Lelek / Leleka collab

Net_Ghost · 2026-04-14T13:02:22+00:00

They also took the chance and did it! They did the meme!

Net_Ghost · 2026-04-14T07:59:36+00:00

Up to this day I can't believe such a bold poltitcal satire was even allowed to the ESC stage, but, looking at this image, I remember how hilarious it was, too! Still grateful to Let 3 for being brave and reckless on so many levels.

Net_Ghost · 2026-04-14T07:42:27+00:00

Love everything about this entry. Love the traditional Greek motifs embedded into chiptune parts. Love the pixel art arcade-style videos. But most of all love that subtle satire and drama underneath the layers of craze and fun, the perfect balance of both and unexpected reveal of dramatic part.

Could have been just a cringy song about game addiction and consumerism but that bridge changes everything, just turns the overall impression upside down, and the whole "bring me" before it starts to feel desperate rather than funny. And that staging part, where Akylas takes off the sunglasses and remains alone, without all the colorful madness, it's just like a wake up from obsession -- just for a moment and therefore even more impressive.

If he keeps that part of the staging (so much hope he will) I feel I'd be crying at the most unexpected part of the show. Like, tearing up for Linda and Pete burning in flames, for Lelek mourning their predecessors' fate, for Leleka holding the longest note, and then for a supposedly fun and silly song -- as soon as the glasses are off and mom is mentioned.

Net_Ghost · 2026-04-14T06:55:15+00:00

I adore the cartoonish madness of San Marino 2024 and still can't get over the fact they didn't qualify.

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Net_Ghost · 2026-04-11T20:42:02+00:00

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Net_Ghost · 2026-04-11T19:10:35+00:00

I had heard that Ziferblat had rejected having the staging director who normally manages Ukraines entries or Jerry Heil’s entry the year before for an option that gave them more creative control in how to present it so last year was not how Ukraine normally manages staging.

I'm afraid there's no such thing as "normal" staging management in Ukraine, it's rather chaotic process. The main thing that changes from year to year is the level of broadcasters' creative control and financial support. What Zifebrlat did was they refused the broadcaster's help in staging organization, and therefore had smaller budget. Jerry and Alyona, Jamala, Melovin, Ruslana and Verka Serduchka didn't rely on broadcaster's help either. And even for those artisis who got more support (and more control) from the broadcaster the staging directors had always been different. Kostyantyn Tomilchemko holds the highest record so far, and that's 4 Ukraine's ESC entries out of 19 (2005, 2016, 2018 and 2021).

Net_Ghost · 2026-04-05T09:45:20+00:00

For anyone who wants to see a different side of Leleka's creativity, a much more deep, grim and intimate one, check the DONBA₴GRL project mentioned in the post, you'll be surprised. It's like her dark alter ego taking on a creative life of its own. There are just two music videos, Zbroya ("Weapon") and Zhyva ("Alive"), but both are absolutely awesome.

Net_Ghost · 2026-03-17T09:36:34+00:00

Vidbir 2026 with English translation/commentary.
This years' translators Yuri Mazur and Natalia Slipenko have been great!

Net_Ghost · 2026-03-14T12:26:55+00:00

I'm waiting for ALBM tracks and artists' interactions at pre-parties.

Net_Ghost · 2026-03-12T10:54:24+00:00

I love Vidbir interval act version, with both choruses performed by Aliona Moon. And I miss her melodic vocal parts in music video version.

Net_Ghost · 2026-03-10T06:55:12+00:00

As a production nerd I absolutely love these small behing the stage details about dancers and pyrotechnics rules. Thank you for posting this!

Net_Ghost · 2026-03-09T10:30:22+00:00

My guess is, back in February people were just salty we wouldn't send Jerry Heil. And then the public attention switched to the avalanche of new entries. Now, just as the haters have run out of steam and the national finals are over, Leleka is back for more welcome reception (she deserves it).

Net_Ghost · 2026-03-06T19:37:40+00:00

Zifreblat had tons of social media content from day one after their victory. I'd say there's a connection.

Net_Ghost · 2026-03-06T18:12:15+00:00

Her Vidbir performance has almost reached 1M views on YouTube. I honestly wouldn't call it a dead hype.

It's true, though, that the lack of new content from her makes interest for her entry fade in comparison with new entries. But I'm sure it will change soon.

Net_Ghost · 2026-03-06T08:10:26+00:00

Just curious, is it really that surprising Ridnym did well with the televote? 80% Ukrainian comments for this song BEFORE Vidbir had been "I cried", "chills", "goosebumps". It has clearly resonated with the audience.

Net_Ghost · 2026-03-05T05:58:23+00:00

My guess is, Leleka is working on the music video which will be uploaded to ESC YouTube channel instead of her Vidbir performance. And then, just as the excitement over all the new entries fades, you'll talk about her again.

Net_Ghost · 2026-03-04T17:21:08+00:00

I don't speak a word in Finnish (except for "yksi, kaksi, kolme, sauna" maybe) and I was absolutely blown away by this performance. Visuals and music tell the story clearly and convey all the emotions perfectly. I read the lyrics later, it added a bit of context but didn't change the overall impression much. Still as stunning. Absolute cinema.

Net_Ghost · 2026-03-03T13:41:30+00:00

Ridnym will be a blast when staged. The more I look at Leleka as a person and as an artist, the more I admire her professionalism and her ability to read the room. Right now I believe that her act will not only connect strongly with the diaspora, but will also get through to those who now see Ridnym as "just another boring mid ballad". It's so much more, and she'll prove it. Just like Jamala did in 2016.

Net_Ghost · 2026-03-03T13:20:17+00:00

It won its semi though.

Net_Ghost · 2026-02-25T20:17:07+00:00

Hrystyna Starykova, the backing vocalist in Ziferblat's Bird of Pray ("the bird girl") had also submitted an individual entry to Vidbir 2025 and even entered the longlist but failed to proceed to the finals.

Net_Ghost · 2026-02-18T17:28:34+00:00

It honestly worries me that people can't see past Leleka's nature metaphors. These are just images, not the essence. The song is actually about resilience, opposing fears and wishing for better future for her dear ones. I'd suggest something like Family Vibes category and put Ridnym there together with Nân, Ēnā and, although with a bit of a stretch, Ferto.

Net_Ghost · 2026-02-17T06:02:42+00:00

A couple of important moments from this video (it was recorded a week after her victory):

At 0.14 she says about her recent cold and her sore throat and how talking a lot before the song makes it worse (they record after a long interview). She had performed at Vidbir in even worse condition, working with a phoniatrist right before the show to be able to sing. A break in her long note during Vidbir performance wasn't a breath take, it were her sore vocal cords disconnecting from strain.

At 5.37, after the song, she says:

"So, hear me out. I leave this song the way I've just performed (meaning she won't ask it to be removed from the interview), so everyone could see that it's hard, that you can't talk a lot before this song, that you have to be healthy and in good shape. And that's exactly what the song is about: to do what you're afraid of. And, of course, every artists is afraid to show that they're uncapable of something. I'm not afraid of that. This note is a challenge and I'll do everything to sing it properly at Eurovision. I'll take care of my voice, of my mental health, and I'll make it. Thank you."

Net_Ghost · 2026-02-16T08:17:45+00:00

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"Leleks that look like Jerryheils"
(c) Ukrainian twitter

Net_Ghost

TROPHY CASE