Czech Republic national finalists 2018

In December Czech broadcaster CZ revealed images of the six finalists competing in its national selection for Eurovision 2018 — but those images only featured their feet and legs.

Well today those limbs finally have faces to go with them with confirmation that Doctor Victor, Debbi, Eddie Stoilow, Eva Buresova, Mikolas Josef and Pavel Callta will compete. Based on the earlier black and white images, Czech fans guessed (more or less) half of the acts. Not bad, y’all!

Not only did we learn their identities, we now also know all six songs as well.

The broadcaster selected these acts from a field of more than 400 entries. Of those, 36 came from Czech creatives.

Czech Republic: 6 Finalists

Doctor Victor — Stand Up

Doctor Victor are a Prague-based rock trio. The band’s success has seen them open for legendary band AC/DC at their Prague concert. In 2017, they toured the UK, performing in six cities around the country.

Debbi — High On Love

Debbi is the stage name of German-Czech singer, Deborah Kahl. Debbi won “Song of the Year” at the 2010 Andel Awards for her track “Touch the Sun”. Her latest album, “Break”, came out in 2017.

Eddie Stoilow — We Rule This World

Surprise: Eddie Stoilow are actually a band, not a solo act! In 2015, the group were the openers for Simply Red. The group released their last album, “Jupiter”, in 2016 and toured extensively throughout 2017.

Eva Buresova — Fly

First appearing as a finalist on Czech & Slovakia’s Got Talent in 2011, Eva Buresova is a singer and actress from Hlucin.

Eva made headlines in 2017 when she revealed that, after the birth of her son, she decided to drink the placenta in a cocktail. Yummy!

Mikolas Josef — Lie to Me

Mikolas Josef was the only act previously confirmed. He hoped to represent his country last year, but lost out to Martina Barta in the behind-the-scenes negotiations.

But his passion remains, as he showed in an interview last November when he said his only goal would be victory at Eurovision. He also mentioned that he would love to incorporate some of his other talents — including breakdancing and gymnastics — into a potential ESC performance.

Pavel Callta — Never Forget

Another former Czech & Slovakia’s Got Talent 2011 alumni, Pavel Callta failed to make it out of the semi-finals of that contest.

Since then, however, Pavel’s career has grown from strength to strength. His 2017 song, “Píšem si svuj sen” has nearly 8 million views on YouTube. He’ll also be releasing his new album, “One Body, One Soul” in February 2018.

It’s now all eyes on the Eurovision app. The six acts will now be voted on by the public, with the winner to be announced on January 29.

What do you think of the acts for the Czech national final? Who would you like to see in Lisbon? Share your thoughts below!

READ MORE CZECH REPUBLIC EUROVISION NEWS

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Holov
Holov
6 years ago

Deleting comments?

Flynn
Flynn
6 years ago

This is a bit of a difficult choice. Mikolas should get good televote points but I can’t see jury getting behind him and I think the opposite would be true for Eva. Debbi, I think would get a middling score in both departments like Timebelle and Tijana and would either barely not qualify or just make it to final. The 2 bands have no chance they’re a bit dated. That leaves Pavel, now I know he’ll do well with jury but televote I’m a bit unsure about he could either garner a lot of support like Roman Lob or flop… Read more »

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago

That’s a good line up for Czech Republic.
“Lie to me” is the one to stand out, it’s catchy, it’s up beat and the live performance will make it even better. I really like it.
Also, I like the 2 girls, Debbi and Eva.
May the best act win!

Colin
Colin
6 years ago

Heard them all twice again, and here we go: 6th place – StandUP – It is not a classic ESC song, I give them that. Other than that, it sounds dated and noisy. Instrumental is kind of climaxing throughout the song. – 4/10 5th place – We Rule This World – It’s a nice, calming song. I don’t dislike anything in it, but it’s kind of boring. Quite the opposite of StandUP. it’s too quiet and never has any climax. – 5/10 4th place – High on Love – I like it. It might not be something that would make… Read more »

Idan
Idan
6 years ago

Both songs “Lie to me” and “Never forget” are really good songs!
the other songs sounds kind of “cheezy” for me, and nothing speciel with those songs!
I hope you choose right 😉
Love from Israel

Roddie Santos
Roddie Santos
6 years ago

6- Doctor Victor – Stand Up: Typical rock cannon-fodder song, don’t need to explain why it’s in last place. 4/10 5- Eddie Stoilow – We Rule This World: Nice sound, but a very underwhelming song. 6/10 4- Mikolas Josef – Lie To Me: Honestly, it’s pissing me off how overrated this is! It’s like a cheap copy of a Jason Derulo’s song like many are saying, and as I said for Naeman’s Kiss Me (Switzerland), good and current for mainstream pop, not for Eurovision. 6,5/10 Now for my favorites: 3- Eva Buresova – Fly: A good dark ballad, nice lyrics… Read more »

