A night filled with anticipation and musical brilliance culminated in a moment of triumph for the band Ziferblat at the Eurovision 2025 National Selection.

Ziferblat's Long-awaited Victory

The Ukrainian music scene was abuzz with excitement on February 8th as ten talented acts took the stage, vying for the coveted chance to represent Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. Among these hopefuls were familiar names like Vlad Sherif, MOLODI, and KHAYAT. Yet, the spotlight shone brightest on Ziferblat, whose perseverance finally paid off.

Betting Odds and Audience Anticipation

From the outset, Ziferblat was a favorite among bookmakers, and they did not disappoint. Their entry, "Bird of Pray, " resonated deeply with both the jury, comprising Jamala, Serhiy Tanchynets, and Kateryna Pavlenko, and the audience. The song's themes of hope amidst adversity struck a chord, echoing a sentiment familiar to many Ukrainians.

"Hope is the light that guides us through the darkest times, " Ziferblat declared after their performance, capturing the hearts of viewers nationwide.

The Proving Ground of Persistence

Ziferblat's journey to victory was not without its challenges. This marked their third attempt at the national selection, each previous endeavor serving as a stepping stone rather than a setback. Performing ninth on that fateful evening, their heartfelt delivery and compelling message secured them a total of 19 points—the highest of the night.

Future Prospects and Reflections

With Ziferblat now set to take the international stage, the narrative of their journey serves as a testament to perseverance. Their upcoming performance at the Eurovision Song Contest will undoubtedly echo the resilience and creativity of Ukrainian music.

As the echoes of "Bird of Pray" linger, the question remains: will Ziferblat's compelling narrative and sound capture Europe’s heart? Only time will tell, but their current path suggests a promising voyage ahead.

Editor: Emiliia Morozova