Kateryna Pavlenko Debuts as Judge in Ukraine's National Selection for Eurovision 2025

A new chapter unfolds as Kateryna Pavlenko, the charismatic frontwoman of the Ukrainian band Go_A, steps into the spotlight, not as a performer this time, but as a judge for the National Selection for Eurovision 2025. Known for her enthralling performance at Eurovision 2021 with the song "Shum", Pavlenko is now tasked with a different kind of challenge.

A New Role with High Stakes

The role of a juror comes with its own set of responsibilities. Pavlenko confesses that assessing entries for Ukraine is a daunting task compared to her previous experience judging in the Czech selection. "Choosing a representative for Ukraine is much more challenging, " she admits, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation. Her strategy includes studying interviews and keeping an eye on social media to ensure a fair evaluation.

"I often find myself humming a song that initially didn't seem like a winner, but it has such a great vibe, " Pavlenko shares with a smile. She acknowledges the emotional complexity involved in assigning scores, especially the dreaded one-point score that every judge must allocate.

Trends and Performances: The Heart of the Competition

Pavlenko's keen observations have noted a transformative trend among young Ukrainian artists. "They believe in themselves and allow experimentation, " she states, highlighting a move away from stereotypical pop songs. She is thrilled to see performers embracing the Ukrainian language, a trend she helped popularize.

The Challenges and Advice for Contestants

Drawing from her personal journey to Eurovision 2021, Pavlenko offers sage advice to aspiring contestants, "Think about the performance, not just the win, " she advises, encouraging artists to focus on the task at hand rather than the outcome. Her experience of navigating the pressures of Eurovision has equipped her with unique insights into perseverance and authenticity.

"Winning isn't everything. Success comes when you continue moving forward, seeing Eurovision not as the peak of your career but as its launch, " she reflects.

The Future of Ukraine in Eurovision

As Pavlenko prepares to judge, she envisions a bright and resilient future for Ukraine in Eurovision. Despite the ongoing challenges, she believes in the country's potential to shine on the international stage.

Editor: Yana Davydiuk