Eurovision 2025: “Being Queer From Czechia Still Feels A Bit Vocal,” Says ADONXS
CONTRIBUTOR/ PHOTOGRAPHER: Cain Cooper | Instagram
FEATURED: ADONXS | Instagram
DNA’s Cain Cooper is on the ground for Eurovision in Basel, and caught up with Czechia representative – ADONXS (aka Adam Pavlovčin) – for an interview, soundcheck, and impromptu photoshoot. The handsome 29-year-old is not only a singer, dancer and model, he’s an activist for LGBTQIA+ recognition in his native Slovakia. In 2022, he committed his brooding basso profondo, the deepest bass vocals, to tape on his debut album Age Of ADONXS (out now on all streaming platforms).
Kiss Kiss Goodbye sounds bittersweet, but it’s almost like you kind of want to reconcile…
I mean, it should feel liberating in a way. It feels like I’m standing up for myself. And I’m allowing myself to exit and leave situations, certain situations that are no longer there for me, no longer serving me in life. And with a bit of sass, you know, kiss, kiss goodbye. So that’s probably the bittersweet moment you’re feeling.
The dulcet tones of your voice really drive into the very fibre of your being, but how are you protecting your voice (and your mind and body) in the lead up to Eurovision?
I’m still figuring this out, to be fair, because this experience is very intense. You do have a lot of interviews, but I realised that I actually need to use my voice for interviews, and not just for singing. I have an incredible vocal coach, I do lots of online warm-ups with her, and I have my essential ginger shot to clear my throat before going on stage.
And a dance break…
Actually, I was afraid that I might be out of breath or I might not be able to sing afterwards, but it’s the contrary. Like, the dance break boosts you a little bit, it gives you the energy. And I feel very good singing the final bit.
Being queer, what do you think it is about Eurovision that creates a safe space for people from diverse communities?
Well, I think it’s art in general, right? I don’t think Eurovision needs another queer ambassador. I feel it’s already a very queer, inclusive space, which is wonderful, and I feel so good in this environment and within the Eurovision community. But being a queer representative from Czechia or, with my background from Slovakia… this is why it still feels a bit vocal.
But to your question, like what makes it so inclusive? I think that’s people in the community, really, that care about the contest and that are devoting so much time and energy to it.
People devote a lot of time and energy to complaining about it, too. Some people say Eurovision is too gay or is it not gay enough.
It differs every year, and it’s a perfect balance for me. It’s a perfect balance because you do get entries that are very diverse.
You’re obviously quite interested in fashion, the creative journey, and creating a brand. Would you like to talk about some of those inspirations?
When it comes to expressing yourself through fashion or clothing, I think that’s very essential for me, because that can really help boost your confidence. When I’m having a bad day, I will dress up as a superstar because you will feel like one.
I grew up listening to Queen, Prince, and Depeche Mode. These were like playlists of my parents, and I was not realising how good of a taste in music they were and still having. But current artists I adore are Mahmood, Troye Sivan, Conan Gray, and all of the queer artists that are current. Inspiration is definitely derived from them as well, and if Eurovision opens the gates to collaborations on this level, that would be absolutely brilliant.
What do you hope comes out of Eurovision, when you’ve said kiss kiss goodbye to all of this?
No, I don’t want to say kiss kiss goodbye to Eurovision. I’m having really, really nice time. But I hope to secure some professional relationships as well as friendships. I want to prolong the momentum of Eurovision by collaborating with some of the artists.
Adonxs performs Kiss Kiss Goodbye for Czechia during the Semi-Final 2 on Thursday, 15th May (CET).
