The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — continues to rank and review the 43 songs competing in Eurovision 2018. Next we head to the Czech Republic where former model Mikolas Josef has “Lie to Me”. Did we feel compelled to tell the truth? Read on to find out!
Mikolas Josef – “Lie to Me”
“Lie to Me”
Anthony: Jason Derulo once decided to talk dirty, and Mikolas did just that on a Eurovision scale. Slightly less NSFW, maintaining those suggestive, innuendo-filled lyrics might raise a few eyebrows among casual Eurovision viewers. Mikolas proved he can sing live at Ukraine’s national final, now he’ll need to translate a fun, witty song into three minutes of entertainment in Lisbon.
Score: 8.5/10
Renske: As many people have compared Eurovision 2011 to this year, I am going to add that Mikolas Josef will probably be the Alexey Vorobyov of this year. Mikolas is a multi-talented person, but by playing the bad boy role he might have to deal with the risk of coming across slightly arrogant, just like Alexey. Although “Lie To Me” is uptempo and contemporary, it’s not the freshest song in the competition as it is made out to be.
Score: 6.5/10
Bogdan: I already liked Mikolas Josef, but when I saw him on the stage of the Ukraine’s NF, that’s when I bought what he was selling. I almost feel like he doesn’t need a show in Lisbon, as his personality and seemingly effortless performance are enough to convince viewers that he is the Czech Republic’s best ever act in the history of Eurovision. “Lie To Me” could do with a little less of that trumpet, but otherwise I’m completely sold!
Score: 8/10
Chris: The biggest test for “Lie to Me” was always going to be its live performance, and after Riga, it’s fair to say that Mikolas has ticked that box off. Cool, catchy and fresh (for the contest, at least), it’s a true breath of fresh air. Most importantly, Mikolas is a truly likeable front man too. The lyrical content might be questionable at times, but there’s a sense that it comes from a good (if slightly misguided) source.
Score: 8/10
Jordi: Czech Republic and Eurovision clearly don’t have “good luck” as their mutual friend. But Mikolas Josef and his “Lie to Me” has all ingredients to become a major hit and shine bright on the scoreboard by providing a fast-paced and entertaining live performance. On the other hand, his offering is in no way unique but clearly is showing that sometimes following trends make wonders too – as seen in current odds to win the contest! YAS! Pop and swag merge stunningly in such international radio hit – but still – I’m missing somehow the hook.
Score: 7/10
William: Mikolas is a performer. His voice is on point and his body can jiggle, bend, thrust and snap on command — he drops shapes like it’s nobody’s business! His natural swagger and telegenic appeal would give “Happy Birthday” pop appeal. And that’s a good thing for “Lie to Me”, which, on its own, is slightly grating with the blaring horns and scatty feel of the spoken word segments. But Mikolas rescues it, drawing you in with each verse and look. Eurovision is about the total package. And Mikolas’ package is very fine indeed.
Score: 7.5/10
In the Wiwi Jury we have 20 jurors but only have room for six reviews. The remaining scores are below:
Angus: 7.5/10
Antranig: 8.5/10
Bernardo: 6.5/10
Cinan: 8/10
Deban: 3/10
Jonathan: 9/10
Jovana: 8/10
Kristin: 7.5/10
Luis: 7.5/10
Padraig: 8/10
Robyn: 7.5/10
Ron: 10/10
Sebastian: 8.5/10
Steinunn: 7/10
We have removed the highest and lowest scores prior to calculating the average. This is to remove outliers and potential bias. We have removed a low of 3 and a high of 10.
Wiwi Jury verdict: 7.72/10
What do you think of this song? Share your own score and review below!
I’ve gone back and forth with this one.
First I quite liked it.
Then the horns seemed a little too much.
And now I quite like it again, I’m over the horns.
With good sound and staging this should do very well. A little funky, a little mordern , a little cheeky… yeah. Should finish high.
Mikolas is everything that Robin Bengtsson so deperately aspired to be last year. While I have to admit that the song is a pastiche of things we’ve heard before, it’s very well executed, it’s passionate and it’s simply great fun. My personal ranking: 9/10 (6th overall) My prediction: 21-26 in the grand final ______________ 1st FR (10.0) | 2nd AL (10.0) | 3rd PT (10.0) | 4th NL (9.5) | 6th CZ (9.0) | 8th LV (9.0) | 10th IE (8.5) | 11th EL (8.5) | 12th ME (8.5) | 13th HR (8.5) | 15th MK (8.0) | 16th LT… Read more »
Oops, wrong prediction:
1-5 in the first semi final, 1-5 in the grand final
Czech Republic 2016 to 2018 are the best entries
My dirty little secret is that this wasn’t even my favorite entry from the Czech selection – that’d be High on Love. But while I could see that one getting lost, Lie to Me is radio-friendly and bursting with love. The fact that it wasn’t initially intended for Eurovision helps it a lot. The song itself would be a bop in any context, but add Eurovision and it can become a spectacular. I’m really looking forward to his performance. Regardless of how it finishes, this is the Czech Republic’s best entry ever, bar none. If I Stand, a fine but… Read more »
*bursting with life. But love too!
