Ukraine’s national broadcaster is once again organizing Vidbir in order to find their entry for Eurovision. A total of 10 acts are going to be competing this coming weekend in order to win over the hearts of the three-member jury, as well as the public all over Ukraine, to represent their country in Basel later this May.

Just before the rehearsals are starting, we had a chance to chat with one of the 10 finalists – Masha Kondratenko. She will be competing with the song “No Time To Cry”, which she co-wrote with Roman Grisiuk and Stanyslav Malikov. Check out everything she told us in this interview below:

Hello Masha, thank you so much for taking your time out for talking to us. For the beginning of this interview, as you are not only a singer but also an actress, can you tell us how do you combine both careers?

In fact, I am a very creative person who loves to try something new. I sing, dance, draw, act in films. And all this is an absolute pleasure and a very cool experience for me. And by the way, acting helped me gain my first fame on a par with music, because I was once lucky enough to play a role in the then-popular Ukrainian TV series “School”. It was somewhere between two important projects for me — “The Voice. Children” and “The Voice”.

I would be happy to return to acting if the perfect role for me is found. Still, if I have to choose, I am a singer and songwriter first and foremost. Since early childhood, I have been devoting myself to music and cannot imagine my life without it. It will be with me forever.

This is your first time competing in the televised rounds of Vidbir. What was the idea behind your participation?

Indeed, this is my first National Selection for Eurovision, although I have participated in many different song contests in my life. Why now? I don’t know, I guess it’s time. I felt that I was ready for this step. I wrote exactly the song that I think is worthy both in terms of meaning and music. I know what responsibility awaits the winner, what a marathon I will have to go through, but I am confident in my abilities.

What is the inspiration behind this song and what is it about?

When I wrote this song, I imagined a house somewhere on the horizon. There is light there, a family lives there. A child is playing, mum is cooking dinner, smiling, dad is watching TV. And everything seems to be okay, but around the house there is darkness. And this whole world seems to be plastic, fake, doll-like. And the people in it have invented their own reality, where everything is just “normal”. They live their lives despite the sadness around them. 

No Time to Cry is about our state today. It’s about feeling pain and tears, but you have to fight and can’t give up. The song is about the “normal abnormality” we have to live in. It’s about the struggle between light and darkness. We all experience moments of weakness and anxiety, but we always choose the side of strength and light.

Your 2022 song ‘Vanka Vstanka’ is considered by many as your most successful moment in your career. How did this song come about and what were the reactions to it from your international audience? 

It was really a turning point in my career. I wrote a humorous song about the terrible reality in which Ukrainians found themselves. And literally in a matter of weeks, it was being played everywhere. I think the point is that it was exactly what people needed. Support, a charge to fight, even psychological protection when you can laugh at someone who has offended you. Many soldiers wrote to me to thank me for the song and made a video for it. It became a real trend in Ukraine and launched a number of similar songs. At the same time, I definitely don’t limit myself to humorous songs. I am ready to be different for my listeners from all over the world.

Many have commented that this year’s Vidbir lineup, including your song, showcases a more Western display of Ukraine at Eurovision. Do you agree with such comments? Why?

I think that new Ukrainian music is generally integrated into the Western world — in terms of quality, sound, and unique techniques. We have a lot of cool artists who can take their place not only on the Ukrainian but also on the world stage. And the Eurovision Song Contest is one of our bridges to the big world of music.

Which are your favourite songs from Vidbir in the last few years, and why?

We actually have very strong qualifiers, so I could list a dozen artists for each final. But among those who didn’t win, I would recommend listening to The Hardkiss, KAZKA, Katya Chilly, Brunettes Shoot Blondes, Tayanna.

Which Eurovision songs/artists (not from Ukraine) have inspired you and contributed to your artistic journey?

Of course, I always support our guys, because in Eurovision, just like in sports, you root for your own. There are Jamala, Verka Serduchka, Go-A, Jerry Hale and Alyona, etc. But if we talk about foreign artists, my favourites are Maneskin, Dunkan Laurence, Nemo, Loreen, WRS. All of them are charismatic, musical and very artistic.

Without revealing too much, how can we expect ‘No Time To Cry’ to come alive on the stage?

For me, it is important to reveal the depth of the song in the number without overwhelming the audience. I want to show different sides of me — bright, yet a little dark, brave, but sometimes insecure, strong and weak at the same time. I believe that you will enjoy the performance we are preparing with Kostya Tomilchenko, director and stage manager, author of Jamala’s winning performance and Go_A’s highly successful Eurovision performance.

Are there any concluding messages you would like to send to your international followers?

Hey guys, I am grateful for every comment, every message, every reaction. These days are probably the best in my life, because your support is invaluable! I hope to see you in Basel very soon! 

Thank you for your time Masha, and we wish you the very bbest of luck in the Grand Final of Vidbir 2025!

Check out Masha’s Vidbir entry “No Time To Cry”:

Also, let us know who YOUR personal favorites are in this year’s Vidbir, by voting for them in our poll: