Tonight, ten acts will compete in the grand final of Krajowe Eliminacje 2018. The winner will follow in the footsteps of Michal Szpak and Kasia Mos and represent Poland at Eurovision. But who should get the golden ticket to Lisbon?
The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — has listened to all ten competing entries. Due to time restraints we’re using the mini jury format, but we have been no less thorough with our rankings.
Each jury member lists their top five favourite songs and write a review of their favourite. Our jury is made up of members from Australia, Spain, New Zealand, Poland and the United Kingdom. We’re ready to share our favourites!
Antranig
1. Isabell Otrebus – “Delirium”
The Polish selection is full of quality acts and I would get behind any of my top five. However, Isabell Otrebus is definitely the highlight of Krajowe Eliminacje 2018. “Delirium” is current and Isabell’s vocals sound strong in the studio version. If she can produce the same quality live, “Delirium” could be on its way to Lisbon. “Delirium” would not be out of place on the radio in the West and this could do extremely well for Poland. But if Poland want to send something with a bit more Polish flavour, Saszan is the way to go.
2. Saszan – “Nie chce ciebie mniej”
3. Marta Galuszewska – “Why Don’t We Go”
4. Ifi Ude – “Love Is Stronger”
5. Monika Urlik – “Momentum”
Jordi
1. Ifi Ude – “Love Is Stronger”
In a song contest where ballads and Europop fill the festival nearly in its entirely, Ifi Ude’s “Love Is Stronger” breaks this mould to become a truly refreshing song – and one that could easily stand out. Drawing on her Nigerian roots, this piece attractively combines desirable instrumental avant-pop rhythms with a very eye-catching sound. It’s unexpected and somehow hypnotic. On the other hand, it’s also true that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea and needs the same effect live. I would personally strengthen the chorus a little more, but the whole result is appreciatively diverse and authentic. Poland has some electrifying gems!
2. Isabell Otrebus – “Delirium”
3. Gromee feat. Lukas Meijer – “Light Me Up”
4. Saszan – “Nie chce ciebie mniej”
5. Monika Urlik – “Momentum”
Edd
1. Gromee feat. Lukas Meijer – “Light Me Up”
This is the definition of “generic EDM song”, but that’s no issue when it’s done so well and when it’s a genre that we rarely see at Eurovision. The bass drop is everything, and if they can keep things visually stimulated in the live performance, this will be epic. I would, however, recommend a better use of time in the three-minute version, and aim for three bass drops, as both the verses and the chorus can become too long and tedious at times.
2. Marta Galuszewska – “Why Don’t We Go”
3. Isabell Otrebus – “Delirium”
4. Maja Hyzy – “Blysk (Skin)”
5. Ifi Ude – “Love Is Stronger”
Jonathan
1. Isabell Otrebus – “Delirium”
There’s a lot of generic pop in this year’s Krajowe Eliminacje, some with Eastern European and some with Western European influences. Thus, Isabell stands out by having a strong power ballad and being the only one with a song that has a ‘wow’ moment. While this may be the complete opposite in a Eurovision semi-final, Poland has shown in the past three years that they’re quite capable of qualifying with a ballad. “Delirium” is still contemporary and has a nice set of electronic flourishes. We know that Isabell is a capable singer, so if she gets staging that compliments the song, this would be another respectable entry from Poland.
2. Saszan – “Nie chce ciebie mniej”
3. Gromee feat. Lukas Meijer – “Light Me Up”
4. Marta Galuszewska – “Why Don’t We Go”
5. Future Folk – “Krakowiacy i górale”
Luis
1. Saszan – “Nie chce ciebie mniej”
Saszan’s entry wouldn’t be my favourite if Poland had a stronger national selection. However, among this lot of generic pop tracks, “Nie chce ciebie mniej” stands out. Not only because it’s in Polish, but also because of Saszan’s sweet, silky voice and the catchiness of the chorus. In a sea of fillers, this lady should be sailing to Lisbon easily.
2. Ifi Ude – “Love is stronger”
3. Isabell Otrebus – “Delirium”
4. Gromee ft. Lukas Meijer – “Light me up”
5. Happy Prince – “Don’t let go”
Natalie
1. Isabell Otrebus – “Delirium”
This is an incredibly strong selection for Poland, and I would be delighted if any of my top five went to Lisbon. But Delirium seems like the obvious choice; the beautiful, moody, slick production suits Poland incredibly well, and Isabell has exactly the right voice for this sort of song. There’s just something very natural and gorgeous about this sort of atmosphere that holds it above other modern power ballads to me; the mysterious, downcastness of it really appeals and seems so effortlessly well-done. I’ll be following this one closely if it goes through for Poland.
2. Gromee feat. Lukas Meijer – “Light Me Up”
3. Saszan – “Nie chce ciebie mniej”
4. Marta Galuszewska – “Why Don’t We Go”
5. Happy Prince – “Don’t Let Go”
Marek
1. Ifi Ude – “Love Is Stronger”
Ifi is not who most people would choose as everyone wants to play it safe choosing Gromee or Isabell. But Ifi’s song is something which makes you think! It’s worth taking the risk. Ifi is wildly talented and she needs to be heard. The song is really high class and it’s something fresh. Ifi is doing something no one has ever done with Eurovision before and I love it. I love alternative, I believe Eurovision needs some alternative, not fast food fireworks anymore, please!