I heard that Mikolas is looking for North American success after the contest. 🙂
As an American currently living in England, I can assure you that with such lack of originality, that Mycolas or whatever his name is, will never crack the hard shell of the American Music Industry!
I Stand (2016) is still their best song ever. This one is the catchiest.
6.5/10
“The Czech Republic’s best ever act… because this is pretty much like a rejected-song-Jason-Derülo-couldn’t-care-less-and-Liam-Payne-was-way-too-buys-to-record-it … If wanting to sound like Derülo or Payne makes you a great act … Good luck with that! At least there is an audience for this sort of thing … today … God knows who will get the spotlight tomorrow …
Nobody understood purpose of Miki’s backpack. Mikolas spoke about it – Mikolas will wear backpack everytime until performance in Lisbon. Inside the backpack is surprise that will be part of his show!
I think both people who like and dislike it can agree that this is basically a mash-up of recent trends in pop music, with “Talk Dirty” being of course the most direct inspiration (personally, I enjoy the trumpets here, while they deeply annoy me on Derulo’s track) . So, it’s not original and far from unique, but very radio-friendly (I would bet this will do very well on the streaming services). But I think the fact Mikolas had his hands on every step of the process (songwriting, producing, performing) gives it a personal touch that differentiates it from the other… Read more »
I would say that he wants to keep the “cool guy” pose, but he’s struggling with the fact she’s the one in charge. If she doesn’t want him back (or again), he loses. If she wants him back (or again), he also loses, because she will make he drop his act, even if she’s lying to him. Deep down, he was played anyway, she won the game!
I haven’t read the escort suggestion, it would be funny if that’s the actual meaning. What it’s clear to me is that she was not necessarily his girlfriend. Maybe she’s just a woman who likes to have casual hookups and he was the one who got attached, while she moved on and is still doing her thing. Anyway, what’s interesting about it is that the lyrics are at the same time so cheap and silly, but open for different interpretations. I don’t think it was the intention (I mean, it’s Eurovision, it’s not a David Lynch movie), but it gives… Read more »
A song for all the 14 year old boys and girls that get their heart broken … As if we cared about that! But like you said, it’s a random dance track and the fact that is a dance tune is all that matters for the fans … totally irrelevant if he is singing about bananas or cockroaches. It’s party time and the opportunity to tell Sobral to “F-OFF” although we’re mostly in our 30s and 40s trying to still be some sort of Peter Pan.
I like your analogy and I’ll quote you on this «”he’s the “stupid boy” accepting the fact that if he wants to be with that particular girl, he will have to be her “toy”, allowing her to “lie to him”» which again proves that there is no sexual harassment interpretative content in Netta’s chicken song but instead a girl telling a ex lover to get the hell out of her life, something any teenager can easily relate too. Using the #metoo movement to justify the teenage-drama-bs in your lyrics is not only hypocritical, offensive but also presumptuous. But considering HOW… Read more »
I’ll gladly listen to the ‘rubbish party music’ than the boring snoozefest music anyday. Snoozefest doesn’t equal quality
Music is not filling(filler songs) either
Best Czechia has ever sent to ESC, but this one will struggle big time into the fun-dancy songs mix. Israel is a tough competitor and I’m willing to think both of them will harm each other chances of getting to the top positions.
So in 2018 the favourite to win Eurovision is a song talking about female empowerment and not having to be held back by men. Cut to the second favourite, and we get this misogynistic PoS. I do not understand why people love this so much. The song is essentially a mash of two megahits: Ed Sheeran’s “Don’t” and Jason Derülo’s “Talk Dirty”. Love the former, loathe the latter. So I hate this song for a) ruining the first one and b) bringing back memories of the second one. I don’t have anything against Mikolas as a person, he seems super… Read more »
Interesting. I have been following the odds a little as well and I reached the same conclusion that something is fishy in the top positions, as well this year. I also found that from Italy and Bulgaria last year, btw… What got my attention was the immidiate high that Israel got this year, similar to Bulgaria last year.
