The Judges

Tonight’s judges were perennial favourite Ramūnas Zilnys, who although he still looks older than his years, didn’t look a day older than last year. He was joined by the composer of When We’re Old, Vytautas Bikus and DJ John Nainys.

The Hosts

Each week the hosts will be Giedrius Masalskis and Gabrielė Martirosianaitė. Gabrielė hosted the 2016 competition very well so it is a particular pleasure to see her return this year. While Giedrius looked stylish in basic suit, Gabrielė wore a bright red corset like dress, which you often see on the streets of Vilnius. Lipstick was also worn to match.

The Songs

Matas Ligeika – You Came Here to Fly

Matas had the honour of opening this year’s competition. He made the judges forget about the cold Lithuanian winter with his breezy summer sound. As a newcomer he was praised for his performance and the judges felt he had potential. Accompanied by his guitar, Matas and his two female and one male, backing singers pleased the judges enough.

Simona – This Day Begins with Love

Another act making their debut. The judges felt that the song was way to retro and belonged in the seventies. As a result it looks as if Simona will be doomed on her first attempt, as the song seemed inappropriate for Eurovision in the 21st century. Looking very summery in her black dress and leather jacket Simona packed a powerful vocal.

Filtered Tools – Survival

While an experienced band of over 15 years, only the female lead singer, Rasa Bubulytė appeared on the stage. The song is about the survival of the planet and the excess pollution, but the judges felt the heart breaking video was stronger than the song. Although they liked the message, the song did not pack much punch. Rasa sang very well though.

Rūta Statkevičiūtė – Paradox

This song was described as sensuous, but it is actually about all the terrorist attacks happening in the world. Rūta caught the judges attention with her striking red dress, but felt she needed to emote more, should she get to the next round. The lyrics maybe indicated that the red dress stood for all the blood shed. The sombre piano added to the drama, but the song is maybe too bleak for Eurovision. Very good message though.

Šarūnas Mačiūlis – Traukinys

Veteran act Šarūnas, although the judges were pleased to see him, were disappointed in the song Train. They wondered if this was a bit of a joke entry, although the audience seemed to love it. The song was a lively little number reminiscent of some of Jahn Teigen’s better known songs. The backing singers seemed to enjoy singing a long in the chorus.

Aldegunda –  I Want Your Love

Yet again the song was described as sensual. There was some dancing taking place around a high chair. The judges felt though that the song had a nice enough chorus, but it had to be heard more than once. As Eurovision was a one time shot, it seemed unlikely to go to Tel Aviv. However it’s Spanish flavoured rhythm makes this entry particularly appealing.

Gabriela Ždanovičiūtė – Home Is in Your Heart

At only 16 years old, the judges felt that acts like Gabriela gave them a good feeling about the future of Lithuanian music. They felt that this performance was strong, before hitting with a sting that there was no way this was heading to Eurovision. With an absent Paula this year, Gabriela could capture the teenage vote with her powerful vocals.

Migloko – Rožės

Sung in Lithuanian, this was as off the wall as any Eurovision entry has been and of course the judges loved it. They had doubts that singing in the home language could be a disadvantage. The fact that it was a little different, and it depends on your definition of little, was its strong point and it’s likely this will be in the next heat.  The singing was wonderful and the gimmick of wearing headphones while singing has returned. Maarya want them back.

Twosome – 1000

Getting in as many tricks as they can, this trio were back after last years novelty number Hello. This year the song was again sung in many languages, but the judges admitted that they missed that. Guaranteed to be an audience favourite, the judges marked it mid table. Il Volo will be sweating should this win the Lithuanian contest this year. Good fun though.

MaNNazz – Blind Bird

This husband and wife team also sang a song about the perils of the planet. The beat boxing of  Jade Sienkievičius was praised. The song was described as dark, but very listenable and had great potential. However something was still missing from the song and a bit of work was needed to improve. Lead singer, Kielaitė Sienkievič had the hair fringe of the evening. One to watch.

Gebrasy  – Acceptance

With his third successive appearance, Audrius Petrauskas now going by the name Gebrasy, was praised about his song about what happens when you first fall in love with a man. The singing was highly praised but Gebrasy was told that he lacked emotion in his face. With a stronger performance this one could do well. Globally appealing.

Glossarium – Anyone

This rock band closed the show. The judges felt that three minutes was probably not enough time for the song, especially with a long guitar solo. Whilst entertaining and good to add some diversity to the competition, the judges felt that this was unlikely to go to Eurovision.

The Results

Lithuania in the Eurovision Song Contest

This year will be the twentieth time that Lithuania has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest. Let’s face it though, despite one of the longest selection processes and so many National Final entries, Lithuania’s performance at Eurovision has been relatively poor.