After a mega Super Saturday last week with seven countries choosing their Eurovision 2023 song, Lithuania was the only nation to select their entry this week. And that was tonight during the grand final of Pabandom iš Naujo 2023. The Lithuanians appointed Monika Linkytė as the representative at Eurovision with the song “Stay”.
Following four weeks of shows, ten acts remained in the race to represent the Baltic state in Liverpool. In an interesting selection, we saw semi-final winners Rūta Mur and Beatrich battle it out against past televoting winners Il Senso and Moon Bee as well as Eurovision 2015 star Monika Linkytė.
Grand final running order
- Mario Junes – “Do What You Do”
- Moon Bee – “Rumor”
- Justė Kraujelytė – “Need More Fun”
- Paulina Paukštaitytė – “Let Me Think About Me”
- Beatrich – “Like A Movie”
- Rūta Mur – “So Low”
- Il Senso – “Sparnai”
- Petunija – “Love Of My Life”
- Gabrielius Vagelis – “Šauksmas”
- Monika Linkytė – “Stay”
The ten songs were judged by an in-house panel of Lithuanian music experts. This included music editor Ramūnas Zilnys, Eurovision stars Monika Liu, Jievaras Jasinskis and Vaidotas Valiukevičius, singers Raminta Naujalytė-Bjelle, Ieva Narkutė and Stanislavas Stavickis-Stano, producer Vytautas Bikus, and television presenter Gerūta Griniūtė.
The Lithuanian public contributed to the other half of the votes. They could vote for their favourite song by SMS.
Pabandom iš Naujo 2023 grand final results
Jury results
- Monika Linkytė – “Stay” – 12 points
- Rūta Mur – “So Low” – 10 points
- Beatrich – “Like A Movie” – 8 points
- Petunija – “Love Of My Life” – 7 points
- Paulina Paukštaitytė – “Let Me Think About Me” – 6 points
- Justė Kraujelytė – “Need More Fun” – 5 points
- Gabrielius Vagelis – “Šauksmas” – 4 points
- Mario Junes – “Do What You Do” – 3 points
- Il Senso – “Sparnai” – 2 points
- Moon Bee – “Rumor” – 1 point
Televoting results
- Rūta Mur – “So Low” – 12 points (12822 votes)
- Monika Linkytė – “Stay” – 10 points (12675 votes)
- Beatrich – “Like A Movie” – 8 points (9392 votes)
- Moon Bee – “Rumor” – 7 points (3780 votes)
- Gabrielius Vagelis – “Šauksmas” – 6 points – (3085 votes)
- Paulina Paukštaitytė – “Let Me Think About Me” – 5 points (2910 votes)
- Petunija – “Love Of My Life” – 4 points (2501 votes)
- Il Senso – “Sparnai” – 3 points (2090 votes)
- Mario Junes – “Do What You Do” – 2 points (1102 votes)
- Justė Kraujelytė – “Need More Fun” – 1 point (606 votes)
Combined points (tie-break by jury)
- Monika Linkytė – “Stay” – 12 points (WINNER)
- Rūta Mur – “So Low” – 10 points
- Beatrich – “Like A Movie” – 8 points
- Petunija – “Love Of My Life” – 7 points
- Paulina Paukštaitytė – “Let Me Think About Me” – 6 points
- Gabrielius Vagelis – “Šauksmas” – 5 points
- Moon Bee – “Rumor” – 4 points
- Justė Kraujelytė – “Need More Fun” – 3 points
- Mario Junes – “Do What You Do” – 2 points
- Il Senso – “Sparnai” – 1 point
Did you watch the show? What do you think about Lithuania’s choice? Will you support Monika Linkytė in Liverpool? Let us know in the comments down below!
Love the fact, that wiwibloggs has not yet done a single video on Lithuania this year, just lovely!
Youre not alone here 😉
Ngl, I overlooked this song at PiN but I’m glad that it won! It’s a solid entry, Monika is a great performer and –unexpectedly, the Lithuanian lines stand out in the song
i love the song! at the beginning i thought, it’s again a slow ballad, but i was suprised with the change.
i think it would be better to let the text with mostly in english, so that people can understand the meaning in combination with the nice melody of the song.
