With just over a week until Junior Eurovision 2025, we caught up with Sofia Nersesian, who will represent Ukraine in Tbilisi.
Ahead of the 23rd Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Tbilisi, we caught up with Sofia Nersesian, who is set to represent Ukraine with her song “Motanka”. We discuss her musical influences, her Junior Eurovision experience last year, “Motanka” and her favourite things to do.
It’s lovely to be able to talk to you. What is it that you love most about singing and performing?
Thank you for inviting me. I’m happy to have this chance to chat with you. When it comes to performing on stage, I really love the idea of uniting people through music. Everyone comes together, sings together, and that energy is incredible.
Who are your favorite singers and who would you love to perform with and why?
The person I admire most in the music industry is Svitlana Tarabarova. She is a Ukrainian singer-songwriter and a music producer for the national selection for Junior Eurovision. What I love most about her is the passion and energy she shares on stage. I’ve already had the chance to share a stage with her, and I can definitely say it was a magical experience.
Last year, you tried to represent Ukraine at Junior Eurovision. What was that first experience like?
It was a completely new experience for me. I met lots of incredible people and learned a lot as well. I have plenty of warm memories from that time, but the funniest was during a rehearsal when, out of the blue, I ran to the refreshment bar and started eating tea leaves. It was hilarious.
You returned this year and won, how does it feel to be chosen to represent Ukraine in Georgia?
It feels unbelievable! It is a great honour for me to represent my country, especially with a song about our national symbol. I wouldn’t say I’m nervous, because I know I have great support from my team, family, friends, and fans. Thank you, guys.
You will perform “Motanka” in Tbilisi, what is your favourite part of the song?
My favourite — and, at the same time, the hardest — part of the song is the moment when it lifts into the pre-chorus. That part sounds like a lullaby to me — so flowing and magical.
What are you most looking forward to about your Junior Eurovision experience?
My number one goal for Tbilisi is to make friends with every participant — I’ve already chatted with some of them, by the way. I love their songs and can’t wait to meet them in Georgia. And of course, I want to represent my country at the highest level and tell the world more about our culture and music.
Outside of preparing for Junior Eurovision, what are your favourite things to do?
Here’s a funny fact about me: I’m really into crocheting — I finished a tiny scarf for my plush toy just before going to Georgia. And, of course, I love dancing and drawing in my free time.
Finally, a fun question to end on, if you could take all of this year’s Junior Eurovision participants to one place in Ukraine, where would you take them and why?
I would definitely take them all to my home. We could have a Junior Eurovision party, play and sing a lot. I’m sure they would love that experience.
We wish Sofia Nersesian the best of luck competing in Junior Eurovision and thank her and the Ukrainian delegation for their time.
Find out more about Sofia below:
Image source: Suspilne Ukraine / Anastasiia Mantach
Ukraine debuted in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2006 and has competed in the contest ever since. To date, Ukraine has only won the competition once. In 2012, Anastasiya Petryk won in Amsterdam with the song “Nebo”. She scored 138 points, including eight sets of 12 points. Ukraine has hosted the contest twice, the first time in 2009 and the second in 2013 following their victory in Amsterdam.