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

I would send Eva with “Fly”.
Simples. 🙂

bqtch
bqtch
6 years ago

I’d say they couldn’t get worse than Martina Barta, but then I remembered Gipsy.cz. Honestly this kinda meh. Tbf Stand Up isn’t my type of music, but it is just constant noise. High On Love is OK, but the chorus lyrics are so generic they belong in the Maltese selection. We Rule This World and Fly could potentially have great staging, so it’s a good thing this is a strictly online selection or these dull, generic songs could win. Lie To Me is the most radio friendly, but honestly it is flatter Loreen’s chest. It never goes anywhere. I think… Read more »

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  bqtch

Don’t body shame Loreen.

kenna
6 years ago

My analyses of all the songs: High On Love – The song isn’t really anything new, but it has such a great energy and drive. I really love how the song isn’t completely reliant on synthetic sounds and actually makes good use of rock instruments. 8/12 Lie To Me – Well, the most obvious winner anyway. It’s catchy and energetic and can perform very well commercially. If anything, the constant swearing on the second verse puts me off a bit, and it can come off as a sleazy product overall, which is why it isn’t higher than ‘High On Love’.… Read more »

Hebbuzz
Hebbuzz
6 years ago

Quite a refreshing preselection. Probably all cz songs are better than 14 out of the 16 Maltese ones. ? I think Debbi will have the best chances in Lisboa.

West
West
6 years ago

I was deciding between Lie To Me and High On Love – but then I realised that at the end of day the only song that keeps playing in my head and which I keep humming is Lie To Me. I don’t think it’s a perfect song, but it’s such a earworm! High On Love is great too, but I guess my ote goes to Mikolas. My top 6: 1. Lie To Me 2. High On Love 3. We Rule the World – I’m deffinitely dowloading this to my iPod and listen on repeat. I like it, but there are… Read more »

Lars-Kristian Nielsen-Stensrud
Lars-Kristian Nielsen-Stensrud
6 years ago

And here is my top.

1. Lie To Me – Mikolas Josef
2. Never Forget – Pavel Callta
3. High On Love – Debbi
4. We Rule This World – Eddie Stoilow
5. Fly – Eva Buresova
6. Stand Up – Doctor Victor

It is most correct for Czech to choise some contemporary field. I think Mikolas will be the best and only choice.

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

Well, now we have the songs from 7 NF. My ranking: 1. Albania: FiK had 3-5 decent entries for ESC. The winner is a strong song; 2. Romania: Most songs still sound like demo tracks, but with a good revamp, I can see +-5 potential ESC entries; 3. Hungary: A Dal doesn’t have a song that stands out, but there are many interesting choices; 4. Czech Republic: “Lie to Me” seems to be the winner, but all the acts are average pop-rock songs; 5. Latvia: “Esamiba” is the top choice and likely the winner. The rest is composed by weak… Read more »

Erasmus
Erasmus
6 years ago
Reply to  Jo

Agree on some points… my top: 1. Czech Republic: I really like 3 entries, which is a half. And there isn’t any bad song. 2. Latvia: I really like 7 songs. And there are only like 4 bad entries. 3. Hungary: Agree with your point. 4. Estonia: I do not like most of the songs, but they are interesting, just not in my style, but they have two songs that are in my top 3 overall (from all NF) 5. Romania: I LOVE two songs, but that’s it – I hate all the others. 6. Albania: Kind of like Hungary,… Read more »

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  Jo

What about France?

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  Mark

only snippets so far…

Céleste
Céleste
6 years ago
Reply to  Jo

The all songs will be on deezer the morning of their semi, so the first 9, saturday 13, and the 9 last saturday 20, source is the producer of the shows on twitter.

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  Céleste

Thanks.

Roddie Santos
Roddie Santos
6 years ago
Reply to  Jo

For me it’s like that: 1- Switzerland: All the songs are great and could do well for their country in Lisbon. 2- Albania: Like you said, it had some decent entries and the winner is a very strong song. 3- Czech Republic: Most of the songs are pretty good and modern, and could take Czechia to the finals. I truly hope that this song is High On Love, if not then Never Forget or Fly. 4- Romania: It has some cannon-fodders but there also some great songs that could make Romania qualify for the final again. 5- Latvia: Most of… Read more »

Colin
Colin
6 years ago

Again, my very first impressions: Three songs outshine the other three. Fly and Never Forget are pretty decent ballads, while Lie to Me is obviously the one to watch for it’s different sound, upbeat rhythm and cool trumpets. My prediction is that Mikolas is the likely winner. His song stands out the most. Wouldn’t be too upset if Eva or Pavel are the surprise winners, though.

