As Czechia’s first openly queer Eurovision contestant, singer ADONXS (real name Adam Pavlovčin) is making waves not just for his music, but for bringing bold queer energy to one of the world’s biggest stages.
Ahead of his performance in the 2025 Eurovision semi-final in Basel, Switzerland, the 29-year-old shared his inspirations, alter ego, and aversion to dating apps in a candid interview with PinkNews.
His Eurovision entry, the moody break-up ballad “Kiss Kiss Goodbye”, tells the story of parting with a lover—but in real life, ADONXS is holding out hope for something more organic.
“I would definitely see myself as an old-school dating guy who believes in a random meet-up,” he said. “I think I prefer this way more than any setup on Tinder or Grindr… it always feels like an interview.”
“I want the old-fashioned way—behind the bar, on the dance floor. Or while surfing, meeting in the waves and exploring the island. That would be cool.”
The Queer Story Behind the Stage Name
Born in Slovakia and rising to fame after winning SuperStar (the Czech-Slovak version of Pop Idol) in 2021, ADONXS became the show’s first out LGBTQ+ winner. But the identity he presents today took shape over time—and was deeply informed by queer nightlife and gender fluidity.
“I will admit that I was inspired a little bit by the queer party Adonis Adonis Adonis in London,” he revealed. “I’ve never been, but I always saw it along with [the queer event] HOMOSTASH. I lived in London for a while and it really left a mark.”
His stage name originally followed the traditional spelling “Adonis”, a reference to the Greek god symbolising male beauty. But eventually, he tweaked it to ADONXS, replacing the “i” with an “X” as a subtle nod to XX and XY chromosomes, and the spectrum of feminine and masculine energy.
“That was for me a little play with the chromosomes… That’s how I felt with my performance really. I never felt like I’m doing just one thing—it was always a mixture of femme and masc energy.”
Drag, Queer Culture and the Birth of a Persona
ADONXS said drag performers and queer culture played a major role in shaping his stage persona.
“I was like, OK, if these people can lip-sync for the arenas, I might someday sing for arenas. And I might need this character, this persona [of ADONXS] that will manage everything—even if I don’t feel like it.”
That duality—between Adam and ADONXS—now powers his creative presence, especially in Kiss Kiss Goodbye, which has captured attention across Europe for its theatrical intensity and visual storytelling.
Queer Visibility in Czechia and Slovakia
Although ADONXS now represents Czechia at Eurovision, he remains vocal about the challenges LGBTQ+ people face in his home country of Slovakia.
“I must sadly admit that I don’t think Slovakia, and arts especially, are progressing,” he said. “Slovakia is in a very bad stage at this point.”
Same-sex marriage is illegal, LGBTQ+ adoption is not permitted, and Slovakia scores among the lowest in Europe on ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map.
Still, ADONXS is hopeful.
“I’m very positive and I’m hoping that the next parliament election will change a lot. We have so many great and competent people that can lead the country in a more progressive way.”
For now, he’s flying the rainbow flag loud and proud on one of the world’s biggest platforms—proof that queer Eastern European voices not only deserve a stage, but thrive when given one.
