Justyna Steczkowska is a Polish singer and songwriter who has represented her country at the Eurovision Song Contest twice, thirty years apart. Born in Rzeszów, Poland, on 2 August 1972, she first performed at the contest in 1995 with the song “Sama” and returned in 2025 with “Gaja,” finishing 14th in the grand final. Her career spans more than three decades and includes multiple platinum albums and major Polish music awards.
Steczkowska’s return to Eurovision in 2025 drew particular attention because the 30-year gap between her two appearances is reportedly a record for the competition. She won the Polish national selection on 14 February 2025 with “Gaja” and later advanced from the first semifinal to compete in the final in Basel, Switzerland, on 17 May 2025.
Beyond her Eurovision appearances, Steczkowska has built a substantial career in Polish music, releasing several albums and winning industry accolades including Fryderyk awards. She is also known for her family life with husband Maciej Myszkowski and their three children.
Who Is Justyna Steczkowska? Biography and Background
Justyna Maria Steczkowska was born on 2 August 1972 in Rzeszów, a city in southeastern Poland. She is a Polish citizen and has worked as a singer and songwriter throughout her professional life. Her full name is Justyna Maria Steczkowska.
Key Insights
- Justyna Steczkowska is the first Polish artist to perform at Eurovision twice, with a 30-year gap between appearances.
- Her 2025 entry “GAJA” blends folk and electronic elements, referencing ancient Slavic mythology.
- Despite an 18th-place finish in 1995, she remains a prominent figure in Polish pop culture.
- She balances a long music career with family life, married to musician Maciej Myszkowski with three children.
Snapshot Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Justyna Maria Steczkowska |
| Date of Birth | 2 August 1972 |
| Age | 52 (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | Polish |
| Spouse | Maciej Myszkowski (married 26 February 2000) |
| Children | 3 (two sons, one daughter) |
| Eurovision 1995 Song | “Sama” |
| Eurovision 2025 Song | “GAJA” |
| Record Label | Various (independent) |
| Website | justynasteczkowska.pl |
Justyna Steczkowska’s Eurovision History: 1995 and 2025
Justyna Steczkowska’s two Eurovision appearances are separated by exactly three decades, a span that sources describe as a record-breaking interval between entries for any artist. Her first performance was in 1995, when she was 23 years old. She returned to the competition in 2025.
Eurovision 1995: “Sama”
In 1995, Polish broadcaster TVP selected Steczkowska to represent Poland at the Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin with the song “Sama.” She finished 18th out of 23 entries, receiving 15 points. Contemporary coverage described her as a promising young artist at the time.
Justyna Steczkowska performed “Sama” at the Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin, Ireland, finishing 18th overall. The song, whose title translates to “Alone,” was one of Poland’s early entries in the competition, following the country’s debut in 1994.
Eurovision 2025: “GAJA”
Steczkowska won the Polish national final on 14 February 2025 with the song “GAJA.” She qualified from the first semifinal on 13 May 2025 and performed in the grand final on 17 May 2025, finishing 14th with 156 points. The song later entered Spotify’s global Viral 50 chart, and Steczkowska became the first Polish female artist to achieve that milestone.
Before her 2025 selection, Steczkowska had also attempted to return to Eurovision in 2024. She entered the Polish preselection that year with “WITCH-ER Tarohoro” but finished second in the internal selection process.
The 30-year interval between Steczkowska’s 1995 and 2025 Eurovision appearances is described in sources as a record-breaking gap for any artist appearing in the contest multiple times. This makes her Eurovision story particularly unusual in the competition’s history.
Justyna Steczkowska’s Personal Life: Husband, Children, and Family
Who Is Justyna Steczkowska’s Husband?
Justyna Steczkowska is married to Maciej Myszkowski, a musician. The couple married on 26 February 2000. Information about their relationship beyond these basic facts is limited in the available sources, but the marriage appears to be stable and long-standing.
Does Justyna Steczkowska Have Children?
Yes, Justyna Steczkowska has three children. Her first child, a son named Leon, was born on 1 September 2000. Her second son, Stanisław, was born on 29 July 2005. Her daughter, Helena, was born on 13 August 2013. The children’s names and birth dates are documented in biographical sources.
Career Timeline of Justyna Steczkowska
- 1972: Born in Rzeszów, Poland.
- 1995: Wins Polish Eurovision qualifiers with “Sama” and represents Poland in Eurovision 1995 (18th place).
