On Saturday, the grand final of Padandom is naujo 2020! will be held, and with it, Lithuania will decide its act for Eurovision 2020. Eight acts will compete but only one can win the ticket to Rotterdam. The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — has listened to all eight finalists and listed our favourites. Who do we think should win the national final?

Florian

1. Moniqué – “Make Me Human”

Moniqué’s vocals are instantly creating a unique and delicate, at points even vulnerable atmosphere. She performs the track with a very strong yet minimalistic approach. The reduced staging plays to her advantage before she puts all her emotion into the final chorus. The light on her jacket at the end is a nice addition which wraps it all up nicely.

2. THE ROOP – “On Fire”
3. Rūta Loop – “We Came from the Sun”
4. Meandi – “DRIP”
5. KaYra – “Alligator”

Tom

1. THE ROOP – “On Fire”

Sometimes, you have to sit back and think, what will make the biggest impact at Eurovision. The majority of the songs from Lithuania this year are all in all, very good. However, the one that stands out both as a sore thumb and genius at the same time is “THE ROOP”. The song’s crazy choreography and an undeniably catchy chorus plays with the line of joke act, and brilliance. I think it’s brilliant.

2. Rūta Loop – “We Came from the Sun”
3. Monika Marija – “If I Leave”
4. Aistė Pilvelytė – “Unbreakable”
5. Moniqué – “Make Me Human”

Antranig

1. Moniqué – “Make Me Human”

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more visually compelling presentation at a national final outside of Sweden. Moniqué sells everything about this song and her robotic movements ironically inject so much vulnerability into the performance. This is very much a calculated effort, combining a great song and performance — yet all of it feels genuine. “Make Me Human” needs to be discussed as a potential Eurovision winner.

2. Rūta Loop – “We Came from the Sun”
3. THE ROOP – “On Fire”
4. Monika Marija – “If I Leave”
5. Aistė Pilvelytė – “Unbreakable”

Barnabas

1. Moniqué – “Make Me Human”

It would be a huge mistake from Lithuania not to send this package to Rotterdam. And it’s not just that we’re talking about a household name here, but the song itself is great. Despite being minimalistic in the arrangement, it (together with the innovative and creative visual concept) pulls you in and keeps you focused. And with all this, it remains fresh and authentic. Lithuania has a prospect of a historic result at Eurovision in their hands. Let’s hope they won’t blow it.

2. Monika Marija – “If I Leave”
3. THE ROOP – “On Fire”
4. KaYra – “Alligator”
5. Rūta Loop – “We Came from the Sun”

 

Lucy

1. THE ROOP – “On Fire”

Lithuania’s answer to Hot Chip is giving me life! Not only is the song pretty darn unique when it comes to national finals for Eurovision, but the choreography is remarkably eye-catching whether you want it to be or not. Soulful vocals, with an indie edge, I’m here for every single second of “On Fire”. It seems the Lithuanian public are too with the track consistently winning the public vote in the rounds, not to mention its success in the Lithuanian Spotify charts. THE ROOP, quite simply, I’m obsessed.

2. KaYra – “Alligator”
3. Rūta Loop – “We Came from the Sun”
4. Moniqué – “Make Me Human”
5. The Backs – “Fully”

Luis

1. Moniqué – “Make me human”

“Make Me Human” is an excellent example of how to create strength from vulnerability and fragility. On stage, Moniqué manages to give life to an otherwise simple pop song, and she takes this into a new dimension. The live performance has gravitas and it keeps you watching for the three minutes, which is something that doesn’t happen with the studio version. This would make Lithuania’s first-ever serious threat to Eurovision victory.

2. THE ROOP – “On Fire”
3. Meandi – “DRIP”
4. KayRa – “Alligator”
5. Ruta Loop – “We Came from the Sun”

Robyn

1. THE ROOP – “On Fire”

The higher/fire/desire rhyme is one of the most tiresome in the English language. And yet it’s not entirely unwelcome in THE ROOP’s song. “On Fire” is a tense, stylish number, a setting that lets that rhyme scheme settle in and feel necessary. With the quirky choreography of the previous performances, “On Fire” comes with a unique style that would make it stand out at Eurovision.

2. Moniqué – “Make Me Human”
3. KaYra – “Alligator”
4. Meandi – “DRIP”
5. Rūta Loop – “We Came from the Sun”

Lukas

1. Moniqué – “Make Me Human”

I like all eight songs in Lithuania’s selection, however, I have one clear favourite which I would love to see in Rotterdam. Moniqué was my favourite going into the Eurovizijos Atranka even if her song was not yet released and she did not disappoint me. “Make Me Human” is a strong and powerful song with very memorable staging and styling. While the song is not your usual Eurovision pop song, something like this would stand out on the big stage. If Lithuania picks this act, I would be very proud of my country.

2. KaYra – “Alligator”
3. Aistė Pilvelytė – “Unbreakable”
4. Rūta Loop – “We Came from the Sun”
5. Monika Marija – “If I Leave”

Pablo

1. THE ROOP – “On Fire”

Anyone who can take all the lyrical cliches and make them feel necessary and fresh gets a plus in my book. THE ROOP has an undeniably cool, Berlin-art-kids vibe to them that makes the entire package feel eclectic but accessible. There’s this commitment from every band member that convinces you that what you are seeing is actually the new rage. “On Fire” is the only entry I feel strongly for here, and sending it would be such a statement in Rotterdam. We will all throw our arms around with no regard and be joyous with them.

2. Monika Marija – “If I Leave”
3. KaYra – “Alligator”
4. Aistė Pilvelytė – “Unbreakable”
5. Rūta Loop – “We Came from the Sun”

Read more Lithuania Eurovision news here

 

43 Comments
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Gabi
Gabi
4 years ago

I’m not surprised that anyone who’s for the Roop dislikes Monique so much. seriously guys, why you hate Lithuania so much that you want us to fail again? The Roop. Fusedmarc. Tons more that were ‘sO uNiQUe itS gOnNa Do sO WeLl I cAnt EvEn. That’s just ridiculous

Mr X
Mr X
4 years ago

Seems to be an battle between Moniqué and my favourite The Roop.

The worst decision would be Aiste….

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 years ago

Thanks jury. This could be Lithuania’s strongest ever selection, so it’s such a tough call to make. There are two massive hit songs here that are total opposites – one is groovy and light-hearted (On Fire, The Roop) and the other is beautiful artistic melancholy (Make Me Human). Even outside of the top two, there are other likeable songs and performers that/who could steal this win. Never underestimate Monika Marija, for example, nor Aiste’s song written by G:son. And if all else fails, even Ruta Loop and KaYra and others would provide strong Eurovision entries. Well done LRT. This actually… Read more »

Anthony
Anthony
4 years ago

The Roop with the song and those crazy moves everything its fine. I just hope in the final they will keep the same white clothes like was in the first performance

Ves
Ves
4 years ago

Lithuania The Roop is the key this year!!

Vitalyzds
Vitalyzds
4 years ago

After listen Monique and The Roop songs im like more The Roop its entertaiment and unique

DiegoESC
DiegoESC
4 years ago

For me and my friends so far the best song is The Roop – On Fire because they got everything for Eurovision and their song is catchy

mia
mia
4 years ago

I honestly dont get the hype around Monique… The Roop have so much potential, they will definitely stand out in Rotterdam, everything from the song to the performance is so catchy and Lithuania would be making a big mistake to not choose them!

Jo.
Jo.
4 years ago

#TeamMonique here

Andreu
Andreu
4 years ago

In the minority here but I don’t mind Monika’s song. I really do enjoy some country pop and I think she could do well with juries at Eurovision. Regardless there are other better choices but I don’t understand the recent hate she has been getting by the community. Yes she won her semi and heat but the final is more competitive so anything can happen.

Kat
Kat
4 years ago

I don’t really get the hype behind Make Me Human, but to each their own! Lithuania has historically been one of my least fav ESC Countries, but I’m really enjoying most of the songs in their NF this year, which has been VERY exciting for me!! 1. We Came From the Sun – This song is really something special to me! At first I disliked it and couldn’t understand why everyone ranked it so high, but the performance totally won me over and it’s in my head literally 24/7. I love the gentle start and the gradual build and addition… Read more »

Sal
Sal
4 years ago

Monique’s song is good but I honestly can’t see it doing particularly well in Rotterdam, let alone being a ‘potential winner’. I think she’s only scoring well in the Lithuanian televote because she’s such a household name.

The Roop are the best option for Lithuania to get the best result. It’s memorable, catchy and it will definitely appeal to televoters and could also to jurors. Make Me Human would just get lost and be forgotten.

Leo
Leo
4 years ago

Anything except Monika Marija or Aiste would be great!

Fys
Fys
4 years ago

On fire is so 2020. Unique and catchy. The best of the Eurovision season so far.

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
4 years ago

Wiwi Jury’s Ranking (points 1-5)
1. THE ROOP 34p.
2 Monique 32p.
3. Ruta Loop 20p.
4. KaYra 19p.
5. Monika Marija 14p.
6. Aiste Pilvelyte 8p.
7. Meandi 7p.
8. The Backs 1p.

LORETTA PETRAITIS
4 years ago

2 years in a row Monika Marija is undoubtedly most talented singer and hit creator in Lithuania . Her songs , amplitude of voice and musical taste shows exceptional capabilities. Sad only , the active voters are less sensitive to the music and goes after the background spectacles .

