Jerry Heil: From Eurovision Bronze to Musical Stardom

25 May 2024 24 months

Emiliia Morozova

Managing Editor

Jerry Heil, the bronze medalist of Eurovision 2024 alongside rapper Alyona Alyona, has been making significant strides in her musical career since the mid-2010s. The journey of Yana Shemaieva, better known by her stage name Jerry Heil, is a testament to her talent and the support of key figures in the Ukrainian music industry.

The Early Days: A Leap of Faith

Before her appearance on the television show 'X-Factor' in the fall of 2018, Jerry Heil sent demos of her songs to two notable labels: Ivan Dorn's Masterskaya and VIDLIK, owned by the star couple, composer Yevhen Filatov (The Maneken) and ONUKA's frontwoman Nata Zhyzhchenko.

"From the second label (VIDLIK), Nata replied that she and Yevhen wanted to meet. We then released my first EP album, " Jerry Heil reminisced.

Breakthrough Hit and Evolution

Jerry Heil's first major hit, "Okhrana, otmena, " was released in the spring of 2019, marking a significant milestone in her career. Interestingly, she no longer performs this song at her concerts, showcasing her evolution as an artist and her desire to explore new musical territories.

The Pillars of Support

Jerry Heil recently shared a heartfelt Instagram story expressing gratitude towards Nata Zhyzhchenko and Yevhen Filatov. She posted a photo with the duo, referring to them as her "crushes" and acknowledged their role in believing in her talent and giving her the opportunity to shine.

Eurovision 2024 and Beyond

In addition to her musical achievements, Jerry Heil has also made waves with her striking appearance at the Cannes Film Festival and shared behind-the-scenes glimpses of Eurovision 2024, held in Malmö, Sweden. Her journey from a budding artist to an international sensation is nothing short of inspiring.

Jerry Heil's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of support and belief in one's talent. With her unwavering dedication and the backing of industry stalwarts, she continues to break new ground and captivate audiences worldwide.

Editor: Emiliia Morozova