The Wiwi Jury reveals their favourites in Czech Republic’s ESCZ national final

Eight acts are competing to represent the Czech Republic at Eurovision 2019. The winner will be determined by a combined public vote and international jury vote, to be announced on Monday. The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — is ready to weight in with their thoughts. Who did we think could replicate Mikolas Josef’s success for Czechia? Read on to find out.

Antony

1. Jakub Ondra – “Space Sushi”

In a very mediocre national final, unfortunately no song has a wow factor. However, there is one song that caught my attention. “Space Sushi” may be quirky — I mean that song title says it all, but quirky good. From the lyrics to the music and also Jakub’s distinct voice, all of these elements should give it a point of difference. It may be a risk if this song was to be on Eurovision, but sometimes risks are worth taking.

2. Lake Malawi – “Friend of a Friend”
3. Tomáš Boček – “Don’t Know Why”
4. Barbora Mochowa – “True Colours”
5. Hana Barbara – “Poslední Slova Tobě”

Florian

1. Barbora Mochowa – “True Colours”

In this track Barbara Mochowa creates what is truly a unique atmosphere. The strength of this entry is her voice which shines throughout the three minutes. She doesn’t need any vocal belts or heavy instrumentation to create an impact at all. Combining thoughtful lyrics with an authentic melody, “True Colours” is the standout track in a relatively underwhelming national final.

2. Lake Malawi – “Friend of a Friend”
3. Andrea Holá – “Give Me a Hint”
4. Jara Yvmer – “On My Knees”
5. Tomáš Boček – “Don’t Know Why”

Julian

1. Barbora Mochowa – “True Colours”

I really hoped Czech Republic would build on Mikolas’ “Lie to Me” but unfortunately they did not. In such a bad selection, my first place is “True Colours”. I know many people call her the Czech Lana del Rey and they might be right as both voices have similarities. But Barbora is an individual and so is her song. I think with the right staging and running order, the song could elevate to be a good variety between two dance-party vibe songs. Nevertheless, even with good staging, I fear that Czech Republic is going back to its non-qualification history.

2. Tomáš Boček – “Don’t Know Why”
3. Jakub Ondra – “Space Sushi”
4. Lake Malawi – “Friend of a Friend”
5. Jara Vymer – “On My Knees”

Oliver

1. Barbora Mochowa – “True Colours”

This was a rather difficult bunch of songs to rank, not because I enjoyed them but rather the opposite. That being said, Barbora Mochowa has a definite edge over the rest of the competition with her entry. “True Colours” has a delicate yet almost haunting quality to it and manages to hold your attention for the three minutes — a feat absent from most of the other songs.  While Barbora may be their best shot in my eyes, I don’t feel that any of the entries really live up to the high production value that Mikolas displayed last year.

2. Tomáš Boček – “Don’t Know Why”
3. Pam Rabbit – “Easy to Believe”
4. Lake Malawi – “Friend of a Friend”
5. Jakub Ondra – “Space Sushi”

Cinan

1. Lake Malawi – “Friend of a Friend”

“Friend of a Friend” is very different from all the other songs in the selection and is therefore prominent. I love the instrumental of the song — it has the electronic David Bowie vibe which I adore. Overall, I think the song will have great success even if it does not win the selection, but of course it is my favourite to present the Czech Republic at the Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv.

2. Barbora Mochowa – “True Colours”
3. Hana Barbara – “Poslední Slova Tobě”
4. Jara Vymer – “On My Knees”
5. Pam Rabbit – “Easy to Believe”

Jack

1. Lake Malawi – “Friend of a Friend”

After Mikolas Josef brought Czechia their best Eurovision result ever in 2018, many wondered whether they’d be able to replicate their success. All doubts have since been quashed as Czechia has delivered one of the most high-quality and modern national selections of the 2019 season. All eight songs bring something entirely unique to the selection and a few of them stand out for sounding far more “2019” than many songs we’ve heard from other countries. But the one song that stands tall above the rest has to be “Friend of a Friend”. Captivating from beginning to end, Lake Malawi takes the listener on a journey and effortlessly combines music with storytelling. The song is chic, modern and radio-friendly without sacrificing its quirkiness and charm. This song has the potential to qualify for the grand final in Tel Aviv and also elevate the musical standard of the contest as a whole.

2. Tomáš Boček – “Don’t Know Why”
3. Andrea Holá – “Give Me a Hint”
4. Barbora Mochowa – “True Colours”
5. Pam Rabbit – “Easy to Believe”

Josh

1. Lake Malawi – “Friend of a Friend”

Even though there are only eight total entries, six have their own merits that I think could warrant a Eurovision entry. My top three has shifted back and forth because of this. When it comes right down to it though, considering what Lake Malawi did with the limitations of the Instagram video concept, it makes me excited thinking about what he would come up with in Tel Aviv! His song is modern and fresh, and his energy is infectious and captivating. I only imagine that it would be even more enjoyable given the extra space on the Eurovision stage.