This is actually one of my favorites. It has really grown on me! I was worried about his live vocals, but then I’ve heard him performing at Vidbir and I liked the song even more. He was flawless, I thought that it was a playback! I like his personality, he’s very charismatic and I hope that people would appreciate that.
For me it’s only fast food music surfing on Sunstroke Project “vibes”.
Don’t like what the song reflect about woman.
Agree with Renske, Mikolas is pushing so hard on bad boy and jason derulo style with extra confidence, he can appear easily as arrogant.
Moreover, he is not really singing except during the chorus.
Don’t understand so high scores !
Clearly not my cup of tea ! ^^
I admit my opinion about “Lie To Me” has improved a bit since all the songs are out. I still find it very annoying, specially the trumpets. Czech Republic is in my 28th place: 1. Germany (9)| 2. Albania (8.75) 3. Spain (8.5)| 7. Ukraine (7.5)| 9. Portugal (7.25)| 11. Italy (7.25)| 12. France (7)| 13. Lithuania (7)| 14. Denmark (7)| 15. FYR Macedonia (7)| 16. Greece (7)| 17. Switzerland (7)| 18. Poland (7)| 20. Romania (6,75)| 21. Armenia (6.75)| 23. Slovenia (6.5)| 24. Ireland (6.5)| 25. Estonia (6.5)| 26. Croatia (6.25)| 27. Australia (6)| 28. CZECH REP. (5.5)| 29.… Read more »
I like him a lot more than his song. Tthere is little doubt that this is the Czech Rep’s best effort at producing a relevant song for Eurovision. My main objection with the song is how high up it is in the odds. I just don’t see anything special enough in this to be considered as a potential Eurovision winner. Now, if talk was about whether this was a top-15 song or not, I would start talking but its current position is just so ridiculous. Fair enough, if this is the best that the Czech Rep can produce in a… Read more »
I was ready to write a comment exactly like this, i’m just gonna say i agree with you. I love him and his song but that ranking is ridiculous
This might be more radio-friendly but Gabriela Guncikova had a STUNNING song. It’s cool and catchy but kind of far from being one of my standouts.
Ok, this song might sound very familiar to Jason Derulo’s Talk Dirty to Me. But hey, it’s a very cool song, it has a nice groove to. Mikolas’ voice is great and he’s very enthousiastic when performing. This will easily give the Czech Republic their best result in the contest, which I honestly think they deserve after the last few years. If he does well in Lisbon, I guess a top 5 placement is very realistic.
Sidenote: didn’t the Czechs vote last year to be called Czechia from now on, instead of the Czech Republic? Noone’s using the name it seems, but I like Czechia more.
In the Netherlands, the Czech Republic is called ‘Tsjechië’, which looks similair to Czechia. Personally I like it better than referring to a country as a republic (then France should also be called the French Republic). 🙂
I’m always using Czechia just to Show some respect. If they want to be called Czechia, I’m going with it.
So funny that any article about the Czech Republic always ends up with people discussing about the name of the country. The truth is that both Czech Republic and Czechia are EQUALLY CORRECT and can be used interchangeably. In other words, the “Czech Republic” has never been *replaced* by “Czechia”; instead, “Czechia” has only become an *alternative* name, an official short geographic name. You are welcome, guys. [btw I’m from the Czech Republic and people hate using ‘Czechia’ here lol]
I loved it the first time I heard it and thought it’s a winner! When I read the lyrics, however, my love faded a bit. It are defintely one of the most risqué lyrics in the ESC history. Lyrically the song is the complete opposite of Netta’s Toy and it will be interesting to see which will be higher. This is my number 2, and Netta is my winner and I think this will be also the end result of Grand Final: 1. Israel, 2. Czechia, 3. Estonia.
And here Comes my 2nd place! I absolutely LOVE this song… For months I’ve had it on repeat and trust me, I can sing/rap that song on high Speed already… You’d be impressed! 😀 I’d never thought that we’d get such a modern, catchy and competitive song from Czechia. Let’s be real here, they were like the ultimate loser Country, at least in Terms of Eurovision. And now they’re giving me this banger! I’d be so happy for Mikolas and Czechia if they won after such a bad track record. And may I mention that this guy is hot af?… Read more »
Agree with you, also my 2nd place. I also wish Czechia would win one day, I always root for “loser countries” or the ones that never won, this year I’d be really happy for Czechia or Bulgaria.
“Norway is now 6th in the betting, why? ”
My guess it “The Sunstroke Project syndrome”. By reminding people of Epic Sax Guy, they surpassed all of the expectations when they were not expected to qualify. Norway is expected to qualify and some may think that the reminder of Alexander’s past hit might be a good tactic.