This is cute, a ballad that’s almost perfect for mw but I think she should do the “screaming” only once or twice.
If she sang maybe the first and second chorus in a soft voice the ‘stay’ part would be way more powerful
Song is so-so but she has a typical Lithuanian scull
What is a scull?
face/features
Ah, you mean skull. That’s why I was confused.
What does “a typical Lithuanian scull” even have to do with the song? Your comment is really disrespectful.
I will never understand why the jury shall decide the winner when there is a tie break
This is a cross of John Lundvik/the Mamas with the female group harmonies of Maro—I bet this will do well and get lots of love from the juries—it’ll just have to get there from the semis televoters.
Controversial opinion: I didn’t like any of the favorites so I am actually quite pleased with this winning. Never heard the song before the final’s revamped version so I’ve just had a positive outlook to this song from my first listen. Not my favorite or anything but definitely the best choice they could’ve made. Also – I quite like the parts with the lithuanian “spell”, especially at the end. Solid and quality performance.
The revamp completely changed my view of the song. It’s my new number one. Nice to have a pleasant surprise this year for a change!
I am not going to lie, I underestimated this entry in Pabandom is Naujo. I do not particularly like it myself, but I acknowledge it as a good entry.
Though, I think Monika will get the We Are Domi treatment: top 5 in the semis, bottom 5 in the final.
We Are Domi are miles better tho! you can compare the two!!!!
I agree, but I just think Monika will get a similar result as WAD.
2022 > 2023 of course.
We Are Domi was vocally worse, sorry
Definitely true. Based of the vocals, We Are Domi shouldn’t have qualified.
Why bringing fake background singers when it’s all prerecorded ?
Because it’s not prerecorded. They’re all singing live.
watch and EAR old ESC to see what live backsingers really sound.
Literally watch her instagram story where the girls are singing it acappella, it sounds the same. Hater ass can’t believe that some people can sing these days…
Maybe its not?
2023 is shaping up to become a worse contest than 2022. We know almost half of the songs yet and so far only Spain and Norway are good enough to be deserving finalists in every other year.
2022 for me was a good contest (with the exception of the semi finals). There are so many songs which I still have on my playlist.
Good enough? They’re so so bad that even Croatia’s mess is better than those two.
croatia is amazing
?
It’s clearly shaping up to be a much weaker year, but the Torino 2022 lineup is actually easily one of the strongest ever IMO.
Every year there is someone with this tired opinion. You will still watch and enjoy the show.
It’s been worse since 1956.
I really like this and I think voters at home would vote for this- it is feel good and memorable. I think there is a lot of potential with this. The chorus is catchy and some memorable and quirky choreography( a La Mahmood’s clap) could work here. The connection with the backing singers gives me a John Ludvik and Mamas feel so that could be built on. Well done Lithuania!
I wasn’t really checking for Monika before the final, but to be honest, I don’t think this is a bad choice. In my opinion hers was the best of the three ballads in the final, I never much cared for neither “Love of my life” nor “Sparnai”. Her vocal performance was very convincing, probably the best of the entire competition.
As for Ruta Mur, I think she is an interesting artist and I would like to see her back with something a little less throwback.
She said in the interview this is her only attempt at Eurovision. But I hope she will change her mind.
Oh no, that’s devastating. I also hope she’ll change her mind eventually.
Meh. There’s always “if I’m not gonna win this year I’ll never do Eurovision again”. Whatever. There will be plenty of others who’ll try to participate.
This is a good song, will surprise a lot of people in the contest.
