The excitement is palpable as Ukraine unveils its representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. Ziferblat, the Kyiv-based band, has clinched the coveted spot with their captivating track "Bird of Pray." The decision came after a thrilling National Selection held on February 8th, where the band emerged victorious with a total of 19 points, a synergy of 9 from the jury and 10 from the public vote.

A Stellar Performance Amidst Fierce Competition

Ziferblat faced a lineup of exceptional talents in the final, including notable names like Vlad Sheryf, Abie, and KHAYAT. The jury, consisting of Sergey Tanchynets from "Bez Obmezhen" and Kateryna Pavlenko of Go_A fame, provided half of the deciding votes, while the other half was shaped by the enthusiastic audience who cast their votes via the "Diia" app and SMS, amassing over 100, 000 votes in just the first five minutes.

The Glamorous Opening with Special Guests

This year's National Selection was nothing short of a spectacle, graced by performances from celebrated artists such as Ruslana, Tina Karol, and Jamala. The event was further enriched by appearances from influential personalities, including the surprise presence of Serhiy Prytula, who took the opportunity to promote a charitable cause.

Ziferblat's Journey: From Local Gigs to International Spotlight

Founded in 2015 by twin brothers Danilo and Valentyn Leshchynskyi, along with drummer Fedir Khodakov, Ziferblat has been steadily climbing the musical ladder. Their debut album "Transformation" set the stage for their evolving sound, leading to this pivotal moment on the Eurovision stage in Switzerland.

Looking Ahead to Eurovision 2025 in Switzerland

As anticipation builds for the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, Ziferblat is set to perform in the first half of the first semi-final on May 13th, with hopes high for the grand final on May 17th in Basel's St. Jakobshalle. Ukraine's participation is eagerly awaited, promising a riveting performance that echoes their rich musical heritage and innovative sounds.

Editor: Yana Davydiuk