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

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Mike Soto
Mike Soto
5 years ago

I hope it’s Barbora tonight. Then again, you might be wondering if any of Bilal’s 112,000 twitter followers, 9,700 Facebookers or 39,000 Instagrammers are in hotel rooms across the Czech Republic in an attempt to send the weakest song and/or artist to Tel Aviv?

Cupcake
Cupcake
5 years ago

Space Sushi was the only one i could connect to somehow

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago

I’m with Wiwi Jury on this one. I’ve voted for Barbora on the Eurovision app and my alternate would be Lake Malawi. On the other hand, if they pick the Sushi song, they’ll go right to the bottom of my ranking.

Rek
Rek
5 years ago

I’m the only one who loves Pam Rabbit. 🙁

Lou
Lou
5 years ago
Reply to  Rek

I love her too ??

Navi
Navi
5 years ago

Space Sushi? Really! Poor Czechia, some of you want to kill them.

Euro19
Euro19
5 years ago

Unpopular opinion but for me I would like space sushi or friend of a friend to win. Space sushi is a bit jokey which I typically dislike but it has a modern sound to it and also don’t forget that this is the type of song that could have a creative memorable staging. Lake Malawi on the other hand has a 80’s vibe but with a modern catchy sound. Might not be as easy to stage but it is catchy and although not lie to me quality, its not that bad, its an ear worm. Has a similar style to… Read more »

Jan L
Jan L
5 years ago
Reply to  Euro19

I like True Colors the best despite not actually paying attention to its lyrics. The thing is, Barbora is absolutely great live – check the link below. Depending on the running order and staging, I think she could actually make the top 10. Yet judging by the judges, Lake Malawi will take this, so I guess we’ll never know.

Héctor
Héctor
5 years ago

I really like “On My Knees”. But it seems no one is supporting Jara Vymer. My second options are “True Colors” and “Friend of a Friend”, but I guess “Space Sushi” will win.

Bob
Bob
5 years ago

I don’t get why people think Friend of a Friend is a good song. Sure it sounds nice but did they not listen to the lyrics? At least True Colors is actually about something.

Matthew
Matthew
5 years ago
Reply to  Bob

Completely agree. Same with Space Sushi. If i did not speak english maybe i would enjoy them.

Evan
Evan
5 years ago

These all sound so overproduced to me and I worry that none of them will be able to sing live.

I agree that the Wiwi Jury’s three faves — Jakub, Barbora, and Lake Malawi — are probably the three best but I suspect Jakub is the only one who could come close to replicating the studio vocal. Even then, he has some digital voice modifications that will be lost…

Bob
Bob
5 years ago
Reply to  Evan

There’s a live version of True Colors on YouTube and it’s better than the studio version…

Evan
Evan
5 years ago
Reply to  Bob

Thanks for the head’s up! I’ll check it out!

Bob
Bob
5 years ago
Reply to  Evan
West
West
5 years ago
Reply to  Evan

There’s a live version of every song on official youtube chanel. And on facebook (Eurovision Song Contest Czech Republic) there are videos of everyone’s bucking chalange.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
5 years ago

Space Sushi is one of the worst things ever produced, sorry.
Happy with LM, Barbora or Pam. Think Barbora, in particular, could get a really good result for the Czechs.

NickC
NickC
5 years ago

None. That bad.

Escfan
Escfan
5 years ago

Right now I find true colours very boring but I know there’s definitely some quality to the song and could be a jury hit. I also think friend of a friend would be a deserved winner seeing how charismatic he is (and most likely on stage) I’m leaning towards lake but im sure Barbara will win tomorrow

Jo.
Jo.
5 years ago

I vote for Lake Malawi and Pam Rabbit.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago

My cousin likes “Friend of a friend”.
I like “True Colours”.
We both can’t stand “Space Sushi”. (Sorry.)
Pam Rabbit is an outsider.

Joshua
Joshua
5 years ago

1. True colours 2. Friend of a friend 3. Give me a hint 4. Poslední slova tob? 5. Easy to believe 6. Don’t know why 7. Space sushi 8. On my knees True colours is the only one with very good chances at these stage. Friend of a friend is very good, but should be revamped and I can picture Give me a hint sung on the Eurovision stage, but we’d still need a revamp. Poslesní slova tob? has a lot of potential, but they need to work a lot on it to increase the quality. The rest are just… Read more »

noone
noone
5 years ago

It’s between Barbora M., Pam Rabbit and Lake Malawi for me. I’d have to see the stagings and performances to really decide, that’s the problem with this kind of NF – you don’t see the staging. While True Colors or Friend of a friend may be good songs, if they are staged as FYROM entries, it simply doesn’t work.

Tess9a
Tess9a
5 years ago

1. LAKE MALAWI – FRIEND OF A FRIEND (9/10) 2. BARBORA MOCHOWA – TRUE COLORS (8,5/10) 3. PAM RABBIT – EASY TO BELIEVE (7/10) 4. Jakub Ondra – Space Sushi (6/10) 5. Tomáš Bo?ek – Don’t Know Why (5,5/10) 6. Andrea Holá – Give Me A Hint (5/10) 7. Hana Barbara – Poslední Slova Tob? (3/10) 8. Jara Vymer – On My Knees (3/10) I want something catchy! Barbora has an amazing voice, but the song itself it’s not memorable enough for me. I had to listen to True Colors like 6th times before I could remember the chorus. Friend… Read more »

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
5 years ago

Once again, cause why not.
Overall results of Wiwi Jury (with points 1-5)
1. Barbora Mochowa – True Colors, 50 p.
2. Lake Malawi – Friend of a Friend, 48 p.
3. Jakub Ondra – Space Sushi, 29 p.
4. Tomas Bocek – Don’t Know Why, 23 p.
5. Pam Rabbit – Easy to Believe, 18 p.
6. Andrea Hola – Give Me a Hint, 10 p.
7. Hana Barbara – Posledni Slova Tobe, 9 p.
8. Jara Vymer – On My Knees, 8 p.

Clear top 2, like in jury voting in the actual ESCZ.

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
5 years ago

True Colors is the only decent song in this selection, Space Sushi and Friend Of A Friend are annoying disasters.

dam,hsndkj
dam,hsndkj
5 years ago

SPACE SUSHI FOR THE WIN

Colin
Colin
5 years ago

1. Space Sushi it is for me! It’s odd, quirky and somehow likable. It has a chill vibe and there certainly won’t be a song like this in Tel Aviv. Might even be a grower, entering my top 15.

2. True Colors
3. Friend of a Friend

Katariina
Katariina
5 years ago

I honestly didn’t think “Space Sushi” had any supporters…