Inna Leonidivna Bordiuh, performing as Zlata Ognevich, placed third at the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö with her entry Gravity. Born in 1986, the artist has balanced a high-profile music career with a brief tenure in national politics, serving as a People's Deputy in the 8th Verkhovna Rada from 2014 to 2015.
Early Development and Music Education
Born on 12 January 1986, Ognevich grew up in the Crimean city of Sudak. Although her birth certificate lists Murmansk, she later identified Kryvyi Rih as her actual place of birth. At 18, she relocated to Kyiv to study at the R. Glier Kyiv Municipal Academy of Music. During her education, she began managing her own promotional activities and collaborating with live bands.
Eurovision Career and Broadcasting
Ognevich made three attempts to represent Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest. After efforts in 2010 and 2011, she secured her place in 2013 with the song Gravity. Beyond her performance in Malmö, she co-hosted the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2013 and served as a national jury spokesperson for Ukraine during the 2014 and 2023 contests.
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Elected to the Verkhovna Rada in 2014 for the Radical Party, she served for one year. She resigned in 2015, citing concerns regarding political corruption. During her time in office and thereafter, she maintained a public stance against the annexation of Crimea and supported Ukrainian forces during periods of unrest.
Studio Albums and Television Appearances
Her debut studio album, Hrani, launched in 2018 featuring eight tracks and collaborations with Mykhailo Nekrasov. This was followed by Syla Pokolin, which integrated folk music with contemporary pop. Her television work includes appearances on Dancing with the Stars, winning the second season of The Masked Singer Ukraine, and participating in the reality series The Bachelorette Ukraine.
Philanthropy and Wartime Activity
Following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Ognevich remained in Kyiv to support territorial defence efforts. She has performed for military personnel in hospitals and rehabilitation centres and participated in fundraising tours across Europe and the United States to secure humanitarian aid and support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Fast facts
- Born: 12 January 1986
- Birth name: Inna Leonidivna Bordiuh
- Eurovision 2013 result: 3rd place
- Parliamentary term: 2014–2015
- Positions held: People's Deputy of Ukraine
- Notable awards: Order of Princess Olga, 3rd class
- Musical associations: Ensemble of Song and Dance of the Ukrainian Armed Forces
Questions readers ask
Why did Zlata Ognevich resign from parliament?
She resigned after one year in office, citing her opposition to the corruption she witnessed within the institution.
What is the origin of the name Zlata Ognevich?
The artist was born Inna Leonidivna Bordiuh, later adopting Zlata Ognevich as her professional name.
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