Ukrainian broadcaster NTU has decided to choose its singer and song for next year's Eurovision Song Contest through a televised talent scout show. Last year, NTU came under fire from both television critics and viewers after the selection process was seen as low quality. The winner was a song substituted at the last minute, causing controversy. In 2006, the broadcaster has decided to base its selection process on the You�re a star format. In Ireland itself, the show will not return.

How Ti-zirka works; later this month, regional auditions will take place in six regions of Ukraine, including one in Kiev. From each audition, a panel of judges will select two to go forward as finalists. The 12 selected will then be gathered together in a type of academy where they will work with composers, stylists and choreographers to hone their skills. At least eight televised shows will air in the New Year.

Every second Saturday, viewers will have the chance to phone in and vote for their favourites. A panel of judges will also have a say in who stays after each show. Televoters and a jury (50/50) will eliminate three finalists each fortnight. In between votes, viewers will see programmes reporting on progress at the �academy�. By the final show, the three remaining contestants will each sing a song specially written for the Eurovision Song Contest.

NTU's head of music, Alyona Mozgovaya, sounded a note of caution. The plans still need to be approved by the head of the state broadcaster, Vitaliy Dokalenko. The budget of the show is set at around EUR 350,000.

Ukraine will have to enter the semifinal of the Eurovision Song Contest due to Greenjolly's low result in the 2005 final, which took place in Ukraine.