2. Gromee feat. Lukas Meijer – “Light Me Up”
3. Isabell Otrebus – “Delirium”
4. Happy Prince – “Don’t Let Go”
5. Maja Hyzy – “Blysk (Skin)”
Robyn
1. Saszan – “Nie chce ciebie mniej”
I’m not actually sure if this is the best potential Eurovision entry amid the ten finalists, but “Nie chce ciebie mniej” is the one I enjoy listening to the most. That has to count for something. It’s a modern pop song, that gives plenty of space for Saszan’s smoky vocals to shine. The song takes a listener on a sophisticated ride, with not even a pause for a pop drop. Will it work live? That’s the big unknown.
2. Marta Galuszewska – “Why Don’t We Go”
3. Isabell Otrebus – “Delirium”
4. Ifi Ude – “Love Is Stronger”
5. Gromee feat. Lukas Meijer – “Light Me Up”
What do you think? Who is your favourite in Krajowe Eliminacje 2018? Let us know in the comments below!
I actually think this is a great selection, I enjoy a majority of the entries. My favourite is Ifi Ude, her song is AMAZING and I really want it to get selected. I will be happy also with Saszan, Marta, Isabell or Gromee.
It’s not our best selection ever, but… Well, it’s time to choose somebody! Personally, I’d like Gromee to be our representant. Poland has never sent a song like “Light Me Up” and I think it would be a nice change for us after all those ballads. Also, I consider this song at least decent, although I don’t listen to that type of music on daily basis. I’m not a fan of “Delirium”; when it comes to Isabell, I preferred her “Voiceless” last year much more. “Love Is Stronger” is a fantastic option, but it sounds better in studio version than… Read more »
Another weak NF.
My personal favourite is “Light me up”, though it’s very radio friendly and I’m not sure how it will look on stage. Looking forward to tonight’s final.
Also, I like “Momentum”, it’s a well made ballad.
“Delirium” is fine. It’s not sth special.
Isabell’s team is certainly having someone connected here because I’m not sure what Wiwiblooggs see in this mediocre dated cliché ballad, untalented singer and amateur production that would be a sure non-qualifier in ESC. All entries in this selection are dreadfully bad and amateur, Gromee is probably the one with the slightest chance to qualify in ESC or Ifi Ude if they revamp her entry, because the current production is a bit flat and sounds more like a demo than a finished product.
I agree about Ifi Ude. The first minute is very promising, then it gets flat. They can cut it at 2.30, no one will notice. It would even work better that way.
Still the best choice, imo.
Isabell Otrebus should have been selected last year. This song is not as strong but then again, the selection is not as good as last year. If Light Me Up is the competition, Isabell should be a no-brainer winner, here.
I think Caramells song was the best last year. Isabell is not really good live.
My favorite is Love is Stronger. I don’t know why but it reminded me a bit of Kedvesem by ByeAlex. It was a dark horse, so this might be as well. Actually I find this one even more captivating than Kedvesem. I must admit I’m somewhat uncomfortable with lyrics but still, I believe this would be the best choice for Poland.
Where did you see the live performances?
You mean the final? eurowizja.tvp.pl
I don’t know if the transmition will be available in other countries though.
It’s available to watch in Europe on eurowizja.tvp.pl
I was watching last year in UK
I listened to them all again and I stand by what I said – there are no outstands! The win is a two horse race between a typical well-done radio hit (Light Me Up) and typical well-done ESC pop (Delirium). 1. Delirium – My top 2 are quite enjoyable, but I am edging on Delirium for it’s catchy hook and slightly mystical sound. Also, I guess Latin title can sound important (also, see Momentum). 7/10 2. Light Me Up – Typical MTV entry to run in a background of a local party, but I like it’s serene instrumental. It leaves… Read more »
In which language ulrik means shout?
Croatian
Interesting. Croatian is a pretty language. Maybe she has some croatian roots.
Thank you. 🙂 Yeah, perhaps. Would be cool.
How do you say “shout” in Polish? Sometimes, our words are similar, sometimes not.
Krzyk
Yeah, it’s krzyk (krzycz in imperativ, so not similar at all), so I was a bit confused 😀
Oh, we say “krik” too. It’s another word for it. Both krik and ulrik are used.
* I mean urlik, just like Monika’s last name. Ulrik is a typo.
Krakowiacy i Gorale is polish folk music from the mountains. I think the video is not official – they removed the original video from Internet.
I’ve seen that the video is gone. Thus, that is the only song I could re-evaluate only through top videos. I might like it better in live (MIGHT is a good word). 🙂
Btw, doesn’t “Why Don’t We Go“ sound just exactly like every single music debut single by former Disney sitcom actresses?