Marios
Marios
4 years ago

guys I’m sorry but I’m calling it
Aiste’s winning

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
4 years ago
Reply to  Marios

jinx ha!

percy
percy
4 years ago
Reply to  Marios

It’s true, but I hate the song. When there’s songs like make me human, on fire and alligator, it’s clear that it’ll be unfair.

uzhas
uzhas
4 years ago

agree, those are my top 2.

3. We Came From The Sun
4. Make Me Human
5. On Fire

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
4 years ago

I’m glad someone else is seeing that Moniqué could be in discussion as a potential ESC winner.
Although I’m all for individual tastes, I’m worried about your jury member who didn’t have her in the top five but managed to get The Backs (The Backs!!!) in. 😉

Liisa
Liisa
4 years ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

Usually when a country has a potential Eurovision winning song
or a top10 song in their NF, they’d be already much higher in the odds (like Poland 2016, Romania 2019). Unless they drastically change the staging for better. But now Lithuania isn’t even predicted to qualify.

Colin
Colin
4 years ago
Reply to  Liisa

They weren’t in 2018 either. Just saying…

Liisa
Liisa
4 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Well, they actually would have not qualified without diaspora points. I don’t think that the bookmakers take diaspora support into consideration.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
4 years ago
Reply to  Liisa

that’s not true lol when salvador sobral won fdc portugal went from 32nd to 4th in the odds overnight

Liisa
Liisa
4 years ago

Portugal 2017 is a rare exception

Peter
Peter
4 years ago

Monique is the best option for Lithuania. It’s appealing for both juries and public. I agree that ”Make Me Human” can give Lithuania the best ever result. Fingers crossed for Monique’s win in Saturday.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
4 years ago

interesting how it’s either monique or the poop for everyone! but with the jury outruling the televote in case of a tie in lithuania, we might as well expect (god forbid) aiste’s victory

Jameson
Jameson
4 years ago

I like The Roop. Though no one seems to point out that they would absolutely butchered by the Jury vote. Jury doesn’t go well with those wannabe “fun” acts. So my vote goes to Monique this time. She’s both jury-bait and audience friendly. Could do well for Lithuania.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
4 years ago
Reply to  Jameson

Actually, I am afraid that Monique might not qualify because her soft and subtle song could get lost in the shuffle compared to more bombastic entries.

uzhas
uzhas
4 years ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

you don’t know other entries in semi 1 will be bombastic yet

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
4 years ago
Reply to  uzhas

That’s true. We don’t know that yet. There’s also the possibility of getting a crummy running order slot. I just have a feeling that the ROOP might win this national final, But I will be surprised if Monique wins.

BambooLover
BambooLover
4 years ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

Even if I prefer The Roop to Monique, I wouldn’t be surprised if Monique wins tomorrow. She’s an ex-X-factor winner and a pop star in Lithuania, whereas The Roop is basically a no name.

Ohi
Ohi
4 years ago
Reply to  Jameson

I feel the song backs up the fun factor

Vrede
Vrede
4 years ago
Reply to  Jameson

I’d rather compare The Roop to Lake Malawi. Indie-ish band with a clear visual narrative and a catchy song. We all know how the juries reacted to Lake Malawi…

Sal
Sal
4 years ago
Reply to  Jameson

The Roop have come 1st and 2nd with the Lithuanian juries so far

U^U
U^U
4 years ago
Reply to  Jameson

The Roop might have “fun” song, but they have serious message which somehow never mentioned in articles. The Roop song is about “outdating” ourselves & saying that we are “too old” to do something. They trying reminding that it’s studpid to do. Just little remind – Netta’s song was fun & all, but had serious message as well.

LuSt
LuSt
4 years ago

Moniqué for the win!

Sergod Legendzarev
Sergod Legendzarev
4 years ago

not even a single reaction video? a bit disappointing from the wiwi jury

Indiana07
Indiana07
4 years ago

Didn’t William react to that Lithuanian basketball player song (sorry, I don’t remember its title)?
But maybe they’re gonna upload a reaction video, there’s still some time for Lithuanian Grand Final.

Hehe
Hehe
4 years ago

They said that they are going to react after semis but… wiwi hates Lithuania. 🙂

Padraig Muldoon
Admin
4 years ago
Reply to  Hehe

wiwibloggs does not hate Lithuania! I know that a video was planned, but I’m not sure of the status. You must realise that none of us do wiwibloggs full-time, so it can be challenging to cover everything and to fit filming and editing time into multiple schedules.

One thing I can confirm is that we’ve significantly increased our coverage of Lithuania here on the website. Since the acts were first announced in January, we’ve published about 26 articles completely dedicated to the selection!

Bamboo Lover
Bamboo Lover
4 years ago
Reply to  Hehe

It’s a fact! 🙁