LELÈKA Presents New Song 'Ridnym' Accompanied by String Quintet and Bandura

Ukrainian singer LELÈKA, who will represent her country at the esteemed Eurovision Song Contest 2026, has recently debuted her new song 'Ridnym'. This performance was enhanced by the accompaniment of a string quintet and a bandura, which added a unique sound and emotional depth to the rendition.

The creative direction for this version of the song was led by renowned director Mykhailo Kharchenko, known for his innovative approaches to musical performances. The musical accompaniment was provided by the GRAFF string quintet, comprising talented musicians: Vladyslav Nikulin, Maksym Romaniuk, Maksym Oschepkov, Oleksandr Svit, and Vladyslav Prymakov. This ensemble is celebrated for their professionalism and ability to create an unforgettable atmosphere on stage.

In addition to the string quintet, bandurist Yaroslav Dzhus joined the performance, emphasizing the Ukrainian roots of the song and adding national color to the piece. LELÈKA shared her thoughts after the performance, stating, "For me, it is especially valuable to present the song with live strings. After all, 'Ridnym' is primarily an orchestral work, and someday I will record an orchestral version," highlighting the importance of live performance.

The audience at the MUZVAR AWARDS music ceremony was the first to hear this version of 'Ridnym', where LELÈKA captivated the crowd with her performance. The video of the performance is now available for viewing on the official Eurovision YouTube channel, allowing music fans to enjoy this remarkable moment.

The 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Austria's capital, Vienna, thanks to singer JJ's victory with the song 'Wasted Love' at the previous contest. This year, Ukraine will perform in the second half of the second semifinal, with LELÈKA taking the stage with 'Ridnym' at position 12.

The first and second semifinals of the contest are scheduled for May 12 and May 14, respectively, with the grand final set for May 16. The competition will be held at Austria's largest arena, Wiener Stadthalle, which will provide a unique atmosphere for participants and spectators alike. A total of 35 countries will participate in this year's contest, reflecting the immense interest in this musical event.

LELÈKA, who has already made a name for herself on the Ukrainian music scene, hopes that her performance at Eurovision will bring new experiences and emotions not only to herself but also to all fans of Ukrainian music. She is confident that the song 'Ridnym' will resonate with listeners not only in Ukraine but also beyond its borders.