2. Barbora Mochowa – “True Colours”
3. Pam Rabbit – “Easy to Believe”
4. Andrea Holá – “Give Me a Hint”
5. Tomáš Boček – “Don’t Know Why”

Sebastian

1. Jakub Ondra – “Space Sushi” 

Like something you might see Jedward releasing back in the day, “Space Sushi” gets the top vote because of its pure absurdity. Combined with Jakub’s cheeky personality and spontaneous spirit, “Space Sushi” delivers on what is a fairly lacklustre national selection for Czech Republic. Where all other entries fail to push the boundaries, Jakub gets there with a catchy, original tune that sounds like nothing else. Deliver this with an explosion of colour and crazy on stage, and we could see the next Sunstroke Project-like dominance at the top of the Eurovision leaderboard.

2. Barbora Mochowa – “True Colours”
3. Tomáš Boček – “Don’t Know Why”
4. Jara Vymer – “On My Knees”
5. Andrea Holá – “Give Me a Hint”

Rick

1. Lake Malawi – “Friend of a Friend”

Of course it‘s not what we expected after Mikolas. Not because it‘s weaker — but because it’s a totally different style. But that’s okay, we don‘t need a Mikolas copy. I love Lake Malawi‘s sound for what it is — it‘s fresh and joyful, but still unique enough to stand out. An amazing mix of indie folk and brit pop. The woman in the chorus and his spoken words make it current and interesting. I think this could do really well and make the final in Tel Aviv.

2. Barbora Mochowa – “True Colours”
3. Jakub Ondra – “Space Sushi”
4. Pam Rabbit – “Easy to Believe”
5. Tomáš Boček – “Don’t Know Why”

Robyn

1. Barbora Mochowa – “True Colours”

I’m going with Barbora Mochowa aka Lana del Czechia. But while there are many shades of del Rey in “True Colours”, it doesn’t feel like a lame tribute act. Barbora’s own talent and style shines through. The big unknown is how this will come across live — but “Beautiful Mess” and “City Lights” had a minimalist sound that worked on the Eurovision stage. Perhaps the song needs to emphasise its dramatic escalation a little more. But even as it is, it would be a great choice for the Czech Republic in Tel Aviv.

2. Lake Malawi – “Friend of a Friend”
3. Pam Rabbit – “Easy to Believe”
4. Jakub Ondra – “Space Sushi”
5. Tomáš Boček – “Don’t Know Why”

Julia

1. Barbora Mochowa – “True Colours”

Barbora Mochowa seems to be Czechia’s answer to Lana del Rey with her melodramatic ballad “True Colours”. I can envision this being one of the strongest songs of the competition if it reaches the Eurovision stage as there is such a fearless element with the narrative of the song and Mochowa’s angelic voice that will leave many listening to it with goosebumps.

2. Lake Malawi – “Friend of a Friend”
3. Hana Barbara – “Poslední Slova Tobě”
4. Pam Rabbit – “Easy to Believe”
5. Jara Vymer – “On My Knees”

Antranig

1. Jakub Ondra – “Space Sushi”

There aren’t many positives in Prague this year. Mikolas Josef took them to unparalleled heights in 2018 but they’ll be crashing down to reality with most of these eight songs this year. However, let’s focus on the positives. “Space Sushi” earns my top spot for its “WTF” factor. Quite simply, it’s the only song which is not completely generic. It has enough personality to keep it interesting and its sheer absurdity makes it memorable. With the right revamp, Jakub has the potential to qualify. Take me to Saturn and serve me some seaweed.

2. Lake Malawi – “Friend of a Friend”
3. Barbora Mochowa – “True Colours”
4. Hana Barbara – “Poslední Slova Tobě”
5. Andrea Holá – “Give Me a Hint”

Deban

1. Jakub Ondra – “Space Sushi”

Bordering on cyborg lounge-pop and the ridiculous, “Space Sushi” is totally ahead of the curve. Naysayers may have underestimated this on first spin, but they’ll soon come round. Jakub Ondra’s personality is sparkly enough to power up a jukebox, and his sushi comes with lyrical wit and toasted sesame seeds.

2. Lake Malawi – “Friend of a Friend”
3. Pam Rabbit – “Easy to Believe”
4. Barbora Mochowa – “True Colours”
5. Tomáš Boček – “Don’t Know Why”

Read more Czech Republic Eurovision news here