Ukrainian representative Leléka finished in ninth place at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 held in Vienna, Austria, with her performance of the song ‘Ridnym’. This year’s show featured the debut of a Kharkiv bandura, complemented by flowing fabric elements and a captivating visual backdrop.
The performance was crafted by a team led by director Ilya Dutsyk and set designer Pylyp Azarenko. Azarenko, who previously worked on the national selection for Eurovision and collaborated with various artists, noted that the staging was developed rapidly while adhering to European guidelines. All decorations were created and tested in Ukraine, ensuring their return after the event.
About the Fabric
During the second semi-final rehearsal on May 13, 2026, at the Wiener Stadthalle, Azarenko explained the extensive efforts involved in sourcing suitable materials for the performance. He emphasized that this task required significant manpower to find the right fabric for the competition.
For the staging, the team used Excelsior fabric, the lightest silk available, ideal for creating an airy effect during performances. Azarenko elaborated, “If a denser fabric were used, it wouldn’t flow as beautifully as a lighter one.”
A special mechanism called Magic Drop was employed to create theatrical effects, allowing six 15-meter fabric segments to be revealed synchronously at the right moment during the performance.
About the Bandura
During the grand final rehearsal on May 15, 2026, Leléka’s performance featured two banduras specifically crafted for the show. The instruments were handmade by skilled artisans to showcase an authentic symbol of Ukrainian culture. The team chose the Kharkiv bandura, known for its manual craftsmanship, as a representation of resilience, given its historical near destruction.
Azarenko described the bandura as a symbol of Ukrainian perseverance, stating, “We chose the Kharkiv bandura because it represents our resilience; although it faced destruction, we are reborn and restored.”
The bandura, designed with 64-65 strings, is notable for its acoustic properties and strength, necessary to withstand the tension of the strings, which can exceed a ton.
This year’s Eurovision, marking its 70th anniversary, concluded with Bulgaria’s Dara winning the competition with her song ‘Bangaranga’. Leléka’s performance of ‘Ridnym’ was well-received, securing a respectable ninth place.
Leléka's performance at Eurovision 2026 showcased Ukrainian culture through a unique blend of music and visual art, earning her a ninth-place finish. The event highlighted the craftsmanship of the Kharkiv bandura and innovative staging techniques, underscoring the resilience of Ukrainian artistry.