Haven’t watched a single show this year, but I know for a fact – Lithuania is not going to win Eurovision as long as the national selection will take place. LRT needs to wake up for once and start internal selections cause they are the way to go. The real musical talent of Lithuania, such as Jessica Shy, Sisters on Wire, Daddy was a milkman, Beissoul & Einius, Evgenya Redko, 2Kv?pavimas (I’m not even talking about hip-hop or whole LITHUANIA HQ YouTube channel scenes) do not want to participate in this clown fiesta called “Pabandom iš naujo”, that leaves the… Read more »
Monika’s song spoke to the Lithaunian public and so will it speak to the Lithaunian diaspora. Knowing the context of “chuto, oh, tuto” makes this song accessible to me (Thank you, @Devito).
However, most Non-Lithaunians will only grasp the lyrical depth, if the commentators do their research (which they should!) and explain the meaning of the words during the live show.
The songs I added to my playlist are “Like A Movie” and “So Low”. And I think, Beatrich’s lively and energetic performance of the earwormy “Like A Movie” may have been the better choice for the Eurovision stage.
Seeing Lithuania will have Estonia, Ukraine, Poland and Georgia voting in its semifinal, as well as Denmark and the UK (with televoting-active diasporas), I assume Lithaunia will easily qualify.
Denmark has a Lithuanian diaspora? I don’t recall it giving Lithuania 12 points.
in 2019 Lithuania got 12 points from Denmark 😉
Some people are saying Lithuania won’t qualify for the Grand Final because there won’t be jurors to save Monika Linkyte, and I’m like guuurl… Jurors aren’t Lithuania’s best friends because Scandinavian Jury points are reserved for Scandinavian countries, Balkan Jury points (except for Croatia and Slovenia every now and then <3 ) are reserved for Balkan countries plus the Greek Duo, and the Western/Southwestern block usually sees Lithuania as a tiny weirdo that needs just enough air to survive. I checked the data and found that the last time Lithuania got a decent amount of points from the jurors was… Read more »
Thanks for the research. I said Lithuania will struggle with this song in the SF because there were no juries. Now you point this out I might need to change my mind but when I compared “Stay” to “Like a Movie” or “So Low” I still can’t fathom what happened yesterday. Hope Ruta come back, honestly. She is the type of artist you only see once in a while, a train one must step into, but Lithuanians thought otherwise and opted for a song that while isn’t bad it isn’t groundbreaking or outstanding. Monika is a nice singer but not… Read more »
I was stumping for Beatrich, but maybe it’s for the best that she didn’t win this time so that she could return to PIN one day with a greater song. She’s already proven that she’s a great performer, now pair her with a great song.
This didn’t make much impression on me! Sorry, Lithuania!
I’d call the outcome rather unlucky, in either way.
Imagine if it was tiebreaker with televoting as the decider, Monika would have finished second by only 147 votes. Now its the other way, Ruta finished second because juries were the decider.
Monika isn’t a bad choice but in my opinion, Ruta would’ve stood out more.
The weakest songs from last year would be winner contenders this year.
“Chuto tuto”
How could Vaidas Baumila be one of the jurors when he represented Lithuania at esc2015 WITH Monika?! hahaha a comedy
Where have you seen him?:) Vaidotas from “The Roop” was in jury.
He wasn’t, are you high?
Sorry to pop your fake news bubble… but Vaidotas Baumila wasn’t in the jury. Try better next time.
I think you’re mistaking Vaidotas from the Roop for Vaidas Baumila
Good job Monika, surprisingly I like it! I didnt have much expectations, as this year the level of songs is very low so far… out of 16 songs chosen so far only Marco and Monika present high quality level. Gospel choir is a bit copied from John Lundvik 2019 but it Sounds fine.. i am sure it will advance as so far songs are terrible (sorry to say this).. looking forward for the win of Jann in Poland („Gladiator”), that would be the most alternative songs Poland has sent so far, and one of the best this year…
I mean, her only winning because the jury vote was favored over the televote does have …. a certain taste. But, such are the rules, the contestants knew it in advance so it’s still fair, and personally I couldn’t be happier because I love that song. I haven’t liked a lithuanian entry that much since InCulto or maybe at best Donny Montells second entry 2016 (sorry but The Roop and Monica Liu just weren’t for me, although they were strong entries). Monika Linkyt?’s song this year is magical to me, so personally she is my #1 so far this year.… Read more »
I was rooting for the lesbian cowgirl
What’s with 2023 being the year of bad song upon bad song? Is it because everyone knows Ukraine is going to win again this year, and nobody is every trying anymore?
