Yana Oleksandrivna Shemaieva, performing under the moniker Jerry Heil, established her digital presence in 2012 by launching a YouTube channel that eventually garnered over 34.9 million views. Born in Vasylkiv in 1995, the Ukrainian singer-songwriter successfully transitioned from an online creator of musical covers into a prominent professional recording artist and national representative at the Eurovision Song Contest.
Early Development and Digital Origins
Raised in Vasylkiv, Shemaieva pursued formal musical education at the R. Glier Kyiv Municipal Academy of Music and the Kyiv Conservatory. She adopted her stage name at age 15, initially using Jerry Mouse before selecting Heil after browsing American surnames. Her early career centered on YouTube, where she posted vlogs and interpretations of songs by artists such as The Hardkiss and Okean Elzy, gaining early recognition from Sviatoslav Vakarchuk.
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In 2017, she signed with Vidlik Records to produce her debut extended play, De mii dim. Following an appearance on the ninth season of X-Factor Ukraine, her career gained significant momentum in 2019 with the release of the single Okhrana, otmiena. The track reached the top five in Ukraine and preceded her debut studio album, Ya, Yana. She subsequently earned the 2020 YUNA award for Best New Artist.
Eurovision and Artistic Evolution
Heil maintained a consistent presence in Ukrainian national selections for Eurovision, competing in 2020 and 2022 before winning Vidbir 2024 with Alyona Alyona. Their entry, Teresa & Maria, placed third in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 grand final with 453 points. In May 2025, she released the 16-track album АРХЕТИПИ. Her 2026 activities included the sold-out Jerelo concert at the Kyiv Palace of Sports, which generated over US$900,000 for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Artistic Identity and Public Scrutiny
As a vegan and practicing Christian, Heil records primarily in Ukrainian while demonstrating fluency in English and Russian. Her public image faced challenges in 2024, when social media users criticized a prior TikTok video featuring a sweatshirt with the inscription Banderaciaga. This term, a wordplay on Stepan Bandera and Balenciaga, triggered controversy due to historical associations with the OUN-B and UPA.
Fast facts
- Born: 21 October 1995, Vasylkiv
- Stage Name Origin: Selected from a list of American surnames
- Education: R. Glier Kyiv Municipal Academy of Music, Berklee College of Music
- Eurovision 2024 Placement: 3rd place with 453 points
- 2020 Achievement: YUNA for Best New Artist
- Languages: Ukrainian, English, Russian
- Faith: Christian
- Dietary Choice: Vegan
Questions readers ask
Did Jerry Heil write songs for other musicians?
Yes, she has written songs for artists such as Vera Brezhneva and the band Cloudless.
What was the significance of the 2026 Jerelo concert?
The sold-out performance at the Palace of Sports in Kyiv raised over US$900,000 for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
