The wait is over. On October 8, 2026 the USA Talent Show opens its casting — a nationwide talent competition for performers of every age, genre and background. Singers, dancers, musicians, actors, acrobats and one-of-a-kind acts: if you have something to show, this is your stage.
The USA Talent Show is organized by SOVA Entertainment together with Radio UA Chicago, Dolynka Ukrainian-American Consulting and Surma Newspaper, with the support of the Sova Foundation and the Dolynka Foundation. It is built to discover and support talented performers among Ukrainians in America and beyond, to give them a professional stage and new connections, and to share Ukrainian culture — alongside the cultures of other countries — with a wide audience.
Casting dates: October 8 – December 17
Applications are accepted online only, through the official application form, from October 8 to December 17, 2026. Fill in your details, choose your category, describe your act and attach a link to your audition video. Every registered participant receives a personal Participant ID that follows them through every stage of the project.
Participation is open to everyone. There are no restrictions by age, gender, health condition or nationality — soloists, duets and groups are all welcome. Minors take part through a parent or guardian, who fills in the application with them. Participation is paid; active military personnel and war veterans take part free of charge.
Six categories — every kind of talent
- Vocal — soloists, duets and groups, any genre and any language.
- Dance — from solo movement to full ensembles, all styles and choreography.
- Music Instrumental — instrumentalists and bands playing live.
- Acting & Theater — dramatic, comedic and theatrical acts that tell a story.
- Circus & Acrobatics — aerial, acrobatic and daring specialty performances.
- Variety & Specialty — one-of-a-kind and cross-genre acts that defy every box.
A star jury from the biggest Ukrainian talent shows
Your performance will be judged by people who have spent decades finding talent on Ukraine’s most-watched television stages.
Ihor Kondratyuk
Head of the jury. Host and producer of «Karaoke na Maidani» and «Shans», judge on X-Factor Ukraine and Ukraine’s Got Talent.
Slava Frolova
TV host, author and psychologist. Longtime judge on Ukraine’s Got Talent.
Kostiantyn Tomilchenko
Choreographer and TV producer. Judge on «Everybody Dance!», stager of Ukraine’s Eurovision 2005 entry.
The road to the Grand Final
- Applications — October 8 to December 17. Online form and audition video.
- Online jury selection — December 18 to January 18. The jury reviews every video. Fragments of performances are published on the show’s official YouTube, Instagram and Facebook pages.
- Live auditions — January 19 to February 19. In San Francisco, Philadelphia and Chicago, with the jury taking part online. Participants audition free of charge. Exact dates and venues are announced at least two weeks in advance.
- Preparation for the Final. Twelve finalists are chosen by the jury, and a thirteenth by the audience in an online vote on the official website. Finalists prepare a new act with the help of the show’s team, with consultations and master classes with star coaches.
- Grand Final — early March 2027. A televised show filmed with 12 cameras, a star guest performance and the awards ceremony. The winner is decided jointly by the jury and the audience in the hall.
The full timeline is on the Stages page, and every detail of participation is in the official Rules.
What the winners receive
The winner of the Grand Final receives a cash prize, free media support for one month from UA/USA media, and personal producer support and mentorship for building a creative career in the United States. Second place wins a vacation trip, and third place receives valuable gifts and special prizes from the show’s sponsors and partners. Every finalist gets training with mentors, a personal diploma signed by the star jury and a place in the awards photo zone.
A show with a purpose
The USA Talent Show is a charitable initiative: funds raised through applications go to support charitable projects. By taking the stage, every participant becomes part of something bigger than a competition.
Casting is open from October 8 to December 17. Prepare your video, gather your team and take your first step toward the Grand Final.
Apply now