If nobody was trying, every song of every NF would be half-assed mass-produced crap.
If your top priority is seeing a country lose, rather than someone winning, then you’re probably watching ESC for the wrong reasons.
Idk, Italy, Spain, Czhech republic and Albania are pretty good.
Troll
Lithuania 2/12
Currently my third last place. Only Belgium and Romania are behind.
Monika, just sing your song entirely in Lithuanian. It will turn out a lot better. Especially being a song having to do with Lithuanian pagan lullabies. It will be more interesting and exotic. The English just cheapens it.
Exotic? To who? Not Lithuanians.
To non-Lithuanians, obviously. You know, those who can actually vote for it.
I see, so it’s better to not be understood than to be cheapened.
In many instances it is, yeah; namely songs with bad lyrics or when the singers have a hard time pronouncing the language they’re supposed to be singing in. It can be quite the cacophony. Also, it’s delightful to hear songs being sung in the/a national language of the country. There’s also a certain authenticity that comes through only when the singer sings in their native language, which is appreciated.
But then the effect of the part in Lithuanian with the ethnic backdrop is weakened! It’s less impactful!
No, it’s not. The whole song is elevated. Most bilingual songs are cringeworthy, especially when the singer struggles to sing properly in one language. It’s very hard to pull off a good bilingual song.
I heard rumours she’ll do it once you stop complaining under every single post on Wiwibloggs about songs being sung in English.
I like the song very much, good luck Lithuania !!
Believe it or not, she’ll the first participant from 2015 to return to Eurovision!
Not including songwriters, who are also participants.
Considering that only the public will decide the finalists is silly to have the juries define the result!!!!
Monika was second in the Lithuanian tekevote only less than 200 votes behind the winner!?
It could have easily tipped in her favor.
140 even
It’s a shame not to know! For several years, the Rule has been in force in Lithuania: if 2 participants collect the SAME number of points, the participant to whom the jury gave more points wins.
IF this gets into the final, and that’s an IF…this COULD end up WINNING the Jury vote! I can see it. Monika and Alika have the best vocals and two of the best songs that a jury could review upon several listenings.
Latvia having the best Baltic song this year and they might not qualify.. as they neighbours will probably do. Kinda hurts
I still really like Monika and her song. She will do fine I think
I guess it’s a matter of taste because I find the song from Latvia terrible. I really like the one from Estonia. The one from Lithuania doesn’t give me any feelings, Mo ika sings well and that’s all for me.
I’m in the opposite. Estonia doesn’t give me any feelings and I do quite enjoy Lithuania at least. As you said it’s a matter of taste.
Latvia still easily the best for me tho.
Currenty I don´t see Lithuania in the final-
I think Lithuania will qualify as usual.
That SF looks very weak at this point. It may change tho
With a tie the peoples votes should have weighed the most!
I thought it was gonna be Beatrich or Ruta so I needed to listen to this one again. It’s better for me, I love her voice. Song is lovely but I don’t love it.
Oh no – my favourite lost to… my other favourite!
Well deserved victory – even though I don’t think ties should be decided by juries, the result is still good song being selected, so I’m not complaining too much about it. Congrats and good luck, Lithuania!
Boring and forgettable – 2/12
Bad job, Lithuania ! This year no final
Renske ten Veen are you Nancy Aura?
Good job Monika. Now we need Ilinca as well!
For those who wonder what “chuto, oh, tuto” means in Lithuanian, I give you an explanation. Directly, it means nothing; it’s just a random mumble. However, it has a historically mythical context. As some of you may know, Lithuania was the last state in Europe to agree to be baptized (in the 14-15th century). Even when the state was officially Christian, the majority of Lithuanians were still Pagans. Up until the mid-20th century, Paganism was highly practiced within the community of Lithuanians. Interestingly, Pagan and Christian traditions are intertwined and still actively used to this day. You know, Lithuanian Pagans… Read more »
Very interesting. Knowing this, is the lyrics had been entirely in Lithuanian, it would have made the song 100 times better. What a shame she decided to sing in mispronounced English.
