Ukraine’s Eurovision 2025 representative, Ziferblat, held his first rehearsal in Basel with the song “Bird of Pray.” Stay tuned for all updates from Switzerland.
Ziferblat, Ukraine’s representative, was the third act to rehearse today on the Eurovision 2025 stage with his song “Bird of Pray“. Klemen will perform as song number 5 in the first semi-final, scheduled for May 13.
The band, consisting of Danylo, Valentyn, and Fedir, sees itself as the representative of the new generation of Ukrainian music. Since their victory in the Ukrainian Eurovision selection (Vidbir), the performance has undergone a significant upgrade: the suits remain wide-cut in the 1970s style, but each member now wears a different vibrant color with plenty of glitter, and the three backing vocalists appear in sparkling gold suits.
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Performance Details for Eurovision 2025
The stage garden with grass and flowers from the national selection has been replaced by pink and green neon graphics on the LED screen, which react to the music’s rhythm and burst into color during the chorus. The lighting and tight camera work greatly enhance the atmosphere, and Danilo’s movement on stage is precisely synchronized with the music. The entire performance is highly elegant and polished-exactly as Ziferblat prefers.
As for pyrotechnics, low smoke appears on stage from the very beginning, and fireworks are introduced during the guitar section.
The photos from the rehearsal will be updated later.
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 13th 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.
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.