Sofia Nersesian’s Dream Come True: Ukraine’s 2nd Place Finish in The Junior Eurovision Song Contest!

Shira Avidan
Dec 13, 2025
2 min read

The Junior Eurovision Song Contest

The Junior Eurovision Song Contest, also known as the Junior Eurovision, is an international children’s singing competition, where children aged 9-14 perform an original song representing their country. Unlike the adult version, the Eurovision Song Contest, songs must be predominantly in the country’s official language, and viewers can vote for their own country. Today, the Junior Eurovision Song Contest was hosted in Tbilisi, Georgia, under the slogan “United by Music!” This theme was reflected in the event’s cultural diversity; 18 countries participated, bringing together a wide variety of languages, musical styles, and traditions on just one stage!

Ukraine’s Competition History

Having been represented at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest since 2006, Ukraine was the second country to host the competition twice. Ukraine is also one of five countries that have won the contest once, with singer Anastasiya Petry winning with the song “Nebo” in 2012. Singing must run in the family; her sister Viktoria Petryk won second place with the song “Matrosy” in 2008!

Year	Place
2006	9
2007	9
2008	2
2009	5
2010	14
2011	11
2012	1
2013	2
2014	6
2015	11
2016	14
2017	7
2018	4
2019	15
2020	7
2021	6
2022	9
2023	5
2024	3
2025	2

About Sofia Nersesian

This year, Ukraine was represented by Sofia Nersesian, a young singer of Ukranian-Armenian descent who has dreamed of performing on a big stage since childhood! Her fascination with the Eurovision Song Contest began in 2021, having watched the Ukrainian folktronica (traditional folk music blended with modern electronic beats) band Go_A. Watching the competition eventually became an annual family tradition.

Sofia, a rare alto two singer, writes her own songs and is the youngest soloist of the Honor Guard Orchestra of the Separate Presidential Brigade, a special military unit of Ukraine and its Armed Forces. When not performing, Sofia brings her passion for singing to charity concerts. She also actively participates in volunteering.

This year, she sang “Motanka (Мотанка),” a song about a traditional Ukrainian doll, Motanka, that is an integral part of Ukraine’s culture, symbolizing family, prosperity, and protection. 177 points put Sofia in second place! See the video below to watch her performance!

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