Ukraine at Eurovision 2025: Band Ziferblat, performing “Bird of Pray,” reveal radical changes to their stage act. What’s going to be different?
Ukraine’s representatives for Eurovision 2025, the band Ziferblat, who will perform the song “Bird of Pray”, have revealed the first yet significant details about their upcoming performance in Basel. Amid high expectations and fluctuating odds on the betting tables, the band is not shy about making a bold promise: “The changes to our staging are radical; it will be completely different.” Full details ahead.
A Radical Overhaul – A Completely New Stage Concept
Since winning the Ukrainian national selection, Vidbir 2025, with their powerful and captivating entry “Bird of Pray” — a song symbolizing hope, freedom, and boundlessness — Ziferblat have set their sights even higher. Garnering an impressive 19 points in the national final and securing their ticket to Basel, the band now shares that the stage concept is undergoing an unprecedented transformation.
According to lead singer Danylo Leshchynskyi: “We’ve had a solid directing team in place for a month now, including a director — yes, a woman. The changes to the staging are sweeping; it’s a completely different concept now. That’s all we can say for now. See for yourselves in early May — it’ll have no resemblance to what you saw at Vidbir.”
Intense Rehearsals and Boundary-Pushing Creativity
Ziferblat are conducting rehearsals frequently, both in person and online, to overcome the logistical challenges posed by having some of their team outside of Ukraine. Yet, their creative momentum remains unstoppable.
“We’re musicians first and foremost,” the lead singer said. “The creative process is what brings us joy, regardless of the contest itself. Even if Eurovision didn’t exist, we’d keep making music — because it’s what we’ll still have after May.”
Betting Odds? “Unrelated to the Changes”
Despite a positive shift in the betting odds — from positions 15–19 in February to the top 10 in March — the band members emphasize that this has nothing to do with their staging overhaul. Guitarist and founding member Valentyn Leshchynskyi clarified: “The betting rankings have nothing to do with the changes. If you follow the timeline of our announcements and the odds, there’s no connection. I don’t know how those systems even work.”
Their focus, they say, is solely on the final performance in Basel — where every detail will be revealed to the audience and jury. “There’s immense work being done, and the results will speak for themselves,” the lead singer assured.
Bureaucratic Challenge: Will They Be Able to Cross the Border?
Given the travel restrictions stemming from the war in Ukraine, a critical question arises — will the band be allowed to travel abroad? The lead singer answered resolutely: “Our team is doing everything to make it happen. So is the Ministry of Culture. It’s not easy, but it will happen. In previous years, men have also represented Ukraine, and this year won’t be different.”
Facing Criticism — and Rising Above It
Like many other artists, Ziferblat have faced criticism — not just towards them, but also regarding Ukraine’s participation in Eurovision during wartime. The lead singer responded with a calm, philosophical view: “The Ukrainian public is entitled to their opinion. There are triggers — that’s understandable. But contests like Eurovision are an opportunity to make our voices heard, especially when not everyone wants to listen. It’s a loud microphone — and we’re using it.”
Regarding personal criticism, he added: “You have to prove yourself and not expect compliments for nothing. So yes, there’s criticism — but it only motivates us to work harder.”
A Mission Beyond a Career
When asked about their expectations for the contest, the band made it clear: their national mission comes first.
The lead singer elaborated: “There aren’t many platforms left like Eurovision, where you can be heard. It’s not a political stage, but it is one that lets you speak — and that’s rare. The message we bring this year is different from last year’s, and it’s important. We’re not going to Basel empty-handed.” He added: “Of course, there’s also a personal drive — to grow a career. But in recent years, that’s become a secondary goal. For an artist to survive — our country has to survive.”
Avoiding the Shortcut Trap
Among the many ways to grab attention at Eurovision, the band chooses to stick to its principles.
The lead singer shared: “There are many ways to gain popularity, but some just don’t suit us. We won’t use them. We want to connect through the music itself. We’re making friendly moves with artists we admire — for example, my brother is creating covers of his favorite songs from this year.”
They also emphasized their deep connection to the contest: “We’re Eurovision fans. Especially from the last decade. We know the rules, the changes, the entire mechanism. We’re entering the contest fully aware.”
Second Chances Are Powerful
For those who may have forgotten — Ziferblat already attempted to represent Ukraine in 2024 but did not make it past the national final. Yet, they returned this year and won.
The lead singer explained: “Many artists came back for another try — Alyona, Melovin, Jamala. A second attempt is a good thing. It shows inner strength. We didn’t need to do it — we wanted to. And this year, we worked harder to win.” He noted that it wasn’t a sure thing: “There were other worthy contestants. It came down to luck.”
Music Without Borders — Even in Genre
When asked about their musical genre, the lead singer declined to label their style: “It’s uncomfortable for a musician to be boxed into a genre. We love ’70s rock and roll, but we live in 2025. It’s a mix of old and new. I want to live and create in various genres.”
A Personal Wish and a Message to Viewers
At the end of the interview, the lead singer shared his personal hopes for Basel: “To the viewers — give a chance to those who weren’t your favorite. Open your heart. Don’t be afraid to change your mind.”
He added: “And to myself — I wish to perform with dignity, without mistakes. To walk through the press center with pride, because there will be provocations. I want to enjoy the process, because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I want not to disappoint those who believe in us — because this is a competition. You have to give it your all.”
With fierce musical passion, strong values, and unwavering determination — Ukraine is aiming for the final. It may be just a contest, but for Ziferblat, it’s the most meaningful mission they’ve ever taken on.
Ukraine at Eurovision 2025
“Bird of Pray” is the name of the song that will be performed by Ziferblat, representing Ukraine in the first semi-final of Eurovision 2025, to be held on May 13 in Basel, Switzerland. The song was written by the three band members: Valentyn Leshchynskyi, Danylo Leshchynskyi, and Fedir Khodakov. This is the band members’ first song on the Eurovision stage. The song is performed in English and Ukrainian.
The song “Bird of Pray” deals with hope and a plea for life, love, and freedom in difficult times. The band asks the addressee (the bird or the beloved) to fly, live, and share their heart with someone who cares. There’s a sense of longing for freedom and deep human connection. The song combines feelings of nostalgia, hope, and a request for care and love, using the powerful imagery of a flying bird as a symbol of freedom and hope.
Currently, Ukraine is ranked 10th in the betting tables for Eurovision 2025.
Ziferblat – Who are you?
The Ukrainian band Ziferblat was formed in 2015 and consists of three members: Valentyn Leshchynskyi (guitarist), Danylo Leshchynskyi (lead vocalist), and Fedir Khodakov (drummer). The band has released about nine singles, one EP (in 2017), and an album called “Peretvorennia”. They attempted to represent Ukraine at Eurovision 2023 but didn’t make it to the final. In 2024, they competed in the national selection with the song “Place I Call Home“, finishing second.
Source: RFI
Eurovision 2025: This will be Ukraine’s 20th participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. Ukraine joined the competition in 2003 and has won it three times. Ukraine’s last victory was in Eurovision 2022 with the song “Stefania” performed by Kalush Orchestra.
