Eurovision Star Jerry Heil Becomes Grammy Voter After Joining The Recording Academy

Ukrainian singer and songwriter Jerry Heil, known for her notable representation of Ukraine at Eurovision 2024, has officially joined The Recording Academy. This membership grants her the right to vote in the Grammy Awards and to nominate herself for the prestigious accolade.

Heil, whose birth name is Yana Oleksandrivna Shemaieva, announced her new status through her social media. She detailed the extensive verification process required for Academy membership, which included submitting a thorough account of her education and achievements. “To qualify for the Grammy Academy, you must complete an extensive verification process, detailing your education and achievements,” Heil said. “I began this process last winter and received a response in July. After an additional month of waiting, I’m pleased to share that the verification is complete.”

The Recording Academy, which presents the Grammy Awards annually, is one of the most prestigious institutions in the music industry, comparable to the Oscars in film. Academy members, including artists, producers, and musicians, vote to determine the award winners.

Heil’s induction into the Academy makes her one of the few Ukrainians with the authority to influence Grammy decisions. She has had a significant year, having represented Ukraine at Eurovision 2024 with rapper alyona alyona. Their entry, “Teresa & Maria,” earned them third place in the competition, with 146 points from the jury and 307 points from the public vote. In addition, Heil has become the most popular Ukrainian artist on Spotify in 2024, amassing over 1,600,000 monthly listeners.

Heil was born on October 21, 1995, in Vasylkiv, Kyiv Region, Ukraine. From a young age, she was involved in music, studying at a music school from the age of three and later at the Kyiv Institute of Music and the National Music Academy of Ukraine. In 2022, she was admitted to Berklee College of Music in Boston, one of the most prestigious music institutions worldwide.