Josh Kennon
Josh Kennon
6 years ago

1-2. High on Love/We Rule This World — Both very anthem-like and have inclusive vibes that fit the “All Aboard” theme this year
3. Pavel Callita — Clunky language in the verses, but the sound makes up for a lot of sins
4. Eva Buresova — Trying too hard to ride on the coattails of Kasia Mos, cool vibe but very clunky lyrics
5. Mikolas Josef — Funky modern vibe, but goes too fast to really appreciate it, and the cursing is unnecessary
6. Stand Up — Too many wacky references and language fumbles

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  Josh Kennon

“Lie to me” is ‘too fast.’

What’s wrong with you? I sure hope you never go to a disco, let alone a rave. You’d die from the speed of the music.

Adam
Adam
6 years ago

The whole point is for Czechia to send something different than before. They’ve been sending ballads since 2015, with no results at all. Before that, they’ve send rock or cheesy typical Eurovision songs.

Whether you like it or not, Lie to Me is the song that Czechia needs to stand out for the first time.

Colin
Colin
6 years ago
Reply to  Adam

”with no results at all” – They did qualify in 2016. It wasn’t a high-ranking qualification, but it was one nonetheless.

Lie to Me is a different song that grabs one’s attention, I am giving you that one.

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  Colin

‘Lie to Me’ would do better than ‘I stand’

AB
AB
6 years ago

“Fly on the wings of broken love” – oh brother, that’s way too close to Denmark 2000’s song title for me to get past…

mad-professor
mad-professor
6 years ago
Reply to  AB

Literally my first thought! XD

loci
loci
6 years ago

Seriously… why is no country have a boy band or girl band contestant with a pop song. It’s only singers or rock bands…

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  loci

Because it’s off trend

loci
loci
6 years ago
Reply to  Mark

Mark it’s not off trend sweetie, ever heard of k-pop? shut up.

loci
loci
6 years ago
Reply to  loci

Not to mention CNCO from latin america.

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  loci

Are we Korean?

loci
loci
6 years ago
Reply to  Mark

I gave you two examples. First of all, k-pop is influenced by western pop. Secondly, I could mention little mix, fifth harmony, the wanted, etc if you wish.

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  loci

They’re has-beens

loci
loci
6 years ago
Reply to  Mark

Nope.

AB
AB
6 years ago
Reply to  loci

Denmark 2015 and 2016 must have scared people off.

Mark
Mark
6 years ago

The problem is that at Eurovision people will only remember the short snippet; so it’s best to have a short snippet that sticks out rather than an entire song that take three minutes to build.

Dutchburger
Dutchburger
6 years ago

Lie to me FTW

Lewis S
Lewis S
6 years ago

By far my favourite is fly, I like the almost mystic sound, minus the cliché lyrics. Pavel has my favourite voice, I like the accent in his singing, songs not bad. Lie to Me, I like everything bar the chorus. High on love is generic pop trash. Rule this world, they sound so Coldplay… and I hate Coldplay. And Doctor whatever, that was less rock and more monotonous roll… I think (and I know it’s early) the chances of qualifying are slim possibly coming in around 35th overall.

Nick Greece
Nick Greece
6 years ago

This is my top 6:

1. Lie To Me – Mikolas Josef
2. Stand Up – Doctor Victor
3. Fly – Eva Buresova
4. We Rule This World – Eddie Stoilow
5. High On Love – Debbi
6. Never Forget – Pavel Callta

Cobra863
Cobra863
6 years ago

After listening to the six songs, here are my thoughts, ranked from worse to better : 6) STAND UP : This track isn’t exactly modern… Would probably sound great in some festival, not on the Eurovision stage. The 4 following songs all have an interesting beginning but the chorus is quite weak : 5) FLY : too similar to previous czech entries. Nice voice still. 4) NEVER FORGET : Cool but forgettable, wouldn’t do bad but wouldn’t do great either. 3) RULE THE WORLD : Perfect vocals but boring chorus… Would be different from the ballads Czechia usually sends though.… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
6 years ago

It seems that Lie to Me is a “love it or hate it”. I like it. It’s fun and catchy. With a dynamic performance and a clever staging, I can see it pulling a Hey Mamma, like so many people already pointed here. I also like High on Love a lot but I must admit that it sounds dated. I wouldn’t complain if that’s the chosen one though. Never Forget is pretty decent but I think it has the same problem as Stig’s song for Estonia: it’s bland and could vanish when compared to all the crazyness of a ESC.… Read more »

D
D
6 years ago

The only ones I don’t like are Doctor Victor and Eddie Stoilow, the other four are all great and would be very respectable entries for the Czech Republic. I expect Mikolas will win, but I wouldn’t be upset with the other three.

