Artem Kotenko will represent Ukraine at the 2024 Junior Eurovision Song Contest after winning the Ukrainian national selection on September 22.
12-year-old Kotenko, from Okhtyrka in Sumy Oblast, performed the song “Dim,” which translates in English as “Home.” Kotenko dedicated the song to his uncle in Ukraine’s Armed Forces, emphasizing the song’s meaning in light of the war in Ukraine, and its impact on Kotenko’s hometown and family.
Kotenko earned 11 points overall, tying with Zlata Ivaniv and her song “Namysto” (Necklace), but winning the public vote.
The final was hosted by Ukrainian Eurovision commentator Timur Miroshnychenko, presenter Anna Tulyeva, and singer Anna Trincher, Ukraine’s Junior Eurovision contestant in 2015, who placed 11th that year with the song “Pochny z sebe.” The jury was comprised of Andrii Hutsuliak, who represented Ukraine at Eurovision in 2023 with “Heart of Steel” as one half of the duo TVORCHI, singer Roxolana, who placed fourth at Vidbir 2022, and Vitaly Drozdov.
The broadcast featured performances by past Ukrainian Eurovision contestants. Jerry Heil, who along with rapper Alyona Alyona placed third at Eurovision 2024, sang “All eyes on kids,” a tribute to the children affected by the war in Ukraine. During the interval, TVORCHI performed the song “dubidu” from their new album, “Planet X.” The interval also featured performances from Trincher and Roxolana, as well as video appearances from past contestants, including 2022 winner Kalush Orchestra.
The 2024 Junior Eurovision Song Contest will take place on November 16 at the Caja Mágica in Madrid.
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