique blend of traditional Ukrainian folk music and modern hip-hop, this eclectic group of musicians and dancers captured viewers’ hearts across the continent.
But who were these enigmatic performers, and how did they come together to create such a groundbreaking sound? The story of Kalush Orchestra begins in the small Ukrainian city of Kalush, where the group’s founder, Oleh Psiuk, first discovered his love for music.
Inspired by the rich cultural heritage of his homeland, Psiuk began experimenting with traditional Ukrainian instruments and melodies, fusing them with the pulsing beats and rapid-fire lyrics of contemporary rap.
“Stefania,” named after frontman Oleh Psiuk’s mother, was more than just a personal tribute — it became a universal anthem honoring the women who have shaped Ukraine’s history and culture. Its lyrics weave together tender imagery of wheat fields, traditional embroidered shirts, and the unshakable resilience of the Ukrainian spirit. What began as a song for a mother transformed into a love letter to an entire nation — a nation that has endured, resisted, and persevered through generations.
The top 3 countries that gave the group the highest points were:
- Poland – 12 points
- Moldova – 12 points
- Latvia – 12 points
The significance of Kalush Orchestra’s victory went far beyond the Eurovision scoreboard. At a time when Ukraine was facing unimaginable challenges, such as the ongoing full-scale invasion of Russia, Kalush Orchestra’s win was a beacon of hope and unity for a nation in need of healing.
Across Ukraine, people took to the streets to celebrate, waving flags and singing along to “Stefania” with tears in their eyes.
Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024
Jerry Heil and alyona alyona: Two Voices, One Powerful Message
These two young artists may come from different backgrounds, but they share a passion for music and a commitment to using their voices to make a difference.
Jerry Heil, a rising star in the Ukrainian pop scene, first gained attention with her viral hit “Security! Cancel!” ( In Ukr. “Okhrana Otmyena”) a catchy tune that tackled the serious issue of domestic violence.
A young woman made a splash on the “X-Factor” show, earning four “Yes” votes from the judges. Although she didn’t advance beyond the training camp, her song’s video on YouTube has garnered an impressive 400,000 views.
Meanwhile, alyona alyona has been making waves in the Ukrainian hip-hop community with her unique blend of hard-hitting beats and socially conscious rhymes.
Alyona Savranenko, a 32-year-old Ukrainian rap artist known both in her homeland and abroad as Alyona Alyona, has skyrocketed to stardom since the beginning of her music career. Formerly a kindergarten teacher, she has made a name for herself in the Ukrainian rap scene.
The 2024 Eurovision National Selection performance is not the first collaboration between the two artists. In August 2022, Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil released a joint album, “Dai Boh,” and recorded eight duets together.
Ukraine Eurovision Song
Teresa & Maria: A Song of Love, Loss, and Resilience
When Jerry Heil and alyona alyona announced that they would be joining forces for Eurovision 2024, fans were eager to hear what this duo would create. The result was “Teresa & Maria,” a hauntingly beautiful ballad.
The song is a heartfelt call for kindness and unity, rallying around the most crucial goal of our time – Ukraine’s victory in the current war against Russia. It aims to ensure that Ukrainians are heard globally and convey the truth about the importance of coming together. The two girls in the track symbolize Ukraine. This has become a “single mechanism” to stand strong in the face of adversity.
To earn the right to represent Ukraine at Eurovision 2024, Jerry Heil and alyona alyona had first to win over the hearts of their fellow Ukrainians. They did just that at the national selection competition, where their powerful “Teresa & Maria” performance left the audience in tears.
Ukraine in Grand Finale of the Eurovision 2024
Ukraine took the stage as the second act after the Swedish duo Marcus & Martinus. The performance was directed by Ukrainian director and Grammy nominee Tanya Muinho.
Following the singers’ performance, they called for peace and freedom in Ukraine, stating: “Peace and freedom for Ukraine”. In the voting by national juries, Ukraine received 146 points, placing them in 5th position. While from the viewers, Ukraine was awarded 307 points.
As a result, Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil, with their song “Teresa & Maria,” took third place, with a total of 453 points.
Ukraine received the highest 12 points from:
- Czech Republic
- Moldova
What is it that makes Ukrainian music so unique?
Through their music, artists like Ruslana, Jamala, and Kalush Orchestra have entertained audiences and shed light on the country’s rich cultural heritage and the challenges it has faced.
These wins have showcased the diversity and depth of Ukrainian music. From the energy of Ruslana’s “Wild Dances” to the beauty of Jamala’s “1944” to the fusion of traditional and modern sounds in Kalush Orchestra’s “Stefania.”
So, what is it that makes Ukrainian music stand out?
Perhaps the magic lies in the way Ukrainian artists blend the old with the new — weaving centuries-old folk traditions into fresh, contemporary sounds. Or maybe it’s the raw emotion and sincerity they bring to the stage, pouring their hearts and souls into every note and lyric.
For as long as Ukrainian artists are willing to sing their truth, the country’s music will continue to stand out, to move us, and to remind us of the power of the human spirit.
About the author:
Hello and welcome! My name is Victoria, and I’m a private tour guide in Kyiv. Since 2016, I have been offering private tours on various topics for visitors to the capital of Ukraine. I speak fluent English and love sharing stories. When not guiding, I write about Ukraine on my blog and my travel experiences and insights in Sweden and the Baltics.