Will
Will
6 years ago

1. Lie To Me – Mikolas Josef
2. Fly – Eva Buresova
3. Stand Up – Doctor Victor
4. We Rule This World – Eddie Stoilow
5. High On Love – Debbi
6. Never Forget – Pavel Callta

Siranush
Siranush
6 years ago

Did anyone have trouble with the voting? When I clicked on it, it had already seemed to have voted for Fly. However that was also my favorite song, so I’m not salty. It’s probably just something I did accidentally lol

chaparal
chaparal
6 years ago

Ok just to clarify “Lie to me” is just not for me (but i’m afraid that they’ll choose it…) So, Debbi’s song sounds like a song that would perform first, nothing special, StandUp is moderate mostly for those who listen to rock and even thogh Never Forget does have that “Ed Sheeran” feeling it’s the only descent from the other songs Now….., Fly is like Katy Perry’s “Rise” rythmically, it has a “LoveWave” vibe, and it leaves you with that “Loreen’s Statements” anticipation (weird yet different)…But, the problem is that with this awesome build-up pre chorus and that slightly off… Read more »

Dew
Dew
6 years ago

The verse of “Lie To Me” is fun but when he hits the chorus, the magic just disappears.
As for “High On Love”, this sounds nice as a whole but I don’t think it has a shot to qualify in Eurovision if it gets chosen. It’s like a 90’s theme song from an American TV series.
I think they’re gonna struggle this time as well unless one singer can pull another surprise like the chosen song from Albania with amazing vocals.

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  Dew

I disagree. 90s TV music was garbage; this song is the bomb.

Dew
Dew
6 years ago
Reply to  Mark

Bomb? It’s a nice song but nowhere a bomb.

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  Dew

A bomb in comparison to all the other songs in this competition.

Leo M
Leo M
6 years ago

I like Never Forget, it was the only one I manage to listen all the way through. Fly would be a decent choice either. You can rule out the rest especially Stand Up, which is just awful. Overall disappointing selection but in my opinion, Never Forget is the best option.

Dew
Dew
6 years ago

Some of them sound like country…

Noil
Noil
6 years ago

Welp, Czechia won’t win this year.

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  Noil

42 countries won’t win. Get over it.

Kris
Kris
6 years ago

Is the order in which the acts are mentioned on this page the order in which they will perform in the national final?

Cause Lie to me towards the end will definitely favour its cause.

Héctor
Héctor
6 years ago
Reply to  Kris

As far as I know there isn’t a televised national final. It will be selected via online voting in the Eurovision app, but only for the Czech with the help of an international jury whose votes will be revealed before the online voting closes.

Josef
6 years ago
Reply to  Héctor

Hector: Jury votes will be revealed after the public voting closes. The full results then follow one week later on 29th January.

Héctor
Héctor
6 years ago
Reply to  Josef

Sorry, my mistake! I found more logical that the jury vote before the online vote closes. You know, just to avoid fraud jury voting accusations.

Nikos
Nikos
6 years ago

I’m actually pretty happy with the selection here, I love 2, like 2, and don’t care about the other 2: 1) “Lie to Me” – I can see why some people find this annoying but I think it’s very catchy, very current, and could pull a Moldova 2017 like others mention. Reminds me of Charlie Puth “Attention” and “How Long”. He has the charisma and energy. I hope this wins! 2) “Never Forget” – I really like the melody and the tone of his voice. Unlike the other 5 singers, Pavel might have some trouble with his English and there… Read more »

Adrian
Adrian
6 years ago
Reply to  Nikos

My worry for ‘Lie to Me’ is that there live staging needs to do something very different to support the song, or else a Macedonia 2017 may happen. Also, it’s nowhere the level as Charlie Puth because Charlie Puth has the voice but Mikolas Josef doesn’t.

kenna
6 years ago
Reply to  Adrian

Really? You’re comparing Mikolas with Charlie Puth.

Amor
Amor
6 years ago
Reply to  kenna

BTW I like your little icon. Crayon Shin-Chan!

MTD
MTD
6 years ago

I had high hopes…only to find myself skipping song after song until I got nowhere to skip. Oh, well…better luck next time CZ.