Delirium is my personal favorite, but I’ve mentally already prepared for Gromee to win. He seems to have a fanbase in Michal Szpak level. At least this time it’s a somewhat decent.
Both, Delirium and Light Me Up are the typical been-there-done-that radio friendly music productions that can easily be compared to several previous Eurovision entries. Both have decent chances to qualify. That’s about it.
Maybe next year, Polska 🙁
Btw the show today airs at 21.25. How long will today’s Melfest be? I want to watch both but I’m a bit more interested in Margaret than Krajowe Eliminacje.
*a somewhat decent track, I mean.
Ignore the other typos, blame autocorrect 🙂
isabell shouldn’t win anything, that girl has no charisma at all
she just looks like a tired teenager who had some swedish people write a song for her. NO THANKS
Saszans “Nie chce Ciebie mniej” is a typical polish song. It’s so polish a song can be. However, I think it is not a good song to send for Eurovision.
My favourites are Gromees “Light me up” (Too bad that it’s not “Without you”. Check this out, it’s a real summer hit!) and Ifi Udes “Love is stronger”.
Gromee feat. Lukas Meijer – “Light Me Up”
Sounds great!
Saszan is also very good. Great selection in Poland this year
I’m not convinced this selection is strong. It’s better than last year, that’s for sure, but it doesn’t touch 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2016 – all selections after ESC success or break. Many strong entries were omitted by selecting group. Let’s see.
> This is the definition of “generic EDM song”, but that’s no issue when it’s done so well Yeah. “Light Me Up” kinda reminds me of “I’ve Been Waiting for This Night” – that was also kinda generic, not many people cared about it before the contest, but it was enjoyable enough to land in the bottom half of top ten at the Eurovision final. Probz it’s the best chance for us to succeed this year. About the rest of the songs – Ifi Ude has IMO a dark horse potential, and if we selected her it would be a… Read more »
Gromee ft. Lukas Meijer – “Light me up”
not that I reeeeally like it, but I guess it’s the best from this bland pack.
I’ve heard about PED (Post Eurovision Depression), but I think I have Before Eurovision Depression. I do believe the best song is Belarus. So many try to copy Sobral, others try to be the opposite, but they do it wrong. This year is a mess for me. Thank you Portugal, enjoy your hosting, I’m sure you will think is a great year and that your Peu Madureira is the cherry on the cake.
I think this is a great year! Much better than 2016 or 2017 if you ask me. And I don’t see any Salvador copies yet….
If you count copy as male singer singing slow ballad in his native language, then we have Armenia, Montenegro and maybe Ireland and Germany in English. At the same time Ireland 1980/1987, Estonia 2012 and Iceland 2013, among others, all happened before Sobral…
If you count copy as a human singer singing some notes in a language, then we have all countries copying Salvador.
But I’m sure that “Amar pelos dois” was more than just “male singer singing slow ballad in his native language”.
“Amar pelos dois” was more than just “male singer singing slow ballad in his native language”.
Is true, I forgot about the heart problems. Silly me.
Belarus is trying to copy Kristian Kostov, so I don’t really see your point.
I don’t see any similarities…. Kristian was a great singer, Alekseev can’t hit any note. ”Beautiful mess” stayed true to it’s name, while ‘Forever” is just a mess. Kiristian’s song was a good ballad, and Alekseev is….I don’t even know what the song is supposed to be. Maybe they are trying to copy Kostov and I’m just not realizing it because they’re failing so badly.
Kostov was pretentious and a show-off. His song was very good though, I give him that. Whereas Alekseev seems like a very humble and kind person. That’s a plus for him. As for his song, it’s true it’s not good enough but still pretty good. But Alekseev should have been way better than this.
It’s funny they actually attract the same demographics. I predict the audience will appreciate Forever than you do.
I don’t think Forever is that bad, but in comparism with Kristian’s song (which was my 2nd last year) it’s not really that good either.
Even if I don’t think he will do better than Kostov, still I should give him some credits. I will be disappointed if he won’t make it through the final.
Belarus has a catchy chorus. I don’t care to be right, but I do believe televoters will remember it during voting.
I have to say that this is one of the strong selections this year. Hopefully they will place high this year. Good Luck from Germany
PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE Poland sdelect Delirium, its the best one by far.
I don’t think Isabell sing good live, so the song is awesome only in it’s studio version.
“Momentum” is the best. “Love Is Stronger” would be a very interesting choice as well.
I just listened to Light Me Up, it bops HARD. Whew, Poland is coming for blood with that one.
I want Love is stronger….What is it with Delirium that I don’t seem to get?
(I’d also rather have ”Light me up” instead of Delirium tbh.)
They will probably choose the ballad again. Momentum already has the most views of the live performances yesterday.
Lordamercy NO. What we don’t need is another bland ballad from them.
“Momentum” has no chance.
Where did you see the live performances??
On YouTube.
Mess at y’all having that scrihming Isabell girl in all of your tops. Is the rest of the selection really THAT bad?
No, it’s just Wiwi Jury that loves prepackaged Swedish meals.