EBU announced the Ukrainian frontman's inclusion in the international jury. Voting — at the final concert on 16 May 2026.
European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced on 12 April 2026 the inclusion of Taras Topolya in the 7-member international jury of Eurovision 2026 to be held in Malmö (Sweden). This is the first inclusion of a Ukrainian performer in the Eurovision international jury in honorary judge status — previously contestant-country performers were included in national jury composition. Besides Topolya the jury includes: Emma Honokari (Italy, 1996 winner), Alexander Rybak (Norway, 2009 winner), Loreen (Sweden, 2023 winner), Duncan Laurence (Netherlands, 2019 winner), Emilie Sandre (UK, performer), Serge Lama (France, legend). Each jury member votes independently at the final concert on 16 May 2026 — their total scores add to the country televiewer scoring system. Topolya commented on the appointment: 'This is not a personal award — this is recognition of the Ukrainian music scene in the European context. I'll vote on craft, not political or national sympathies.' Topolya was a regular Eurovision final commentator for Suspilne in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2024. The EBU contract also includes a jury participation fee (by EBU standard — 8 thousand euros, which Topolya will redirect to the Come Back Alive foundation).
