After a 30-year hiatus, Polish singer Justyna Steczkowska is making her much-anticipated return to the Eurovision Song Contest, where she first competed in 1995 with her song "Sama," finishing in 18th place. This year, she will represent Poland with her new track "Gaja," competing in the semifinals on May 13, 2025, for a chance to secure a spot in the final set for May 17, 2025.
Steczkowska's song "Gaja" has already garnered significant attention, particularly on social media, where it has become one of the most listened-to tracks among this year's Eurovision entries. Her popularity extends beyond Poland, drawing fans from various countries.
Recently, Steczkowska performed "Gaja" at an event in Amsterdam on April 5, 2025, where she received an enthusiastic reception from approximately 10,000 attendees. "It was a mega big, professional event. They even chanted our name, so it was wonderful; they sang along with me," she shared in an interview with "Super Express." The positive feedback from fans has been overwhelming, with many praising her energetic performance and the talent of her dancers.
However, the road to Eurovision has not been without its challenges. Steczkowska has been rigorously preparing for the competition, dedicating herself to vocal and physical training to ensure she delivers her best performance. "I practice every day to perfect every detail of my performance," she stated. Despite the hard work, she expressed disappointment regarding the restrictions placed on her performance by Eurovision organizers.
Initially, Steczkowska had planned to include a spectacular flying element in her act, which she had trained for extensively. She even obtained a special certification to perform aerial maneuvers without safety harnesses. However, the organizers deemed the choreography too dangerous and ultimately decided against allowing her to fly over the audience. Instead, they proposed an alternative: a special machine will lift her during the performance.
"I trained for months to be able to hang and sing in the third octave, and now I have to rely on a machine to lift me up. It’s disappointing because I wanted to showcase my strength and skills," she lamented. The decision has sparked discussions among fans and supporters, many of whom sent letters to the organizers advocating for her original plan.
Despite these setbacks, Steczkowska remains committed to delivering an impressive show. "I’m working hard to ensure that our performance is of the highest quality, and I believe that the visuals we have prepared will still create a spectacular impression on the audience," she noted. Her determination shines through as she continues to promote "Gaja" at various pre-Eurovision events.
In Amsterdam, she received an outpouring of support from fans, including a memorable moment when one fan expressed her love for the song in English, prompting Steczkowska to sing the chorus of "Gaja" in response. The heartwarming interaction quickly went viral, showcasing her strong connection with her audience.
Steczkowska also reflected on her performance in Norway, stating that her experience in Amsterdam was significantly better. "It was 100 times better than in Norway in terms of sound and event preparation. The people in Norway were very nice, but there were a few shortcomings in the concert itself," she explained.
As the competition approaches, Steczkowska is not only focused on her performance but also on her public image. She has been actively engaging with her fans on social media, encouraging them to participate in the "Gaja Challenge," a fun initiative aimed at spreading positivity and countering negativity.
"I always send love to my haters and encourage them to join the challenge. If they try singing and dancing along, they’ll realize that hate doesn’t make sense. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it," she shared.
Looking ahead, Steczkowska is excited about her costume for the Eurovision performance, designed by renowned fashion designer Katarzyna Konieczka, who has previously worked with global stars like Madonna and Lady Gaga. "It will be tight-fitting, just like my usual outfits, but definitely different from what I wore in the preliminaries," she revealed.
As she prepares for her return to the Eurovision stage, Steczkowska’s passion and dedication are evident. Despite the hurdles she faces, her spirit remains unbroken, and her commitment to showcasing Polish talent on an international stage is unwavering. Whether soaring above the audience or grounded by safety regulations, Justyna Steczkowska is set to make her mark at Eurovision 2025, proving once again that she is a true star.
