Ukraine, September 17, 2024 — cybernewschronicle.com — The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 saw Ukraine represented by the song “Bird of Pray”, performed by Ziferblat, a group composed of Danylo Leshchynskyi, Fedir Khodakov, and Valentyn Leshchynskyi, who also wrote the song. The Ukrainian entry was selected through the national final Vidbir 2025, organised by the Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine (Suspilne). This process began with an open application period from September 17, 2024, to November 10, 2024, allowing various artists to submit their entries for consideration.
The selection process for Vidbir 2025 was meticulous, with twenty entries initially longlisted from the applications received. Following auditions, the list was narrowed down to nine shortlisted entries.
The final selection of the Ukrainian entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 took place on February 8, 2025, culminating in the choice of “Bird of Pray” performed by Ziferblat. This song would go on to represent Ukraine on the international stage of the Eurovision Song Contest. Ukraine’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 involved competing in the first semi-final, which was held on May 13, 2025.
During this semi-final, “Bird of Pray” was performed at position 15 in the running order. The song garnered significant support, earning 137 points and securing a tenth-place finish.
This result was sufficient to qualify Ukraine for the final of the contest, which took place four days later. In the final, held on May 17, 2025, “Bird of Pray” was performed seventh in the running order. The song’s performance in the final was notable, with Ukraine ultimately placing ninth out of the 26 finalists.
This outcome reflected the competitive nature of the Eurovision Song Contest and the high quality of entries from participating countries. The achievement of Ziferblat and their song “Bird of Pray” marked a significant moment for Ukraine in the contest.
Background and Selection Process
The process by which Ukraine selected its entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 was designed to ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation of potential entries. By opening the application process to a wide range of artists and then narrowing down the selections through a rigorous audition process, Suspilne aimed to identify the most compelling and competitive entry for the international contest.
The choice of “Bird of Pray” performed by Ziferblat as the Ukrainian entry was the culmination of this process, reflecting the artistic and musical strengths of the song and its performers. Looking ahead, the experience and exposure gained by Ukraine’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 are likely to influence future entries and the country’s approach to the contest.
The performance of “Bird of Pray” and its reception by international audiences will provide valuable insights for artists, songwriters, and broadcasters in Ukraine, potentially shaping the direction of future Ukrainian entries in the Eurovision Song Contest. As the contest continues to evolve and attract a global audience, Ukraine’s involvement is expected to remain a significant aspect of its cultural and musical engagement with Europe and beyond. The Eurovision Song Contest, with its rich history and diverse participation, offers a unique platform for musical expression and cultural exchange.
Ukraine’s participation in the 2025 contest, through the song “Bird of Pray” performed by Ziferblat, contributed to this tradition, showcasing Ukrainian music and artistry to a broad international audience. As fans and followers of the Eurovision Song Contest look to the future, they can anticipate another exciting edition of the contest, with new songs, artists, and performances that will continue to captivate and inspire audiences worldwide.
