Ukrainian band Ziferblat won the first semi-final of Eurovision 2025, leading the audience vote with 137 points, according to the European Broadcasting Union. The results were announced immediately after the grand final on May 17.
“Friends, you are incredible. Thank you to everyone who supported us… I love you very much,” the group wrote on Telegram, celebrating the victory in the semi-final.
In the grand final, Ukraine earned 218 points — 60 from the jury and 158 from the audience, tying with Albania for an impressive finish.
The winner of Eurovision 2025 was Austria, represented by JJ with the song Wasted Love. The artist cited controversial Russian opera singer Anna Netrebko, known for her support of Vladimir Putin, as inspiration for the track — a detail that sparked reactions online.
This year’s Eurovision saw participation from 37 countries, with Montenegro returning to the competition for the first time in several years.
The first semi-final featured 15 countries, including Ukraine. The second semi-final had 16. The Big Five — Germany, France, the UK, Spain, and Italy — as well as host country Switzerland, automatically advanced to the final.