Once again Ireland will use the “The Late Late Show” to choose its Eurovision song. On Friday 3 February, host Ryan Tubridy will guide viewers through the Eurosong 2023 special, which spans genres from dance-pop to rap.
Before the show kicks off, the Wiwi Jury — our in-house team of music unprofessionals — is reviewing and rating the 6 competing songs. Next up is Leila Jane with her entry “Wild”.
Wiwi Jury: Leila Jane – “Wild”
Renske: “Wild” is a slickly-produced track delivered with a lovely voice. It has both intimacy and power — a rare combination that will appeal to many. However, the energy dips a little bit around the chorus. Nothing in the song really grips my attention, which is a pity.
Score: 6
Rick: This is a good song. I really like the melody and the production behind it. But does this stand out? Maybe not in this venue. It has the potential to work well on the radio or on Spotify, but I’m not sure if it’s made for a big stage. I’m also not sure if her voice really fits the song. Hopefully she’ll give us something interesting visually.
Score: 7
Ruxy: I wouldn’t mind hearing an indie song on the Eurovision stage. The instrumental of the song is a perfect mixture between the retro and the modern. The lyrics come with a strong message about feeling free, which fit with the uplifting sound. The music video is smart. It looks very aesthetic and it shows how everything around disappears, everything except Leila, who remains the same, detaching herself from whatever is and was around her. If this song wins, I would love to see the same pink pants-dress on the grand stage. And maybe even Leila having her cocktail in the bathtub, because that scene in the music video is iconic.
Score: 7
Tom: 3 from 3 for Ireland – another quality entry! “Wild” has such a positive energy to it and the lyrics are beautiful. We can all relate to feeling alone, especially in the last few years. However, I fear that “Wild” might get lost between the big and really delicate performances at Eurovision. It is a little too halfway house to stand out. It’s neither a big bop like Adgy’s, nor a serene number as with Connolly’s. But the lyrics and Leila’s stunning vocal quality could help her qualify — her voice makes me feel so content. The sound may be a tad generic but the message is full, pure and honest. A really pretty song.
Quick side note: the opening seems identical to Ruth Lorenzo’s “Dancing in the Rain”!
Score: 7.5
William: Get Leila to the wild! She doesn’t just survive: she also thrives with this inspiring number about finding your way and recognising your inner strength. The delicate opening — all piano and breathy vocals — leads to some lovely electronic flourishes and head-bobbing, toe-tapping chorus. My only reservation is that the song doesn’t drive to any sort of climax besides that “ohhhhhh“. The lack of an “moment” leaves this feeling somehow flat.
Score 6.5
Wiwi Jury Score: 6.8
What do you think of “Wild?” Do you think it should represent Ireland in Liverpool? Let us know in the comments.
Actually really like this, my winner in Ireland
I like it but I don’t think it would qualify. The music video is cool though and if transferred to the ESC could be good for Ireland but think it would struggle to qualify
Staging is an issue for any song.
i agree with the concerns that it’s going to be a hard task to make it stand out. nice song, but how could it work on eurovision stage?
Wild is a great song, but feels more like it belongs on radio than a Eurovision stage. I just can’t imagine how this could be staged and stand out