During semi final 2 last night, Poland’s Monika Kuszynska delivered a stunning performance of her song “In the Name of Love”. Built around Monika’s moving backstory, it’s an anthem of perseverance. As a 59-year-old American male, I’m perhaps not the typical Eurovision voter. But in my opinion Poland is right up there with Russia and Armenia.

It’s a brilliant song and she has an incredible voice. The tasteful staging — which flashes back to Monika’s life before her car accident — isn’t over-the-top, nor does it overemphasize her wheelchair. From that chair she delivers the song in a way that transcends her handicap.

Monika Kuzsynzka Emotional at Semi Final 2 Press Conference

At the semi final 2 press conference I asked her if she thinks her accident has made her a better artist. She replied:

“I feel like I have something to say. I think it’s deeper than it used to be, and I have some message to put in my songs and my whole career. It’s amazing, actually. It’s a good part of what happened. Sometimes we can only see the dark side but there are many beautiful things that go with this terrible event, so I always look at the bright side.”

Monika’s uplifting song plays on your emotions in a wondrous way, filling you with joy as it celebrates the power of love. This is not a song of loss or limitations, it’s a positive upbeat song celebrating life.

The audience inside Weiner Stadthalle really got behind her. Most of the people around me said that while it’s not going to do well, they loved it. I think she’ll get a lot more votes than anyone’s expecting. Possibly enough that we’ll be in Warsaw next year. Her performance is that powerful.

What do you all think? Will you be giving her some votes? Will we be in Poland next year?

Follow all of our Poland Eurovision news here

Photo: Eurovision.tv (EBU)

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Oostenrijk
Oostenrijk
8 years ago

I cried when this Song came in the Jury final because I really got overwhelmed by emotions

Otna
Otna
8 years ago

She is a star <3

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
8 years ago

This has been in my top 5 throughout the process and I have seen it get rubbished by experts, media and the wiwijury. Now, everyone sees it on stage and they like it! I, on the other hand, was really disappointed with Monika’s vocal and know that she can do better. She was actually one of the weakest singers on the night. It is a fantastic song with an artist capable of delivering it well. If she performs in the final as she did in the semi, I hope that she does not receive a boatload of pity votes. The… Read more »

Nicky
Nicky
8 years ago

She can’t finish last. Till yeasterday I didn’t care about her at all, but then I was deeply moved! Top 15!

Kamil
Kamil
8 years ago

I am polish and I am very proud of her – she is brave and smart woman who can be inspiration for all of us who have fears about many things every day. She has something important to show and tell than quality composition.
I don’t know what result on saturday for Monika will be, but I think she already won a lot by taking part in Eurovision and that’s important thing.

Alex
Alex
8 years ago

The staging was beautiful for sure. I don’t know, I still have questions about Monika’s vocals, because she sounded much better in studio. But I’m willing to believe that her condition resulting from the accident makes singing more difficult for her. Either way, I love the song, and I wasn’t surprised that she qualified.

LPL
LPL
8 years ago

She is an inspiration to all of us. The performance was AMAZING! This videos of her dancing makes me cry.

Nott
Nott
8 years ago

We could learn a lot from Monika, such a smart and talented lady.
I don’t really care about her placing in the final – SHE DID MANY POLES PROUD.

Oostenrijk
Oostenrijk
8 years ago

I am at Stadthalle But there is no william. 🙁

wut
wut
8 years ago

I’m really glad people are responding to the message. It was tasteful, full of grace, and the vocals were quite pleasant. I adore her backing vocalists and the delicacy she brings. I’m more than sure she will end up on the left hand side of the scoreboard. Not sure about top10, but everything could happen.

Eva
Eva
8 years ago

Monika has a great story to tell and she and her performance does it perfectly IMO. It’s a great inspiration. And she shows that she’s happy not sad. It’s a positive performance. Those images from the past are not to show “that was then and now I’m so poor and down” but “past is past, but I am happy regardless of all bad things”. Monika said beautiful thing: happiness depends on you, it doesn’t matter if you’re on wheelchair or not I am aware that the vocal perfomance isn’t as strong as some other contestants but the fact that she… Read more »

My Vision of Gay Love ~ In The Name Of Gay Love
My Vision of Gay Love ~ In The Name Of Gay Love
8 years ago

I really enjoyed Poland’s performance last night… <3 Well Poland is not expected to win or finish possibly in the top10.. I have my doubts if Monika will finsh last 27th.. But in whatever scenario the only that matters is that Poland has qualified luckily to the big final of tomorrow 🙂 —————————————————— In 5 days Poland will host the big final in Europa League of football in Warsow <3 🙂 I want to believe that the Poles will legalize gay marriage very soon and the gay polish people in Poland will be able to get married.. <3 🙂 This… Read more »

Mario My Vision of Gay Love ~ Only Gay Love Survives!
Mario My Vision of Gay Love ~ Only Gay Love Survives!
8 years ago

In The Name Of Gay Love… <3
Today Ireland is voting 4 gay marriage legalized <3 🙂
The irish citizens are voting either YES to Gay Love or NO to Gay Love..

Im hopeful that the majority of the irish people will vote YES <3 🙂

The result of Ireland's public voting will come tomorrow! <3 🙂

Ann
Ann
8 years ago

I must say I was touched. Nobody signs this way anymore at eurovision. For sure she’ll get my vote.
I like when there is the whole story/package to sell, e.g. Conchita last year, Armenia this year etc……

slavi
slavi
8 years ago

I couldn’t disagree more.
I found the staging (background drop really) rather cheap looking and I had trouble getting into the song. Left me totally cold.

And I cannot imagine this even coming close top 10, but weirder stuff has happened. But to win – absolutely no shot at that at all.