Personally, I don’t give THAT much importance to betting odds, especially those made before the rehearsals, but they are more often right than not.
Norway hasn’t. Really jumped! Belgium and France have gone down
Hmm….. That’s one site only!
Overall Norway is still at 8th and France 7th
Not my favorite. Tasteless lyrics and wannabe Justine Timberlake circa 2009 style. He’s cute tho
Can someone explain me why Estonia keeps drifting at the odds?It seems a little strange
Simple: the dress
There hasn’t been any news/update about it for basically a week. I’ve been waiting for it every day like crazy (jk, but seriously, I need confirmations). I also find it odd that there’s a sudden drop, even though the controversy has been known for days, so why now?
For me Bulgaria is strange, they jumped exactly on the day when they teased their rehearsals where they basically stood in formation, nothing much.
Australia- I guess the pre-parties effect.
Czechia is Czechia, they are like lost and got stuck in that position.
jesus I meant confirmations as which will be the final plan for the performance since I’m tired of this constant teasing and suspense.
Why you even connect the dress to the song anyways? If you consider the song itself to be either good or bad… then why you even question it? The song was already considered good way back in December, long before the dress. Ofc the main focus is the singing, they have already worked on it so calm down.
I’m sorry but this song relly annoys the hell out of me. The use of the trumpet really grates on and in parts of the song, it sounds more like Mikolas is mumbling rather than singing. Also, I’m sure Mikolas is a really nice guy in real life, but in the music video he kinda comes across as a douchebag. I think people are overhyping this purely because it’s an upbeat pop song in a sea full of ballads and because the Czech Republic normally sends absolute crap to Eurovision. I’m pretty sure if a more successful country like Sweden… Read more »
* really
Constructive and elaborated as always, Eugene. I’d say this is the best pop song of the year, though, ahead of Finland, Australia, Malta, Poland, Sweden, Cyprus, Azerbaijan. But the lyrics are so raunchy, so I guess it will be a turn-off to some.
This song is OK. I like the pre-chorus the most, the chorus gets slightly annoying because it’s repetitive. However, Mikolas elevates it a lot live with his charisma. I think it will comfortably qualify and probably come top 10, it stands out.
6.5/10
He can’t sing. Top 20.
Score: 2.5/10
OMG! You are my soulmate! The only human to share my views!
Good analysis, nothing new in this song, but perhaps new for esc..
This song is just plain awful and disgusting to me. Gabriela Guncinkova is the best entry in the Czech Republic. 0/10
ur opinion i don’t care about
Mikolas at least is also better than last years lifeless dull winner Salvador
You said you don’t care but you still responded to the comment. Gurl, you do care.
Hahaha, thank you OSK. Everyone has an opinion and this is mine. If they want to flop in semifinal 1, the Czech Republic is calling.
i had too, and i am a guy though
Is it the highest score so far? 7,72 is high for a diverse group of people.
It’s one of my favourites this year, I liked it from the first listen. It’s up-beat, it’s current, it’s perfect for the Eurovision stage.
8/10
Seriously?
Looks like trash plastic…
Or Liam Payne – Strip That Down. Just listen Mikolas song chorus, when he sings “Get down on my body” and Liam sings “So put your hands on my body” Please, just give it one listen and then tell me what you think?
My absolute favourite this year! 10/10
Well this is the most mysterious entry in the top 10 in the odds. I’ll be honest: when I watched and listened for the first time, I found it a bit douchey and sleazy and I’m not into those songs at all. Yes, it does sound like it’s a younger cousin of Jason Derulo. BUT I know he’s actually really sweet guy and that confuses me. This was the first impression coming from the music video, but seeing his live in Ukraine, I thought it was actually pretty okay, the impression slightly changed but the sleazy vibe still haunts me.… Read more »
Some people are so delusional. This is one of the few songs this year that can actually get air time on the radio (along with sweden). Sometimes i get the feeling that the people reacting on this website have an average age of 45. Do you guys/girls listen to current music? You’ll def won’t hear Finland on the radio anytime soon. It’s called a song contest and not a voice contest.
This.
Czech R., Sweden, Macedonia (maybe) and Bulgaria would most probably end up on the radio. Everyone else, bye.
Greece is already no. 1 on the radio. Yianna posted it on Instagram
Yianna Terzi a Jamala wannabe???? Thanks but no thanks. The song is for funeral.
This is not synonymous with winner, go to the radio. ‘1944’ and ‘Amar pelos Dois’ are not commercial songs but they have won. Czech Republic is far from being music of victory.
