Victory for Ukrainians at top European talent show - 'We finally felt heard'

In an interview with Suspilne Kultura, the artists admitted that the victory came as a complete surprise.

When Vladyslav and Veronika decided to take part in the project, they knew they were taking a risk, as they wanted to tell a serious story on an entertainment show.

During the audition, they performed a piece dedicated to Ukrainians who have been forced to leave their homes because of the war.

Vladyslav Detiuchenko and Veronika Rakitina (photo: instagram.com/vlad_detiuchenko)

Despite their doubts, the pair decided to perform because they saw it as an opportunity to remind the global audience about Ukraine.

It was the show's team who invited them to apply. The dancers were extremely busy at the time, but still made room in their schedule for this opportunity.

"It's a great chance to share our art and our view of creativity with a large audience," said Vladyslav and Veronika.

"Holland's Got Talent was an opportunity to be heard. We're so happy and proud," the duo said after their victory.

Who are Vladyslav Detiuchenko and Veronika Rakitina

Vladyslav has been dancing since childhood. He graduated from Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts with a master's degree and later became a leading soloist at Kyiv Modern Ballet, where he met Veronika.

Veronika began dancing at the age of six, first in folk dance, then ballet, and eventually contemporary, thanks to Vladyslav. They have been performing together for three years.

Following the outbreak of the full-scale war in 2022, the couple moved to the Netherlands.

Vladyslav Detiuchenko and Veronika Rakitina (photo: instagram.com/vlad_detiuchenko)

They joined the United Ukrainian Ballet initiative, created to support Ukrainian refugee artists.

After the project ended, Vlad and Veronika continued their careers in the local art scene.

They presented a short dance film, "Rhythms of Resilience – Dance with Daily Risk," at the Nederlandse Dansdagen festival in Maastricht.

Vladyslav Detiuchenko and Veronika Rakitina (photo: instagram.com/vlad_detiuchenko)

The film, which tells the story of Ukrainian artists living through war, was also shown in the United States, Australia, and Croatia.

Later, the couple began organizing charity evenings called "Light in Darkness," with all proceeds going to support Ukraine.

They also founded the n'Era Dance Productions foundation, which promotes Ukrainian culture and contemporary theatre in the Netherlands.

Vladyslav Detiuchenko and Veronika Rakitina (photo: instagram.com/vlad_detiuchenko)

About the show

Holland's Got Talent is the Dutch adaptation of the world-famous Got Talent format.

The project premiered in 2008 on the SBS6 channel. Its goal is to discover new talents of any age.

Participants perform live on stage before an audience and a panel of judges, who decide who moves on to the live broadcasts.

Typically, around 40 contestants compete through several rounds for a place in the final.

The current judging panel includes Chantal Janzen, Marc-Marie Huijbregts, Edson da Graça, and Dan Karaty.