*🎙 Junior Eurovision 2025: Suspilne opens national selection for young performers* Ukraine's public broadcaster Suspilne has officially launched the national selection for the 2025 Junior Eurovision Song Contest, announcing the application process at a press briefing at Media Center Ukraine. Young solo artists and groups of up to six members, ages 9 to 14, have until July 10 to submit their entries. This year, the process has been simplified. Applicants are asked to submit two covers of popular songs and a short self-introduction video. Original songs are optional, though submissions are welcome, as long as the composition hasn't been published before May 1. By July 22, a longlist of up to 15 performers will be announced. Those selected will enter the next round, Star School, culminating in a live final this October. Six acts will compete for the chance to represent Ukraine at the international contest. One finalist will be a newly formed group made up of participants from the longlist, a new twist added to this year's format. Singer and composer Svitlana Tarabarova returns for a third time as the music producer. Rapper Alyona Alyona, who performed in last year's contest with Jerry Heil, will contribute as songwriter.  Artem Kotenko, who placed third at Junior Eurovision 2024 with his song Hear Me Now, Ukraine's best finish in more than a decade, also joined the announcement. He spoke about his journey and shared advice with hopeful participants.