Ukraine will be keeping their fingers crossed for a fourth win
Ukraine are hoping to win for a fourth time(Image: Eurovision on YouTube)
As 26 countries battle it out in Eurovision’s grand final, only one country can take home the win after they perform in Basel, Switzerland.
This year marks 69 years of Eurovision and it’s back where it all started for the biggest singing competition in Europe.
Ukraine currently have three wins under their belt and although they won in 2022, the United Kingdom had to host due to the ongoing war.
The eastern-European country currently holds the record of being the first country to win Eurovision three times in the 21st century.
Representing them this year is Ziferblat, a three-piece rock band fronted by non-identical twin brothers Daniil and Valentyn Leshchynskyi, and also includes drummer Fedir Khodakov. The band name translates as ‘clock face’ in English.
They formed in 2015 but entered The X Factor Ukraine in 2019, two years after releasing their single, Vnochi.
Although making it to the longlist of Vidbir 2023 – Ukraine’s selection for Eurovision – they weren’t shortlisted, but in that same year they won the Muzvar Awards in the category of Best New Names in Alternative Music.
Of course, they were shortlisted at Vidbir this year and won, meaning they now represent Ukraine for Eurovision.
The band has one studio album, released in 2023, and two EPs.
Ziferblat are representing Ukraine(Image: Eurovision on YouTube)
Taking to their Instagram to announce the news, they wrote: “We made an important step for the music of Ukraine. The Eurovision stage is more than just a performance, it’s a place where your voice can be heard by millions.
“Our main message is to remind the world that the war in Ukraine is still on going. People get used, they get tired but for us this fight never stops for a moment.”
According to Ladbrokes, Ukraine currently have odds of 100/1 not making them likely to take home the crown for the fourth time.
The lyrics for Bird of Pray translated into English
Bird of pray is sung in Ukranian and English. Here are the lyrics including the translation of the Ukrainian parts of the song:
Зайде-зайдеш і до мене
You will… you’ll visit me too
Моя Пташка
My little birdy
Крилами пісня злітає важка
A burdened tune takes flight on your wings
Серденько серце кохане
Dearest heart, my beloved
Не турбуйся
Don’t you worry
Доля довірила світ останнім із нас
Fate entrusted the world to the last of us
Я світла шукаю, гори зверну
I seek the light, I’ll move mountains
And I call you
Fly
Bird
I’m begging you
Begging you please just
Live
Share
My heart with someone who
Cares
Of
Me and my little bird of pray
Вертай-вертайся додому
Return and lead us back home
Рідна стежка
The familiar path
Спів перелітних пташок народить весну
The song of migrating birds will awaken the spring
I call you
Fly
Bird
I’m begging you
Begging you just
Care
Of
Me and my little bird
Fly
Like a Bird
Where do you go
I’m begging you please just
Live
Share
My heart with someone who
Flies
Bird
I’m begging you
Begging you please just
Live
Share
My heart with someone who
Cares
Of
Me and my little bird of pray
Eurovision Grand Final airs on Saturday 17th May at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.