One word to describe this song – awful. Don’t like the singing style or the musical arrangement. It’s noise pollution to my ears. The mind boggles how this song has been given an impressive wiwi jury score. It tries so hard to be ultra modern and savvy but instead it just makes me cringe. This song only appeals to a younger generation – and that’s part of the problem. It doesn’t appeal to a wider audience. People complain when a song is generic but it does have its merits such as connecting with people from different age groups which translates… Read more »
Dream on! Australia does nothing for teens. Trust me on this, all they want is Czech Rep., Sweden and Netta!
Deban gave 3/10, and I like it. Everything about Mikolas is so childish and pretty much in the same bucket with Norway. I don’t think he deserves to qualify, but it is ESC and we will see.
I don’t like the lyrics at all. But before I fully realized what the song is about, it had stuck in my head. A few months have come and gone but I’m still happy everytime I can listen to the Czech trumpets and funny Mikolas. Guilty pleasure?
8/10
My impressions:
-Big contrast with last year.
-Too sexual for my tastes.
-Justin Timberlake wannabe.
-WTF does the camel have to do? Don’t like it.
Honestly speaking, I feel lie I’m listening to yet another sexual pop song on the radio. Nothing new, nothing interesting. Just another dance hit that basically sells sex to young people. I expect yet another boom in teenage pregnancy
You’re overestimating this song’s potential if you think it can have any impact on pregnancy rates.
Nothing too sexual for me in this song, guess I’m listening too much of Marvin Gaye 😛
It’s not sex, it’s bantering.
Boring! This for me is a boring entry. I doesn’t make me dance with that ridicuous twenties foxtrot rythm after the chorus, reminscent of 2015 UK Electro Velvet. It doesn’t make me watch again his performance because he his a mediocre performer with no orignality whatsoever. It doesn’t make me hear it again because the melody is so poor, generic and unoriginal. I can’t really find anything positive to say about this, unless that it is not a complete horror like Moldava. 4,5/10
Whew the tea has been spilled and it’s burning hot! You totally expressed my thoughts.
😉 Thanks!
No dear, I like Israel as well and many others. So don’t give me that cr*p
All the teenagers around me are rooting for Mikolas (and for Sweden’ s Benjamin, if you must know) and they will vote like crazy! But he needs a good staging (lose the backpack for starters!) . The juries will snob it, of course but all in all, with luck, #5 spot, I think.
I’m curious to see how this will be scored in May, it could be both ways, high place or flop..
”Bad boy”, oh please, he’s a sweetheart 🙂
Song is not my cup of tea, but I’m glad that Czech R. is doing well this year, so good luck! And get rid of cringe backpack
(that score from Deban tho :P)
I was drawn in by the musical production. However, the shine has worn off the lyrics, and they seem too misogynistic now.
I really really hope Wiwi Jury will rank Bulgaria, Finland or Israel first. They have overrated the cheesy and boring entry from Spain. It doesn’t deserve to be ranked higher than the songs from Estonia, France and Czechia.
Czechia is rated higher than Spain.
Oops ! Then I love the Wiwi Jury lmao
Why is everybody blinded of Mikolas look?? Wiwibloggs, odds, teenagers and a lot of older people, like I see here is giving this song so high scores. Enjoy it while it’s last. Kinda feel bad now, because don’t want ro see Mikolas hopes get high. Let’s be real PROFFESSIONAL juries WILL not give this song place NEAR top 3. I agree, that it’s probably going to get top 10, but not top 3. Since when people go grazy over these kinda songs. Only chorous is lovely and trompets, everyhing else is gringe!!!
Mikolas has a good dance bop, best result for the Czechs coming this year
9.5/10 it reminds me of talk dirty but also of Timberlake/bieber
It’s the best song that the Czech Republic have ever sent to Eurovision BUT I don’t like it. It’s too sleazy, and there is a massive difference between a song that is sexy and a song that is sleazy and with Czech Republic it’s definitely the sleaze. I don’t get why this song is one of the favourites to win, it has absolutely no business in the Top 10. Top 15 perhaps but no higher than that.
It’s fairly obvious that Czech Republic are going to get their best ever score this year at Eurovision regardless but still. 5/10
With Deban 100% on this. A copy of Talk Dirty but not done as well. His live performance was disappointing and his styling was a total turn off. I don’t like a preppy high school student – with glassss, bow tie and back pack, lie to me. Man up, loose all that and his top, man up ffs! As a man, he can lie anywhere he wants!
Vocal: 3/10
Lyrics: 2/10
Melody/Composition: 8/10
Overall: 4.3/10
I know it’s a fun song, but I just can’t bring myself to like it or enjoy it ( a matter of taste). I like the fact that Mikolas is enjoying himself on the stage though!