And I liked the “Never forget”, but that is basic radio that leaves you emotionless after seeing on a big stage. So, nope.

So, I am #teamFrance until further notice.

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  MTD

#basicbitch

MTD
MTD
6 years ago
Reply to  Mark

#proud

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  MTD

#shame

Héctor
Héctor
6 years ago

I was expecting something big given the efforts the Czech Republic has been making, but I should say I’m a bit dissapointed with this selection. The songs aren’t bad, but they just don’t stand up. When Mikolas Josef was confirmed, I said I preferred something else because I’m not a fan of “Lie to Me” (hate those trumpets), and I’m still thinking that, but looking at the line-up, the Czech probably think he’s the safest option overall. Maybe he can pull out a good show on stage like Moldova 2017. Well, these are my personal and unprofessional thoughts on the… Read more »

esc freak
esc freak
6 years ago

Debbi is the best. Mikolas has a fun song but I doubt it he would be able to pull those verses off live.

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  esc freak

Based on what?

blondboybc
blondboybc
6 years ago

Well, not very impressed here, but I prefer “Fly” the most of the lot…just needs a stronger buildup and chorus. Many of these songs lack impact and emotion. They could learn something from Albania, tbh. The real test will be their live vocals and performance/staging. None of these are guaranteed ESC finalists. Preferred 2016.

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  blondboybc

No one should be learning from Albania. It has one of the worst track records.

Kermit
Kermit
6 years ago

Dr. Victor must win. A strong injection of fresh rock – just what ESC needs. Brilliant song!

Apple
Apple
6 years ago

I think that Mikolas or Eva could get the Czechs their best result ever! Great songs, hope they can sell them! Also, I would’t mind Pavel, but it could get lost. Honestly, I expected worst from the Czech Republic.
And I’m sorry guys but I don’t see the buzz with Debbi, I hardly finished her song… Everyone has its own taste, but I was surprised reading so much love to her song.

Daniel
Daniel
6 years ago

1. Lie To Me
2. Fly

The others are average at best, but at least not terrible.

Mikolas is the obvious choice is CZR wants a good result this year 😀

Aaron
Aaron
6 years ago

Erica Jennings has withdrawn from Eurovizijos Atranka due to “disagreements of the competition’s use of a judging panel”. Surprised you haven’t reported it yet, Wiwibloggs!

Nico
Nico
6 years ago
Reply to  Aaron

Actually they covered before.

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  Aaron

This is Czech Republic, not Lithuania.

Cobra863
Cobra863
6 years ago

From the snippets it seems like Lie to me is the more memorable one. I found a live performance of the first verse on YouTube and it’s quite similar to the studio version. I want him so badly to win this national final xD ! As said before, I think Mikolas Josef could get a result as nice as Sunstroke Project or as bad as Dance Alone…

Pablo
Pablo
6 years ago

Will listen to the rest. But I’m so addicted to Lie To Me it’s not normal. <3

Janro
Janro
6 years ago

Of these my favourites of Mikolas and Pavel. Would be happy with either winning 🙂

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
6 years ago

It’s between High On Love and Lie To me, the latter being my favorite, but I think Hogh On Love will win this selection. I think Cze might qualify with those two, if they have an interesting enough staging.

Olliv
Olliv
6 years ago

I think Lie to me is the best song of these. It’s fun, catchy, and memorable. I think Glam rock had it’s time already..and both girls’ songs sound too eurovision-ish. And i can’t even remember other ones after a few minutes..So Czechs please send Mikolas Josef, suprise us!

Janro
Janro
6 years ago

I thought Jakub Ondra was in this selection! 🙁 That’s sad. I was hoping he would win. I love his music.

Milkyy
Milkyy
6 years ago

It HAS TO BE Mikolas! Only he can give the Czech Republic their best result. The other songs are so boring and predictable.

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  Milkyy

#preach

Let Christer Björkman help CZ choose their song next year
Let Christer Björkman help CZ choose their song next year
6 years ago

I expected greater songs than these 6 after over 400 songs were submitted! I think that the biggest reason for why CZ does so bad at ESC nowadays, is because the national broadcasters own ”selection jury” seems to have a dated music taste and always go for bland ballads instead of the actual good songs. C’mon, you must admit that it’s strange that Martina Bartas song won last year when several hundreds of songs were submitted! Maybe the truth is that CZ don’t want to win due to the costs of organizing ESC the following year, and because of that… Read more »

AzeriChico
AzeriChico
6 years ago

lovely nickname.

Mark
Mark
6 years ago

I think the Czech Republic aren’t even thinking about winning. I think they just want to get into the final.