- 1996: Releases debut studio album “Dziewczyna szamana” in March, which wins Fryderyk awards for best album and debut.
- 1997: Releases second album “Naga” in October, later certified gold and eventually platinum.
- 2000: Marries Maciej Myszkowski on 26 February.
- 2024: Enters Polish Eurovision qualifiers with “WITCH-ER Tarohoro,” finishing second.
- 2025: Wins Polish national final with “GAJA” on 14 February; performs at Eurovision 2025 in Basel, finishing 14th.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About Steczkowska’s Career
Established Information
- Justyna Steczkowska was born on 2 August 1972.
- She represented Poland in Eurovision 1995 with “Sama.”
- She won the Polish pre-selection for Eurovision 2025 with “GAJA.”
- Her husband is Maciej Myszkowski, married since 2000.
- She has three children: Leon, Stanisław, and Helena.
Information That Remains Unclear
- Lyrics of “GAJA” have not been officially translated into English – interpretations vary.
- Rumors about a potential retirement after 2025 remain unconfirmed.
- Full discography details beyond the albums explicitly cited are not fully catalogued in the available sources.
What Does Justyna Steczkowska’s Return to Eurovision Mean?
Justyna Steczkowska’s return to Eurovision after three decades highlights Poland’s evolving musical identity on the European stage. While she did not win in either 1995 or 2025, her participation in both contests underscores the longevity of her career and her enduring relevance in Polish music.
The song “GAJA” marks a shift in her musical direction toward a more mythologically inspired sound, incorporating elements of Slavic folklore. Some observers have drawn comparisons to other folklore-infused Eurovision entries that have performed well in recent years. Her career longevity and ability to reinvent herself demonstrate adaptability within the Polish music industry.
The absence of a Eurovision win does not appear to have diminished her status as an artist. She continues to maintain a loyal fanbase and has achieved commercial success in Poland, including multiple platinum album certifications and industry awards.
Sources and Quotes About Justyna Steczkowska
“Justyna Maria Steczkowska (born 2 August 1972) is a Polish singer and songwriter.”
— Wikipedia
“Justyna Steczkowska reprezentowała Polskę w 69. Konkursie Piosenki Eurowizji po zwycięstwie w ‘Wielkim Finale Polskich Kwalifikacji’ z utworem ‘GAJA’.”
— JustynaSteczkowska.pl (Official Site)
“Polish representative at @eurovision” (Instagram bio)
— Instagram Bio
What Comes Next for Justyna Steczkowska?
Following her 2025 Eurovision appearance, Justyna Steczkowska is likely to continue performing and recording. Depending on her placement and international exposure, her visibility may increase, potentially leading to more global opportunities. She remains an active figure in Polish music, with a career that shows no signs of slowing down. For readers interested in other musicians’ biographies, Aimee Osbourne – Biography, Music, and Why She Avoided Reality TV offers another perspective on artists navigating public visibility. Meanwhile, Eddie Van Halen – Death, Cause, Net Worth and Legacy provides a contrasting story of a legendary musician’s impact.
Frequently Asked Questions About Justyna Steczkowska
What is Justyna Steczkowska’s most famous song?
Nationally, she is known for many pop hits; internationally, “Sama” (Eurovision 1995) and the new entry “GAJA” are most famous.
Did Justyna Steczkowska retire?
No, she is actively performing and most recently participated in Eurovision 2025.
How many albums has Justyna Steczkowska released?
She has released over a dozen studio albums since 1996.
Is Justyna Steczkowska active on social media?
Yes, she has official Instagram and Facebook accounts with hundreds of thousands of followers.
Does Justyna Steczkowska write her own songs?
Yes, she is a songwriter and often co-writes her material.
Where is Justyna Steczkowska from?
She was born in Rzeszów, Poland.
How old is Justyna Steczkowska?
She was born on 2 August 1972, making her 52 as of 2025.
Did Justyna Steczkowska win Eurovision?
No, she placed 18th in 1995 and 14th in 2025.
What is the song “GAJA” about?
“GAJA” references ancient Slavic mythology and blends folk and electronic musical elements. Official English translations of the lyrics have not been published.
Who is Justyna Steczkowska’s husband?
She is married to Maciej Myszkowski, a musician, since 26 February 2000.
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Sophie Marlowe is Culture & Lifestyle Editor at BritainNow.uk, covering arts, culture, lifestyle and society.