The USA Talent Show is a nationwide talent competition that gives Ukrainian performers in America — and everyone who shares the stage with them — a professional platform, a star jury and a televised Grand Final. It is a show about talent, community and culture, created by people who have been bringing Ukrainian stages to life in the United States for years.
From community talent nights to a national stage
The USA Talent Show did not appear out of nowhere. Its organizers have staged talent shows before — concerts and showcases in the Ukrainian-American community where children and adults sang, danced, played and performed in front of family, friends and neighbours. Those evenings proved two things: there is an enormous amount of talent in the community, and it deserves a much bigger stage.
The USA Talent Show is that bigger stage. For the first time the format reaches across the country: online applications from any state, live auditions in three cities, a jury of stars from Ukraine’s biggest television talent shows, and a Grand Final filmed for television.
Moments from earlier shows staged by the organizers.
What the show is for
- Discovering talent. Finding and supporting talented performers among Ukrainians in the US and beyond.
- Growth and connections. A platform for creative development, mentorship and new professional contacts with producers, artists and colleagues.
- Community. Bringing people together around something everyone can be proud of.
- Culture. Sharing Ukrainian culture — and the cultures of other countries — with a wide audience.
- Charity. The show is a charitable initiative: funds raised through applications go to support charitable projects.
Open to everyone
There are no restrictions by age, gender, health condition or nationality. Soloists, duets and groups can apply in six categories: Vocal, Dance, Music Instrumental, Acting & Theater, Circus & Acrobatics, and Variety & Specialty. The show runs in Ukrainian and English, and the videos shared on social media carry subtitles. Every act is family-friendly — the show is made for audiences of all ages.
A jury of stars
The panel is led by Ihor Kondratyuk — the producer and host behind «Karaoke na Maidani» and «Shans» and a judge on X-Factor Ukraine and Ukraine’s Got Talent. Next to him sit Slava Frolova, TV host, author, psychologist and longtime Ukraine’s Got Talent judge, and Kostiantyn Tomilchenko, choreographer, STB creative producer and judge on «Everybody Dance!». Together they have judged thousands of auditions on Ukrainian television.
How it works
Applications are open online from October 8 to December 17, 2026. The jury reviews every audition video, then invites the strongest acts to live auditions in San Francisco, Philadelphia and Chicago. Twelve finalists are chosen by the jury and a thirteenth by the audience in an online vote. After consultations and master classes with star coaches, the finalists perform new acts at the Grand Final in early March 2027 — a televised show filmed with 12 cameras. The winner is decided jointly by the jury and the audience in the hall. See the stages and the official rules.
Who is behind the show
- SOVA Entertainment — a Chicago-based live events and production company, the show’s producer.
- Radio UA Chicago — Ukrainian radio in Chicago, 1240 AM.
- Dolynka Ukrainian-American Consulting — consulting for the Ukrainian-American community in Norridge and Palatine, Illinois.
- Surma Newspaper — a Ukrainian newspaper in Chicago.
The show is supported by the Sova Foundation and the Dolynka Foundation. More about every organizer is on the Organizers page.
Quick answers
Who can take part?
Anyone — of any age, gender or nationality. Minors apply through a parent or guardian.
Where are the auditions?
The first round is online. Live auditions take place in San Francisco, Philadelphia and Chicago between January 19 and February 19, 2027.
When is the Grand Final?
In early March 2027. The exact date and venue will be announced on this site.
How do I apply?
Through the online application form. Read our step-by-step guide first.
Ready to be part of it? Casting runs from October 8 to December 17, 2026.
Apply now