She rose to fame last year as part of the winning team on Polish TV show “Mali Giganci” (Little Giants), where, among other things, she covered Tina Turner’s “Rolling Down The River”.
And on Saturday Olivia Wieczorek proved she’s still got that winning touch when she won Poland’s Krajowe eliminacje Konkursu Piosenki Eurowizji Junior 2016 — the national selection for Junior Eurovision.
Singing “Nie Zapomnij” — that’s “Don’t Forget” — the 14-year-old showed off her pitch perfect vocals, which will no doubt serve her well as she attempts to improve on Poland’s dismal record at the contest, which consists of two last place performances.
A classic power ballad with piano accompaniment, the song gives Olivia a platform to show off her precision vocals.
In the song she asks listeners to remember the perseverance and strength we all possess beneath the fears and traumas, and suggests we’re stronger together than apart.
“Inside each of us is the power, let’s play the same sound, despite storms and tears,” she says. “In every day’s background, let’s seek moments just to be together.”
Olivia had to overcome a challenge from eight other competitors, who represented a variety of genres but had consistently strong voices.
Her victory was determined by both televoters and a professional jury, each of whom accounted for 50% of the final score.
That professional panel was very professional indeed, as it featured Eurovision fan favourite Margaret (who came second at the Polish national final for Eurovision 2016), Ania Wyszkoni (who competed at the Polish national final for Eurovision 2004) and Marcin Kusy (a noted DJ and radio producer).
Eurovision 2014 winner Destiny Chukunyere reprised her winning song “Not My Soul” and, much to the delight of all you Australians, covered Dami Im’s “Sound of Silence”.
Olivia was thrilled to have a brush with greatness, uploading an Instagram pic with Destiny hours before the show.
Are you loving Poland’s entry? Do you think she can improve on the country’s existing record? Who was your favourite? You can let us know in the comments box below.
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@beccaboo Jury members may not be negative…but they will be real. This entry is good but not great…Italy, Russia, Bulgaria and Australia all have more charm. Sorry.
This is definitely in my Top 5 and quite possibly Top 3.
The bridge was brilliant, and the staging is great throughout!
The juries are going to adore this!!
My top:
1) Russia
2) Poland
3) Bulgaria
4) Ukraine
5) Serbia
6) The Netherlands
7) Belarus
8) Italy
9) Australia
10) Albania
11) Macedonia
12) Cyprus
@Jamaraqueer There should be no need for Poland’s comeback song to “get lost among the other entries”. You’re being ridiculous. No more negativity please!!!
Poland has been scalping weaves lately. Europe is SHOOK, including myself. This lil Edyta Górniak deserves to do very well.
Along with Italy, this is my favorite entry. Russia completes my holy trinity of JESC 2016.
I think Dominika was better :/ But still “Nie zapomnij” is our by far best entry in JESC
She’s really talented. Unfortunately the song is really forgettable and will get lost among the other ballads. It’s good news for Macedonia–as the best dance song she’ll really stand out. No more ballads please
A great song for Poland !!! For this is this my top 12:
1. Italy
2. Russia
3.Poland
4. Macedonia
5.Ukraine
6.Bulgaria
7.Australia
8.Serbia
9. Nethelands
10. Albania
11..Belarus
12. Cyprus
I knew it she would win, she was the best of the bunch. Her voice is amazing and the song is very sweet. I personally think it needs a revamp, so that the second chorus becomes stronger but it’s already good and I’m sure Poland will not place last again.
Needless to say, Destiny totally killed “Sound Of Silence”!
Oh, Margaret. Please participate once again and let us win <3
Welcome back Poland!!! 😀
It sounds very screamy, but i think Poland won’t finish last again 🙂
I was expecting something really strong from Poland, but they chose to play safe. I think there’s no impact in this entry.
Poland, Russia, Australia, Bulgaria, Italy.. all they will kill each other to stand out. I think Italy wins among them.
Juries might go for something more upbeat and radiofriendly.. FYROM or Serbia.
For me the best choice that my country could have made! At the beginning for me it was between Olivia and Dominika but after live performance Olivia was better! Hands down! But as jury said she needs to sing more delicate at the beginning to serve the full power of her voice later. Overall for me it is between Poland, Italy and Russia.
My top:
1. Italy
2. Poland
3. Russia
4. Ukraine
5. Serbia
6. Bulgaria
7. Australia
8. Cyprus
9. Macedonia
10. The Netherlands
11. Albania
12. Belarus
say hello Poland after 12 years!!
… and we have a winner. Well done Poland.
i love her omg her voice!!!!!
She might be the winner of JESC 2016