You explain inaccurately, a little distorted. That Monika’s “Chuto tuto” came from „SUTARTINES“ (songs „accordance“, „concords“), special, multivocal polyphonic songs of the oldest Lithuanian folk (Lithuanian „sutartines“ are included in the UNESCO heritage). That repetition “Chuto tuto” is like a mantra.
If you’re ready to come and shame someone, you need to use sources because, as far as I’m concerned, UNESCO has classified sutartines as multipart songs. You can read about it there. Just a tip: don’t use Google Translator to argue about the terms in English. Regarding sutartines being registered with UNESCO as part of humanity’s immaterial cultural heritage (instead of just “UNESCO heritage”, whatever that means), I recommend you carefully read my comment once again. And as for the meaning of the word “mantra”, it’s worthy of a complete separate discussion, so I won’t expand there. (1, 2, 3)… Read more »
for me it was between her or Petunija so I’m really happy she’s coming back without a beautiful ballad !
Lol, what went wrong here?
Juries obviously manipulated results
Look at who was the 5th jury member 😀 A guy who represented their country with Monika in 2015 😀
Who was it? Vaidotas from “The Roop”. No Baumila at all 🙂
There was no Vaidas in the jury that night. Can you stop posting misleading information?
He WASN’T. Don’t spread misinformation.
You’re an idiot. It was Vaidotas Valiukevicius from the Roop. Monika was with Vaidas Baumila at Eurovision in 2015. Or are all people who have similarly sounding names the same to you?
According to the competition rules, if 2 participants collect the SAME number of points, the participant, to whom the Jury gave more points, WINS.
Jury won’t be there to help her qualify to the final of Eurovision that’s for sure
She got 2nd with televote BTW and the difference between her and R?ta was so small…so we can’t say that atm
Fans of Ruta Mur cannot reconcile with the fact that Monika Linkyte won fair and square. She wasn’t my favourite either (I voted for Paulina, Beatrich, Mario Junes, and RADAROM), but even I cannot argue with the fact that Monika Linkyte won PIN2023. Some argue that televoting should be the deciding vote. Well, I agree, but all the participants signed their names under these rules, which granted a victory to Monika Linkyte. It would be completely unfair to change the rules in the middle of the game. It’s not Hungary or Poland, which agreed to the EU standards and money… Read more »
Yes so in this case I am not upset that the jury had more power…if there would have been a huge difference then we had to open a discussion but it was a very tight race so I agree with the decision
I’m a Ruta fan and even i’m admitting that this was a deserved win!
Your choice to vote for RADAROM is perfetto2?????
She did win fair and square, but having the jury vote as the decided is wrong. The public should always have the final say. Especially in a year when there is no jury vote in the semis. The jury may have killed their own country’s chance of qualification.
Why should the public have the final say? They should have no say. Like it was for the first 40 years of the contest. Making it a popularity contest over quality is only lead to a downfall in music.
Not true. There were also jury votes in the semi-finals.
And in the final, everything is correct – such competition selection rules have been adopted for several years.
Get over your obsession with televotes. It’s not, and never has been, a popularity contest.
I like this entry! Very feel-good. Sending Lithuania good wishes leading up to Liverpool!
The quality of semi-final 2 is extremely low, to the extent it affects complete competition. I hope Georgia, Australia and Cyprus will save this semi-final from embarassment.
Not bad, not good either.
Thank god next Saturday FINLAND will elevate this.
It may not have been my first choice for Lithuania, but it’s not the worst song they have ever sent. For a “questionable” decision, I’m actually good with it (it’s better than run with the lions and especially rain of revolution for sure). Where it ranks among the other 15 (16 when France drops tomorrow) is up in the air until I return home from a doctor who convention.
I hope so
Team Cha cha cha
I liked 7 songs and she was one of them so congrats! I love this song.